Prose ads are hard to miss. They show up on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Influencers rave about custom formulas. But the reviews tell a different story.
Some people say Prose completely changed their hair. Others call it overpriced shampoo in nice packaging.
So what’s the truth?
I wanted to know if Prose was actually worth the price. Or if it was just smart marketing with a good quiz.
This review breaks down how Prose works, what it costs, and whether results match the hype. I’ll also answer common questions. Is it cruelty-free? Does it actually work? Is it worth your money?
If you’ve read mixed reviews and still feel unsure, let’s figure this out together.
What Kind of Brand Is Prose?
Prose launched in 2017 with a simple idea. What if your shampoo was made just for you?
The brand creates custom hair care based on an online quiz. It asks about your hair type, goals, and even your zip code. Prose factors in local water hardness and humidity when building your formula.
After the quiz, Prose suggests a routine. This usually includes shampoo, conditioner, and a pre-wash mask. Every bottle is made to order in their Brooklyn facility.
Prose runs on a subscription model. Products ship on a schedule you choose. You can pause or cancel anytime. Though some users say managing the subscription takes extra attention.
So, who is Prose for? It works best for people who struggle with one-size-fits-all products. If basic shampoo works fine for you, Prose might feel like overkill.
Is Prose Worth the Money?
Prose has received mixed reactions from real users online. Some people love the personalized results, while others feel the products didn’t live up to the hype.
I think that since you have a specific hair concern they could work for you, but for those of us with no particular issues it’s honestly too expensive to use long-term.
Source:Reddit
I loved Prose. I looove what it did to my hair. HOWEVER, it took me about 6 months to go through each bottle of shampoo and conditioner. They wouldn’t extend subscription beyond 3 months. Fortunately, I DID receive notifications prior to shipments. Took some effort to cancel the subscription. It was a great product for ME, but would not recommend the company due to their business practices.
Source: Reddit
I use their shampoo and conditioner. I don’t wash every day and their stuff lasts me quite a while. I like that you can truly control when you get your supply and skip as many orders as you want unlike some subscription services, which helps control costs. Their scents are awesome (I really liked prelude) but I went unscented and it really is just unscented. I do think it helps with what I want it to help with (volume and shine). Is it “worth” it? I haven’t tried many similarly-priced products, but I’ve liked it enough to continue using it for years.
Source: Reddit
Does Prose Actually Work?
This is where reviews get interesting. Some people see real changes. Others feel underwhelmed.
The most common wins? Less frizz, softer texture, and better curl definition. Many users say their hair feels lighter and less weighed down. Some also notice reduced shedding after a few weeks of consistent use.
Prose seems to work best for wavy and curly hair types. The curl cream and styling gel get especially strong reviews. People with oily roots and dry ends also report better balance.
But it’s not perfect for everyone. Some found the shampoo didn’t lather enough. Others felt the conditioner lacked moisture for very dry hair. A few experienced buildup or mild scalp irritation.
Why the mixed results? Hair is personal. What works for one texture or climate may fall flat for another.
Prose recommends five to seven washes before judging. Most reviewers say 30 days gives a clearer picture. If something feels off, you can give feedback, and they’ll adjust your next order.
So what actually goes into those custom bottles? Let’s look at the ingredients.
Prose Ingredients Explained
Every Prose formula is different. Your ingredients depend on your quiz answers and hair goals.
The brand pulls from a database of over 85 possible ingredients. What about transparency? Prose publishes a full ingredient glossary on their website.
Each ingredient includes its source and EWG safety rating. You’ll also get a complete ingredient list on your product labels.
Prose also takes a “free-from” approach. All formulas skip parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, GMOs, formaldehyde, triclosan, coal tar, hydroquinone, aluminum compounds, and alcohol.
You can also request formulas without silicones, dyes, gluten, or fragrance.
| Common Prose Ingredients: Argan oil, fermented rice water, apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid, plant collagen, oat lipid, sunflower seed extract, pea protein, mango butter, eucalyptus oil, baobab extract, linseed extract, shea oil, kombucha tea, kale extract, bamboo charcoal, turmeric extract, sea moss powder. |
One small catch. You can’t see your exact formula until after you order. If that bothers you, Prose says you can contact their team for details before purchasing.
Speaking of ethics, many buyers also want to know where Prose stands on animal testing. Let’s cover that next.
Is Prose Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
Good news here. Prose is 100% cruelty-free.
The brand does not test on animals at any stage. Neither do their suppliers nor third parties. Prose is listed on PETA’s cruelty-free database, which adds extra verification.
But cruelty-free doesn’t always mean vegan. Prose is not 100% vegan by default. Some formulas contain animal-derived ingredients like keratin, silk protein, or beeswax.
The good news? You can request a fully vegan formula. During the quiz, simply select the vegan option. Prose will build your products without any animal-derived ingredients.
One thing to note. Prose sells boar hair brushes. These are not vegan. If you’re strict about animal products, skip the brush and stick with the hair care.
Prose also holds B Corp and Climate Neutral certifications. Their made-to-order model reduces overproduction and waste. Bottles are made from recyclable BPA-free plastic.
So the brand checks most ethical boxes. But what about a dermatologist’s backing? Let’s see what the experts say.
Is Prose Dermatologist Approved?
This one needs some context. Prose hair care and skincare have different claims.
1. Hair Care
Prose doesn’t market its hair products as dermatologist-approved. The formulas are developed by an in-house R&D team and chemists. Dr. Brendan Camp, a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, has commented positively on Prose’s ingredients.
He noted that botanicals and hydrators can support healthy scalp conditions.
2. Skincare
Prose skincare is dermatologist-tested and dermatologist-approved. The brand worked closely with dermatologists during development. They tested formulas on over 2,000 unique skin types and tones. Clinical testing showed visible results in four weeks.
3. What Does “Dermatologist Tested” Mean?
It means dermatologists reviewed the product for safety and irritation. It doesn’t guarantee results for every skin type.
If you have serious scalp issues or skin conditions, a visit to a dermatologist is still your best bet. Prose can support healthy hair and skin. But it’s not a medical treatment.
Now let’s weigh the full picture. Here are the pros and cons of Prose.
Pros and Cons of Prose
Here’s a quick breakdown of where Prose shines and where it falls short.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Custom formulas based on 85+ factors | Higher price than drugstore brands |
| Ingredient transparency with EWG ratings | Subscription requires active management |
| 100% cruelty-free and PETA certified | Not designed for serious hair repair |
| Vegan, silicone-free, and fragrance-free options | Can’t view the exact formula before ordering |
| Made-to-order reduces product waste | Shipping takes 7-12 days |
| Review & Refine lets you tweak formulas | Some users report cancellation issues |
| B Corp and Climate Neutral certified | Results vary by hair type |
No product is perfect for everyone. Prose works well for people who want a personalized routine. But it’s not the best fit if you need intensive damage repair.
Speaking of options, Prose also offers a skincare line. Here’s what you should know.
What About Prose Skincare?
Prose expanded into skincare in 2023. It follows the same custom approach as their hair care.
You take an online quiz about your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle. Prose asks about stress levels, diet, sun exposure, and even pollution in your area. Then they build a formula based on over 80 factors.
The skincare line includes three products: a custom cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. Cleansers come in gel or cream form, depending on your skin type. Each product is made to order in Brooklyn, just like the hair care.
Prose skincare is dermatologist-tested and clinically tested. The brand claims visible results in four weeks. They worked with dermatologists and tested on over 2,000 skin types and tones during development.
Who is it for? People who want a simple, personalized routine. If you already love the hair care quiz model, skincare feels like a natural add-on.
But if you have serious skin concerns, a visit to a dermatologist should come first.
Conclusion
After looking at how Prose works, here’s my take.
Prose is a solid option for people who struggle with generic products. If drugstore shampoos leave your hair flat or frizzy, the custom approach may help. It works well for mixed textures, curly hair, or specific scalp concerns.
But Prose isn’t for everyone. If basic products work fine for you, the cost won’t make sense. If you need serious bond repair, a treatment-focused brand may be a better fit.
Prose sits in a middle space. It’s personalized daily care for people who want something built around their needs.
Curious to see what Prose recommends for you? Take their free quiz and check your custom formula before deciding.
Still have questions? Here are some common ones.
