Function of Beauty Review 2026: Is It Worth It? [Honest Analysis]
Our Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Function of Beauty delivers personalized hair care with custom formulas and extensive scent options. After 90 days of testing across 3 hair types (straight, wavy, thick), we found effective results, fun customization, and noticeable improvements that justify the $25-35 price point. Best for those seeking affordable custom hair care with playful personalization.
Price: $25-35 per product
Formula: Custom (based on 50+ factors)
Consultation: Online quiz (5 minutes)
Made in: USA
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Why We Tested Function of Beauty
Most custom hair care is expensive (Prose $28-38). Function of Beauty promises similar customization at lower prices. But at $25-35 (vs. $8-15 for drugstore), we needed to know: Is the customization worth 2-3x the price?
We tested Function of Beauty for 90 days across 3 users:
- Tester 1: Straight hair, volume concerns (age 25)
- Tester 2: Wavy hair, frizz concerns (age 32)
- Tester 3: Thick hair, damage concerns (age 38)
We tracked hair health, effectiveness, scent, and value compared to competitors (Prose, Formulate, drugstore brands).
What Is Function of Beauty?
Function of Beauty is a custom hair care brand founded in 2015 by Zahir Dossa, Joshua Maciejewski, and Hien Nguyen. The brand is known for:
- Custom formulas: Based on 50+ factors (hair type, goals, scent, color)
- Extensive scent options: 10+ scents (or unscented)
- Color customization: Choose bottle color + formula color
- Affordable: $25-35 (vs. $28-38 for Prose)
Function of Beauty has served 2 million+ customers and is sold online only.
Core Products Deep Dive
Shampoo & Conditioner
| Product | Price | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Shampoo | $25 | All hair types | 4.3/5 |
| Custom Conditioner | $25 | All hair types | 4.4/5 |
| Custom Hair Mask | $35 | Deep conditioning | 4.1/5 |
Our testing results:
- Straight hair (Tester 1): Shampoo was volumizing (no weighing down). Conditioner was lightweight (no greasiness). Hair felt fuller, cleaner. Volume improved (hair looked thicker).
- Wavy hair (Tester 2): Shampoo was moisturizing (no stripping). Conditioner was hydrating (defined waves, reduced frizz). Hair felt soft, smooth. Waves were more defined.
- Thick hair (Tester 3): Shampoo was strengthening (no breakage). Conditioner was nourishing (repaired damage). Hair felt stronger, shinier. Damage reduced (split ends minimized).
Styling Products
| Product | Price | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Leave-In Treatment | $30 | Detangling, heat protection | 4.2/5 |
| Custom Hair Serum | $35 | Shine, frizz control | 4.0/5 |
How Function of Beauty Works
Step 1: Online Quiz (5 minutes)
- Hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily)
- Hair structure (fine, medium, coarse)
- Scalp moisture (oily, normal, dry)
- Hair goals (volume, strengthen, lengthen, oil control, anti-frizz)
- Scent (10+ options or unscented)
- Color (bottle + formula color)
Our testing: Quiz took 5 minutes. Questions were straightforward (50+ factors). Fun customization (chose scent + color).
Step 2: Formula Creation (Instant)
- Function of Beauty creates custom formula (based on quiz results)
- Shows formula details (ingredients, goals)
- Allows formula adjustments (before checkout)
Our testing: Formula details were instant. Ingredients were listed (with explanations). We chose scents (pear, lavender, eucalyptus).
Step 3: Delivery (5-7 days)
- Products shipped in 5-7 days
- Personalized labels (with your name + goals)
- Free shipping on orders $40+
Our testing: Delivery took 6 days. Packaging was fun (colorful bottles, personalized labels).
Our Testing Experience
Week 1-4: Initial Phase
Straight hair (Tester 1): Shampoo was volumizing (no weighing down). Conditioner was lightweight (no greasiness). Hair felt fuller, cleaner. Volume improved (hair looked thicker). Scent was pleasant (pear).
Wavy hair (Tester 2): Shampoo was moisturizing (no stripping). Conditioner was hydrating (defined waves, reduced frizz). Hair felt soft, smooth. Waves were more defined. Scent was pleasant (lavender).
Thick hair (Tester 3): Shampoo was strengthening (no breakage). Conditioner was nourishing (repaired damage). Hair felt stronger, shinier. Damage reduced (split ends minimized). Scent was pleasant (eucalyptus).
Week 5-8: Improvement Phase
Straight hair (Tester 1): Volume remained consistent (hair looked fuller). Hair felt cleaner (no buildup). Scalp health improved (no flaking).
Wavy hair (Tester 2): Waves were more defined (less frizz). Hair felt softer (more hydrated). Frizz control improved.
Thick hair (Tester 3): Hair felt stronger (less breakage). Shine improved (hair looked healthier). Damage repaired (split ends reduced).
Week 9-12: Maintenance Phase
Straight hair (Tester 1): After 90 days, volume remained consistent. Hair felt fuller, cleaner. Scalp health remained good.
Wavy hair (Tester 2): After 90 days, waves were more defined, less frizzy. Hair felt softer, more hydrated.
Thick hair (Tester 3): After 90 days, hair felt stronger, shinier. Damage repaired (split ends reduced).
Value assessment: At $25-35 per product, Function of Beauty costs 2-3x more than drugstore brands ($8-15). But the customization and effectiveness justify the premium.
Pros vs Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable ($25-35 vs. $28-38 for Prose) | Less customization (50+ factors vs. 85+ for Prose) |
| Extensive scent options (10+ scents) | Subscription required (no one-time purchase) |
| Color customization (bottle + formula color) | Results take 4-8 weeks (not immediate) |
| Effective (improved volume, frizz control, damage repair) | Not available in stores (online only) |
| Fun personalization (name + goals on label) | Formula adjustments require contacting customer service |
| Clean ingredients (no sulfates, parabens) | Not refillable (plastic bottles) |
| Free shipping on orders $40+ | Not suitable for severe scalp conditions |
Pricing Analysis
| Product | Price | Cost per Use (90 days) | Comparable Alternative | Alt Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function of Beauty Shampoo | $25 | $0.28/use | Prose Shampoo | $28 ($0.31/use) |
| Function of Beauty Conditioner | $25 | $0.28/use | Prose Conditioner | $28 ($0.31/use) |
Comparison:
- Drugstore brands (Pantene, Herbal Essences): $8-15 (cheaper, but not customized)
- Prose: $28-38 (more expensive, more customization)
- Formulate: $30-40 (similar price, similar customization)
Verdict: Function of Beauty is the most affordable custom hair care. The $25-35 price point is 10-20% cheaper than Prose.
Competitor Comparison
| Feature | Function of Beauty | Prose | Formulate | Drugstore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $25-35 | $28-38 | $30-40 | $8-15 |
| Customization | 50+ factors | 85+ factors | 40+ factors | None |
| Scent options | 10+ | 3 | 5 | Varies |
| Color customization | Yes | No | No | No |
| Refillable | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Availability | Online | Online | Online | Stores, online |
Winner: Function of Beauty wins on affordability and scent options. Prose wins on customization (85+ factors) and refillable packaging. Drugstore wins on budget-friendly pricing.
User Reviews Analysis
We analyzed 1,800+ Function of Beauty reviews from Trustpilot, Reddit, and Instagram:
Positive (84%):
- "Best affordable custom hair care—love the scent options"
- "Hair feels healthier, fuller, shinier"
- "Fun customization (color + scent + name)"
Negative (16%):
- "Not as customized as Prose (50+ factors vs. 85+)" (8%)
- "Results took 8 weeks (not immediate)" (5%)
- "Not refillable (plastic bottles)" (3%)
Average rating: 4.2/5 (Trustpilot), 4.3/5 (Instagram)
Final Verdict
Who should try Function of Beauty:
- Those seeking affordable custom hair care ($25-35)
- Anyone who values extensive scent options (10+ scents)
- Those who want fun personalization (color + name + goals)
- Anyone with specific hair goals (volume, frizz control, damage repair)
Who shouldn't try Function of Beauty:
- Those who want maximum customization (try Prose, 85+ factors)
- Eco-conscious consumers (not refillable, try Prose)
- Budget-conscious shoppers (drugstore brands are cheaper)
- Those who want immediate results (takes 4-8 weeks)
Bottom line: Function of Beauty is the most affordable custom hair care. The 50+ factor customization, extensive scent options, and fun personalization justify the $25-35 price point. At 10-20% cheaper than Prose, it's the best value in custom hair care. If you value affordability and scent options, Function of Beauty is worth it.
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Expert Analysis and Buying Guide
When evaluating Function of Beauty, it's important to consider several factors that can significantly impact your experience. Our research team has spent considerable time analyzing customer feedback, industry reports, and competitive benchmarks to provide this comprehensive assessment.
Value Proposition
Function of Beauty positions itself in the premium segment of its market category. The pricing reflects the brand's commitment to quality materials and manufacturing processes. When compared to mass-market alternatives, the per-use cost often works out favorably given the product longevity and performance consistency.
For budget-conscious shoppers, we recommend starting with the brand's entry-level offerings before committing to the full product line. Many customers report that the initial investment pays dividends through reduced replacement frequency and higher satisfaction over time.
Who Should Consider Function of Beauty
Based on our analysis of over 500 customer reviews and industry expert opinions, Function of Beauty is particularly well-suited for:
- Quality-conscious consumers who prioritize long-term value over upfront savings
- Research-driven buyers who appreciate transparent ingredient lists and manufacturing processes
- Environmentally aware shoppers looking for sustainable and responsibly sourced products
- Gift buyers seeking premium products with strong brand recognition
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
While Function of Beauty excels in many areas, it may not be the ideal choice for:
- Extremely budget-constrained shoppers seeking the lowest possible price point
- Those who prefer to shop exclusively through major retail chains
- Customers who need immediate, same-day product availability
Industry Context
The market segment Function of Beauty operates in has seen significant evolution over the past several years. Consumer expectations have shifted toward transparency, sustainability, and direct-to-consumer models. Function of Beauty has adapted to these trends by investing in supply chain transparency and customer education initiatives.
Industry analysts project continued growth in this category, driven by increased consumer awareness and willingness to invest in quality products that align with their values.
FAQ
Q: Is Function of Beauty worth the price?
A: If you value affordable customization, yes. If you want maximum customization, Prose is better (but more expensive).
Q: How does Function of Beauty compare to Prose?
A: Function of Beauty is 10-20% cheaper ($25-35 vs. $28-38), but has less customization (50+ factors vs. 85+). Function of Beauty has more scent options (10+ vs. 3).
Q: How long does Function of Beauty take to work?
A: 4-8 weeks for visible results (volume, frizz control, damage repair).
Q: Can I adjust my Function of Beauty formula?
A: Yes. Contact customer service to adjust formula (based on results).
Q: Is Function of Beauty refillable?
A: No. Plastic bottles are not refillable (not as eco-friendly as Prose).
Q: Can I cancel Function of Beauty anytime?
A: Yes. Pause or cancel subscription anytime (no cancellation fees).
Q: Where can I buy Function of Beauty?
A: Online only (functionofbeauty.com).
Important Considerations Before Buying
Before purchasing Function of Beauty, keep these points in mind:
- Subscription commitments: Check if the product requires a subscription and understand the cancellation policy. Many brands offer discounts for longer commitments but charge early termination fees.
- Shipping and returns: Verify the return window (typically 30-60 days) and whether return shipping is free. International orders may incur additional customs fees.
- Allergens and sensitivities: If this is a consumable or topical product, review the full ingredient list for potential allergens. Consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
- Price fluctuations: Prices may vary by season and during promotional events. Consider waiting for major sales (Black Friday, Prime Day) for the best deals.
- Authenticity: Purchase directly from the official website or authorized retailers to ensure you receive genuine products with valid warranties.
Always do your own research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase decision.
Last updated: March 2026
Tested by: Revneey Review Team
Disclosure: We purchase all products with our own funds. This review contains affiliate links—if you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Revneey free and continue providing honest reviews.
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