With the rise of personalized and customized products, it’s no surprise that haircare is getting the same treatment. Brands like Prose and Hairstory offer completely customized hair products based on your unique hair needs and goals.
But how do you choose between them?
Here’s an in-depth look at the pros, cons, and key differences between Prose and Hairstory to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Prose | Hairstory |
| Product Range | Shampoo, conditioner, mask, oil | New Wash, Hair Balm, Hair Perfume |
| Cleansing Approach | Sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner | Sulfate-free “hair washing” cream |
| Hair Concerns | Most goals – growth, volume, curls, etc. | Oiliness, dryness, overwashing damage |
| Customization Process | See formula after quiz; fast shipping | Preset bundles first; full customization later |
| Usage Learning Curve | Easy routine adjustment | More technique training needed |
| Pros | Addresses most hair goals, comprehensive range, quick customization | Repairs overwashing damage, optimizes oil production, simple routine |
| Cons | Some trial and error, no specialist consultation | Challenging new technique, narrower concern focus |
Overview Of Prose
Founded in 2017, Prose creates fully customized haircare with formulas tailored to your hair’s specific needs. Their quiz asks for details like hair type, scalp and hair concerns, lifestyle factors, and goals. This data determines your formula, fragrance, and bottle design.
Some key facts about Prose:
- Products are sulfate-free, silicone-free, and cruelty-free
- Formulas contain 8-12 active ingredients like proteins, oils, extracts
- Over 50 ingredient options to address needs
- Fragrances: neroli, sandalwood, gardenia, cedarwood
- Shampoo, conditioner, mask, and oil offered
- Subscriptions: monthly or one-time purchase
Overview Of Hairstory
Hairstory launched in 2017 as well and focuses on hair health through its signature “hair washing” routine. Their products aim to restore hair’s natural protective oils using gentle, non-stripping formulas.
Key Hairstory features:
- Products centered around “New Wash” – a sulfate-free cleansing cream
- Emphasizes training hair to produce less oil over time
- Uses food-grade, PEG-free ingredients
- Fragrances: bergamot, gardenia, ambrette, cedarwood
- New Wash, Hair Balm, and Hair Perfume offered
- Subscriptions or one-time orders available
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s directly compare the pros, cons, and similarities.
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Prose Vs. Hairstory: Main Similarities
While Prose and Hairstory take different approaches to personalized haircare, they have a few core elements in common:
Detailed Personalization Quizzes
Both brands use in-depth online quizzes to gather info about your hair profile before creating your products. The questions cover hair structure, scalp condition, styling habits, and goals.
Custom Formulas
Your quiz responses inform custom-blended formulas designed specifically for you. Neither brand uses a generic one-size-fits-all approach.
Clean Ingredients
Prose and Hairstory focus on high-quality, gentler ingredients without sulfates, silicones, parabens. They aim to nourish hair in a healthier manner.
Fragrance Options
You can choose your preferred scent for an extra personalized touch. Both brands offer light, natural fragrances.
Subscription Plans Available
For convenience, you can subscribe to receive regular shipments of your customized products.
Key Differences Between Prose Vs. Hairstory
While Prose and Hairstory share some core features, they take very different approaches:
Product Range
- Prose offers a full range of haircare basics – shampoo, conditioner, mask, oil. You can build a whole routine.
- Hairstory has a streamlined line of 3 products focused on their signature “New Wash” cleansing cream.
Cleansing Approach
- Prose uses a traditional sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner system to gently cleanse.
- Hairstory has an innovative “hair washing” method using their New Wash cleansing cream instead of shampoo. This aims to retain natural oils.
Hair Concerns Addressed
- Prose can address pretty much any hair goal – moisture, volume, growth, repair. Products target specific issues.
- Hairstory focuses mainly on oiliness, dryness, and damage from over-washing. The emphasis is hair/scalp health.
Customization Process
- Prose immediately shows your custom formula after the quiz. Products ship quickly.
- Hairstory doesn’t share formula details upfront. First order is preset bundles. Full customization comes in later orders.
Usage Learning Curve
- Prose offers straightforward shampoo & conditioner usage. Easy routine to adopt.
- Hairstory requires learning their unique cleansing cream application method. More adjustment needed.
Also Read: Comparison Between Living Proof Dry Shampoo And Advanced Clean.
Pros And Cons Of Prose And Hairstory
Pros of Prose
- Products address nearly any hair goal like growth, volume, curls, etc through customized formulas.
- Immediate access to your personalized formula after the quiz.
- Comprehensive product range includes shampoo, conditioner, mask, oil for full routine.
- Easy, familiar usage process since products function like typical shampoo/conditioner.
- Great for targeting specific problem areas or repairing damage.
- Fully customized products ship quickly after quiz completion.
Potential Cons of Prose
- Trial and error still required to refine formula over time. First version may not be perfect.
- No option to consult directly with a specialist about your formula.
- Does not focus on scalp health or oil production like Hairstory.
- Properties of some customized ingredients are not explained in detail.
- Fewer scent options compared to some competitors.
Pros of Hairstory
- Specialized hair washing method helps train scalp to optimize oil production.
- Emphasizes overall hair/scalp health more than styling concerns.
- Routine simplification with just 3 multi-use products.
- Products keep hair cleaner between washes and gradually reduce oiliness.
- Effective at repairing damage from over-washing.
- Main New Wash product has a creamy, moisturizing texture.
- Natural scents come from food-grade essential oils.
Potential Cons of Hairstory
- Requires large adjustment to unique “hair washing” routine and technique.
- Customization takes place after trying preset bundles first.
- Targets a narrower range of concerns, mostly oiliness and damage.
- Products may not provide enough moisture or styling benefits for some.
- Smaller product selection compared to Prose.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Your Custom Haircare
- Prose and Hairstory both offer detailed initial hair consultations and personalized formulas.
- Prose has more product choice while Hairstory focuses on a core “hair washing” routine.
- Prose suits most styling and repair needs; Hairstory targets over-washing, oiliness, and scalp health.
- Consider your hair priorities and willingness to learn new techniques.
- Try the personalized quizzes to see which brand approach resonates more.
- Give each brand a test if you’re unsure – cancel anytime with no fees.
- Customized haircare delivers great results but requires some trial and error too.
The personalized hair revolution provides more options than ever to find your perfect match. Give Prose and Hairstory a fair chance to prove themselves – you may be surprised at how well customized products can work when made just for you!
Also Read: Differences Between Dime Beauty And The Ordinary Skincare Brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some brands with a similar approach to customized haircare like Prose include Function of Beauty, Cocotique, Form, and Strands. They also offer personalized formulas based on questionnaires about your hair.
Prose can help address some hair loss and thinning concerns through custom formulas with ingredients to support growth. However, it may not be enough for more severe hair loss conditions. Prose is likely better for mild thinning or temporary hair shedding.
Yes, Prose does create personalized products based on your hair quiz responses. They have an algorithm that determines your formula from 50+ possible ingredients to target your specific hair needs and goals.
Cancelling your Prose subscription is straightforward – you can do it through your online account dashboard with just a few clicks. You can also contact their customer service team for assistance cancelling. There are no cancellation fees.
Also Read: Comparison Between OUAI And Brigeo
Final Thought
We’ve covered all the key facts, but which brand wins out? Here are some quick takeaways:
- Prose is ideal for targeted help with styling, texture, growth, or other specific hair goals. The full range of products fits any routine.
- Hairstory excels at improving overall scalp and hair health, especially if over-washing is an issue. Their unique process takes commitment but pays off.
- Prose works well if you know your problem areas and want a quick fix. Hairstory is better for a long-term revamp of hair health and oil production.
- Prose accommodates all hair types and needs. Hairstory focuses on oilier hair that’s suffered from harsh cleansing.
The right choice comes down to your specific hair profile and priorities. Prose offers greater personalization and versatility upfront, while Hairstory delivers targeted oil and damage repair through routine training.
Try the product quizzes and read reviews to determine which approach sounds more appealing for your needs. And don’t be afraid to try both brands – they each bring unique benefits to the table.