I’ve been fussing over my mane for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve had hair of all lengths and colors, and various relationships with shampoo. My hair is currently pretty simple, but I still need to know that my hair is in good hands — so I’ve done some testing.
Right now I’m comparing the Internet’s favorite hair care, Prose, with what’s on the shelves of my beloved stylist’s salon: Living Proof.
If you want to choose your scent (or go fragrance-free)…Prose
The algo knows I’m forever curious about haircare brands, so I’ve definitely seen my share of shampoo comparisons. Why is nobody talking about the scents? I love that with Prose, no matter what custom formula is whipped up for you, one of 7 scents developed by French master perfumers can be selected — actually, 8, if you consider that you can go fragrance-free.
Personally, I’m taken by the lovely names and descriptions of Prose’s fragrances, which are free of phthalates. As for Living Proof, their you-get-what-you-get single scent was the norm not long ago. It smells nice, but if you don’t like it or your scalp can’t tolerate it, you’ve got to find another brand.
If you want personalized haircare for no one but you…Prose
While we’re on the topic of customization, let’s gush over how Prose offers complete and utter personalization in their products. They have you take an online consultation that considers over 80 factors ranging from the hard facts like thickness, condition, and texture, to the stuff you might not have considered like hard water, your workout frequency, your stress level, your genetics, and more.
If you want eco-friendly refills…it’s a tie
Any brand that works to reduce plastic is going on my good list. Prose and Living Proof both work to reduce waste with their subscription replenishments. Prose offers compostable subscription refills for their supplements, and for the haircare, subscribers are encouraged to reuse their pumps and “opt out” of new pumps for deliveries. Instead of pumps, subscribers will receive recyclable caps. 🌎💚
Similarly, Living Proof sends their refills in recyclable pouches. Their refills are 1 liter each, which means you can refill 4 8 oz bottles!
If you want a shampoo that hydrates in all the right ways…Prose
Some are drawn to Living Proof’s Full Shampoo for its promise of gentle cleansing that protects hair from styling damage and breakage. But a lot of long-term fans have reported feeling unhappy with their results after some formula changes. What does one do when their shampoo turns on them?
You can write a nasty letter to customer service or you can find a new shampoo — or if you’re already using Prose, you can update your formulas. Yet again, I find myself asking: why isn’t every haircare company recognizing that every head of hair is a little different? Why aren’t companies catering to individual beauty by really and truly celebrating hair? 🎉
My shampoo pick? Prose
That question wasn’t really rhetorical, but while I wait for the universe to provide me with answers, I’ll just be on my merry way to my best hair ever with Prose.
Beyond the Custom Shampoo and Conditioner, Prose recommended a few additional products to help me achieve my current hair goals. I went with the custom Curl Cream to start, but I can’t wait to work my way through all of them as I continue on my lil’ journey. I can tell this is the beginning of a long, supportive relationship with Prose!
