Olaplex vs Prose: Which Is Better?

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There are many products in the hair damage and restoration industry, and some of those products have very different approaches.

Despite their differences, though, they end up competing with one another, and that’s definitely the case with Olaplex and Prose.

A detailed explanation is necessary to understand which product is better, so let’s take a closer look at what these two products do, how they do it and why one is better than the other.

Olaplex vs Prose: Which Is Better?

Olaplex

We’ll start with Olaplex.

How it started…

Born in the labs of world-class material scientists, Olaplex’s claim to fame lies in its pioneering molecular technology.

The brand’s ethos revolves around repairing and preventing hair damage at the molecular level.

This science-first approach ensures that each product aims to reconstruct disulfide bonds in the hair, restoring compromised tresses to their former glory.

The company has a variety of products, including the usual—shampoo, hair masks, a variety of conditioners and hair oils.

But Olaplaex is also a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to approach. It’s made to restore damaged hair by repairing the bonds that are a part of all hair shafts, and all the products are designed with that end in mind.

The ingredients are just as singular.

Olaplex only has one active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which is designed to support bonds that are either weakened, broken, or both.

The beauty of Olaplex lies in its simplicity; its formula remains free from sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, ensuring hair restoration without frills.

Olaplex is expensive, but a small amount goes a long way.

You won’t find a lot of scents here, either—in fact, all of their products have only one, but the reviews say it’s pleasant and based largely on natural oils.

Prose

Now let’s talk about Prose.

Personalization is the heart and soul of Prose. It’s not merely about haircare; it’s about your haircare.

By creating custom formulations based on individual hair needs, goals, and lifestyles, Prose ensures a bespoke haircare experience.

Think opposites when it comes to the approach—it’s personalized hair care, and you get to choose from products like curl cream, a dry shampoo, a scalp mask designed just for you, and a conditioner that you can leave in your hair and have it work while you get on with your life.

With Prose, it’s all about the diverse botanicals and innovative ingredients. Their formulations might include nourishing ferments, potent antioxidants, and an array of plant-based extracts.

Prose also offers plenty of scents to tickle your nostrils.

You can choose from 7-9 scents when you select your prose products, so if you consider variety to be the spice of life, Prose might be a viable choice for you.

The other good news about prose is that it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a broad array of hair care products. Prose also offers supplements to help with hair growth, so you have that kind of disposal at your fingertips as well.

Prose also has a specific approach to hair that’s been damaged by the use of dyes in ongoing salon visits.

It gives you an array of products designed to treat this condition, and while they may be helpful after you take the company’s quiz that’s designed to help you, none will be as effective as the Olaplex solution.

Now let’s look at some popular products from both brands and compare:

Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo vs. Prose Custom Shampoo

Ingredients and Benefit:

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo:

A continuation of Olaplex’s bond-building narrative, this shampoo is meticulously designed to repair hair bonds while gently cleansing.

Like its other products, the star ingredient here is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate.

This formula promises to reduce breakage and strengthen all hair types. As a nod to the health-conscious, the shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

With its bond-repairing capability, Olaplex No.4 goes beyond the scope of typical shampoos. Not only does it cleanse, but it also works at a molecular level to re-link broken bonds in the hair.

Users often report enhanced strength, reduced breakage, and a noticeable improvement in hair texture with consistent use.

Prose Custom Shampoo:

Rooted in personalization, Prose’s shampoo is formulated from the results of an in-depth hair consultation. Thus, no two shampoos are exactly alike.

Depending on the hair profile, you might find ingredients like collagen for strength, lilac for scalp health, or hyaluronic acid for hydration.

This shampoo, like the rest of the Prose line, boasts of being free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils.

Given its bespoke nature, the performance can vary based on the individual’s hair needs.

However, the overarching promise is a thorough cleanse without stripping natural oils, coupled with targeted treatment – be it for volume, shine, anti-frizz, or color protection.

The tailored approach ensures that users get a product that’s precisely aligned with their haircare goals.

User Experience

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo:

With its minimalist packaging, Olaplex exudes a professional salon vibe. The shampoo lathers moderately, given its sulfate-free nature, and has a subtle, pleasant scent.

The consistency is creamy, and a little goes a long way, making the experience luxurious yet efficient.

Prose Custom Shampoo:

The experience begins even before the product arrives, with the hair consultation adding a touch of luxury and exclusivity. The bottle is chic, often with a label bearing the user’s name, underscoring its personalized nature.

The scent, texture, and lather can vary based on the formulation, but the overall experience feels indulgent, reminding users that this product is crafted just for them.

Olaplex No.3 vs. Prose Custom Hair Mask

Olaplex No.3:

Often heralded as a miracle worker, the Hair Perfector No.3 is not a conditioner but a bond builder. Its concentrated treatment reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving its look and feel.

It’s designed to be used at home and is suitable for all hair types, especially those chemically treated.

Prose Custom Hair Mask:

Tailored to the T, Prose’s Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment curated based on individual needs. Whether you grapple with dryness, frizz, or color protection, this mask promises to deliver.

The personalized nature means the ingredient list might vary, but expect nourishing oils, fortifying proteins, and potent botanicals to make an appearance.

The Decision

Both Olaplex and Prose are quality products, and the difference in their respective approaches actually makes the final verdict much easier, for that difference is sharp enough to go past any differences in price.

If you have seriously damaged hair and you want to repair it, then Olaplex is clearly the better choice.

It will do what it’s designed to do, provided you have the budget to use it for the necessary period of time and you’re willing to follow through when it comes to usage.

For all other hair care needs, though, Prose is the choice, especially if you have curly hair.

It won’t help you with damaged hair, but if you’re just looking for a solid product to help you deal with some symptoms while giving you plenty of choices, go with Prose.

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