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Function of Beauty

Function of Beauty

Overall Rating

2.0

55 Customer Reviews

Summary

Function of Beauty formulates custom haircare products made from healthy ingredients to help you address your personal hair care needs.

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Function of Beauty Review: Is It Worth It?

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Mar 10, 2020

Shopping the haircare aisle of any drugstore, the number of choices quickly grows overwhelming. How can you decide which products will address your unique haircare needs, and what should you do when nothing seems to offer everything you're seeking?

Function of Beauty claims to solve this problem. This hair care company sends you customized hair products based on your personal goals.

You can select for specialized ingredients designed to address your biggest concerns, and then choose your preferred product type, sizing, fragrance, and even color.

The company claims that they offer more than 54 trillion possible formulations so that you can get the perfect hair care routine for you. Each product is guaranteed to be cruelty-free, 100% vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.

Does this mean Function of Beauty makes sense for your hair care needs? Learn from our analysis whether the company is worth considering.

Pros
  • In-depth questionnaire lets you fully customize your products
  • All-natural ingredients in most cases
  • You can control exactly what products you purchase
  • Available both as a subscription and one-time purchase
Cons
  • Many of the ingredients show more effectiveness for hair health when taken as supplements rather than applied topically
  • Some users experienced a painful scalp, hair loss, and other negative symptoms
  • No returns due to the custom nature of the products

How Function of Beauty Works: Details and Pricing

The first part of signing up for Function of Beauty products is to fill out a hair profile. You’ll share where your hair falls from straight to kinky-curly, whether it is fine or coarse, and whether you tend to have a dry or oily scalp. You can then select up to five hair goals.

The company will indicate which ingredients are being added to your formula based on your goals. Here’s an example of my hair goals and the corresponding ingredients added to my formula:

  • Strengthen: horsetail extract and evening primrose oil
  • Lengthen: pea sprout extract and blue-green algae extract
  • Curl Definition: chia seed extract and linseed extract
  • Soothe Scalp: menthol and aloe vera
  • Oil Control: vitamin E and rosemary leaf extract

You can also select whether you want your formulas to be silicone-free.

Next, you’ll customize your formula by choosing your preferred fragrance and how strong it is, choosing a name to be displayed on the side of your bottle, and selecting colors for both the shampoo and the conditioner.

You’ll then choose what size combos of shampoo and conditioner you want. Options include:

  • 16oz shampoo, 16 oz conditioner: $49
  • 8oz shampoo, 8oz conditioner: $39
  • 8oz shampoo, 16oz conditioner or 16oz shampoo, 8oz conditioner: $43
  • 16oz shampoo/conditioner: $36
  • 8oz shampoo/conditioner: $29

You can also add custom hair treatments to your order that will be offered to you based on your hair priorities. These include an 8oz leave-in treatment, 7.5oz hair mask, and a 3oz hair serum (each available for $19). If you purchase a subscription, this add-on will be included with each order unless you change that in settings.

Finally, you’ll choose your delivery frequency. A one-time order will include $5 for shipping. Free shipping is available for deliveries that are monthly, every three months, and every six months.

It’s possible to change up your formula’s key ingredients, coloring, or fragrance between orders. Subscription members also gain access to perks like limited-edition color and fragrance options.

Every order will come with a pump disassembled in the box for easy product dispersal. You can also choose to reuse your pump from one delivery to another and decline to receive a new one through your order confirmation page.

Once your order is submitted, expect to receive your custom formula within 7–9 business days from the time you place it. International orders may take longer.

Function of Beauty Return and Refund Policy

As all Function of Beauty formulas are customized for every order, the company doesn’t accept returns or approve refunds after your order has been processed. Any further formula changes or cancelations you make after processing will affect the next delivery.

If you need to get in touch with Function of Beauty customer service, do so through the company contact page.

Analysis of Ingredients

Function of Beauty claims to use nourishing, all-natural ingredients within every formulation. The specific ingredients will vary based on your chosen formula, but to give you a sense of what to expect, here’s an analysis of the ingredients within my personalized formula:

  • Horsetail extract: Often taken as a supplement, horsetail extract is high in silica, a compound responsible for strengthening hair strands, promoting growth, and preventing hair loss. You can also apply it directly to your hair. Though a common ingredient in hair growth products, there is insufficient evidence that it provides any significant benefit.

  • Evening primrose oil: Also called the night willow herb, evening primrose oil is a common health supplement and is used to balance hormones and slow down hair loss. While the research on its effectiveness is limited, one study from the Annals of Dermatology found that arachidonic acid, a compound it contains, plays a role in promoting hair growth.

  • Pea sprout extract: Considered a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, pea sprout extract is added to hair care products to strengthen hair follicles and keep them in the growth stage of development.

  • Blue-green algae extract: This water-based plant source contains lots of proteins and vitamins known to benefit the hair and skin. It’s often added to hair care products for its antioxidant content and moisturizing effects, but there’s minimal scientific evidence to prove any effectiveness.

  • Chia seed extract: Chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than fish, which makes them a healthy dietary addition. When the seeds are mixed with water, they develop a sticky, mucous-like coating that’s often added to hair gel for extra curl definition.

  • Linseed extract: As another name for flaxseeds, linseed extract is often added to hair care products for its high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. There are a few animal studies that show the effectiveness of taking flaxseed supplements for hair growth, but these results haven’t yet been replicated with humans or with a topical treatment.

  • Menthol: As a member of the mint family, menthol is often added to hair care products for its cooling, scalp-stimulating effects. A 2014 study with mice found that peppermint (menthol) essential oil could help hair grow thicker and faster without adverse side effects.

  • Aloe vera: Though often used in skincare products, aloe vera is often added to hair products to promote hair growth and relieve an itchy scalp.

  • Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin e helps your body avoid damage from free radicals. Preliminary research shows that supplements of the vitamin might improve hair growth for people suffering from hair loss.

  • Rosemary leaf extract: This common herbal extract works like menthol extract to improve circulation, stimulate hair growth, and potentially prevent an itchy scalp. One 2015 study found that the extract was just as effective as minoxidil (the main ingredient in Rogaine) for slowing hair loss.

Key Takeaways:

Many of the ingredients included in this version of Function of Beauty products show scientific evidence for delivering the benefits that the company claims they will.

However, a large number of available studies on these ingredients involved taking them in supplement form, rather than topically.

Likewise, your personalized product formulation is likely to be different, and those ingredients may be more or less effective for your specific needs.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

There are more than 40 reviews for Function of Beauty here at HighYa, averaging two stars overall. Trustpilot reviewers are more positive, as the average rating for Function of Beauty is 4.2 stars after close to 1,500 reviews. Here’s what we can learn from these reviewers:

Common Compliments:

  • Great customer service experiences
  • Solved many user’s hair problems like frizzy, greasy hair and scalp issues
  • Concentrated formulas are a good value

Common Complaints:

  • Slow delivery times
  • Color and fragrances not as ordered
  • Products caused an itchy scalp and dry, brittle hair for some
  • Led to hair loss
  • Difficult to cancel subscriptions

Function of Beauty vs. Prose Custom Hair Care

For those looking for a personalized hair care product brand, a comparable brand to Function of Beauty is Prose.

Like Function of Beauty, Prose lets you take a short quiz about your hair health, which includes questions about your age, hair texture, length, thickness, and oil level, as well as the condition of your scalp and whether you have recently chemically treated your hair.

You’ll also be able to choose your preferred fragrance blend or go fragrance-free.

Unlike Function of Beauty, Prose assesses your location’s impact on your hair in regards to your exposure to UV rays, pollution, hard water, humidity, and wind. For example, I learned that my West MI location is exposing me to high humidity and hard water.

The quiz also puts less emphasis on your hair goals and focuses instead on how your hair is now.

At the end of this quiz, Prose will display eight ingredients it suggests for your personalized blend and then gives you the option to purchase products that contain them. Each 8.5-oz shampoo and conditioner is $25 ($22.50 if you sign up for a recurring subscription) and other products, like a 5.1-oz curl cream, 1.7oz hair oil, and 8.5-oz pre-shampoo mask are also available at varying price points.

As with Function of Beauty, you have complete choice over what products you receive and how frequently the subscription deliveries are, but you can’t change the size of the products in each order. This could be an irritation for anyone who wants to receive more shampoo or conditioner.

The final product for both brands will also look different. Your Function of Beauty order will be brightly colored (if desired) and come with a custom name. Prose, in contrast, doesn’t let you customize the name or color of the final product. However, both brands prioritize natural ingredients and reward longterm customers by offering discounts on the subscription level.

The Bottom Line

Function of Beauty offers a unique solution to the confusion of choosing the right hair products with customizable formulas tailored to your preferences.

Customer reviews are mixed on how well the company delivers on these claims, as many were left disappointed in their personalized formulation and didn’t think it was worth what they paid for it.

Function of Beauty ingredients can vary considerably based on your formula specifications. However, our research shows that many show clinical evidence of improving hair health, though many might be more effective in the supplement form than when taken topically.

We think Function of Beauty makes sense if you’re struggling with hair problems that traditional products haven’t been able to solve. Consider signing up for a smaller size as a one-time purchase for your first delivery so that you aren’t left with lots of products you don’t plan to use if you end up not loving your blend.

Customer Reviews

2.0 Stars out of 55 Reviews
5 Star:16% 4 Star:3% 3 Star:3% 2 Star:14% 1 Star:61%
20% Recommend This Brand
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Posted on Feb 10, 2024

Protect Yourself and Skip Function of beauty

By Daisy K., Denver, CO, Verified Reviewer

Function of Beauty is corrupt! Do yourself a favor and find a better company (with better products). I tried Function of Beauty once due to a discount code. The products were fair at best. I would have been upset if I had paid full price for them. They are not worth the money, but that's not my main issue. I canceled my account and subscription with them months ago (think early 2023). Recently, I received an email stating that my next subscription/order would be on the way soon and I would be charged if I didn't log into my account and cancel it before the date specified.

Well, because I already canceled my account, I was unable to log in. So I attempted to contact customer service via email. They still have not responded and I have sent about 10 emails at this point.

Next I tried to use their "Live Chat" feature on the website. What a joke! It doesn't work. It's simply there to mislead customers! Then I tried their chatbot, which eventually just emails their customer service again, so it's useless.

This is the most unprofessional and corrupt business practice! Lies on their website, charging customers without their consent, ignoring any attempts at communication. Please, be safer with your information and use Prose or a different company instead.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Discount Code

Corrupt

Charges without consent and after canceling subscription

Products are fair at best

Posted on Aug 10, 2022

Believe the reviews – hair loss!

By Lisa C. , Louisiana

I got this product to help make my hair and scalp healthy and didn’t read reviews.

Used it for about 7 months. In months 5,6 and 7, my hair just started falling out more and more. I have lost about half my hair. Luckily it’s thinned and not patches.

I said something to my daughter and she got some as a gift and she said it made her hair fall out and broke off. So then I read reviews. I have switched products and can tell a difference and hair isn't coming out as much.

Worst product ever!

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Hair fell out!

Scalp peeling like dandruff.

Hair looked very unhealthy.

Posted on Aug 10, 2022

New user, not so bad, pretty good so far

By Jessica M. , Oklahoma

I am a new customer, I have only used the conditioner and shampoo 3 times now and so far so good. I just started using it. My hair is thick and frizzy and dry but I know I have used this only 3 times and I can honestly say I am impressed. The frizzy is gone and my hair doesn't seem as thick, it feels softer. But no hair loss. I have read many reviews and if you use the products like you're supposed to and shake it before every use you probably won't have the problems you say you do. So I give a thumbs up and in about 30 more days I will update. But I do want to know if I can just get the mango scent or the peach scent to me, to add into my conditioner.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Smell

Softness

Able to mix your own serums in it

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Nov 25, 2021

Highly overpriced order because of my hair type

By Stephanie M., San Angelo, TX, Verified Reviewer

I have placed several orders with Function of Beauty over the past year and always paid about the same amount for 16 oz bottles of shampoo and conditioner. This month when I went to reorder I went to my order history and clicked Reorder. To my surprise, I was charged $64 for their tiny 8 oz bottles. This is an extremely high price for such a small amount of product.

When I emailed to ask why I was charged the same amount but got the smaller bottles, their response was "we only offer 16 oz bottles for formulas with curly or oily hair because we have found these customers use more product." This was a ridiculous response and I responded and let them know that it was shameful they felt they could charge such a high price for the very small amount of product, especially in light of the economic state we are in right now.

They just lost a customer that had placed recurring orders. I will never order from them again. This is highway robbery! And the product is not worth this exorbitant price!

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No product build-up on my hair

Exorbitant price of $64 for tiny 8 oz bottles

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Oct 19, 2021

Not good for my hair type

By Meagan M., Minnesota, Verified Reviewer

I have extremely thick wavy/curly hair and I hoped using this would help make my hair softer and healthier. For the first few months I used it, it made my hair really dry and frizzy (I chose moisture and anti-frizz). I was hoping it would get better but it just got drier after each wash (I wash my hair probably twice a week max).

Since my hair was dry I decided to try using just conditioner and now my hair feels waxy. I can’t win.

In positive news, if you have average straight hair this probably will work well for you. To be honest, though, most of you do just fine on cheap shampoo so I wouldn’t pay $25 for a shampoo bottle. But you do you.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Fragrance

Customization

Price

Made my hair dry

Posted on Aug 28, 2021

Don’t buy it! Hair loss after one wash!

By Rufini H., Singapore, Verified Reviewer

I lost a chunk of hair after one wash! I ordered their shampoo, conditioner, mask, and leave-in conditioner - not a single one leaves a good impression. I have long, curly, and frizzy fine hair. Their products made my hair dry and brittle with an oily scalp. Then one month later I received another set of products that I didn’t order! When I wrote to them to inform them that I didn’t order or opted for any subscription, they didn’t even apologize for their mistake. Instead they told me that they will refund 50% of the cost, like they doing me a favor! Since the items are in transit, they told me not to return back and if I don’t use it, I may donate to charity or the homeless. I am pretty sure they know their products suck big time to say something like that! Please don’t ever buy their products, it’s a scam!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Hair loss

Bad customer service

Charge your credit card for something you don’t order

Posted on Mar 3, 2021

Customer service? What's that?

By J J., Illinois, Verified Reviewer

Ordered a hair mist bundle - so it was not an item that was customized. The order came to me incomplete. Contacted them re incomplete order via their website "contact us" form. Received an email acknowledging their receipt of the email, then received an email saying they were closing the ticket as the complaint had been resolved!

I emailed them back saying no, it hasn't been resolved as I had received neither the missing item nor a refund.

We went back and forth with - "it has been resolved," "no, I have neither item nor money" dialogue.

Finally, I had enough and got PayPal involved and they resolved the issue in my favor.

If you get what you ordered and what you paid for - great. Otherwise, you are going to have problems, because their customer service is HORRIBLE. Notice, they don't have a phone number so you can speak to someone directly about order issues, questions, etc.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Really loved the smell of the items I custom-ordered

Customer service is non-existent

They take your money and don't care after that

Don't have a phone number to speak to a human

Don't have a dedicated email to handle customer/order issues

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 6, 2021

Disgusted

By Irene G., Glasgow, Scotland, Verified Reviewer

I have tried to cancel my subscription - apparently unsuccessfully - as I have just had another £39.00 taken from my PayPal account. The unsubscribe repeat order option is impossible to find and difficult to follow.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Customer service

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Dec 1, 2020

Function of Beauty shampoo

By Tracey H., Kettering, Northamptonshire, England, Verified Reviewer

I thought I was going mad. I tried Function of Beauty and both times I personalized them both as I have rather fine hair and I'm horrified to discover that I'm losing alot of hair in the last week. I've swapped back to Avon hair loss prevention and I've lost literally none! So cheers for helping me accelerate what I was trying to avoid!

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

The scent

Expensive

Bloody hair loss

Had to buy conditioner even though I didn't want any

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 12, 2020

Excellent product

By Jess C., Papillion, NE, Verified Reviewer

I am reading reviews on how people have been having their hair fall out and all this nonsense. I've always had clumps of hair falling out and noticed that when I was using store-bought shampoo and conditioner (Dove) that it was getting worse. I used to have value, extremely wavy, really thick hair that was bright. When using Dove it had become thin, dull, and practically straight. Two months ago I purchased Function of Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner which arrived over a month ago. In that small amount of time have noticed that my hair doesn't fall out as much, it doesn't cause my scalp to be too greasy or dry (which is very really hard to do, hydrating shampoos will make my hair a greasy mess, while others dry it out to the point that I would have extreme dandruff). That is not the case with Function of Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner. My hair has started to regain its color and thickness as well since my hair isn't falling out in fistfuls anymore. It honestly made me cry to have my hair back to the vibrant, wavy mess that it used to be before it started falling out.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Gave me a product that really worked wonders on my hair

The amount you pay for the product to the time you have to wait for it is a little much

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on May 27, 2020

Amazing product

By Teresa B., Houston, TX, Verified Reviewer

This shampoo and conditioner helped my hair to be so healthy and grow so much in 90 days. I couldn’t be happier with a product. It was well worth the money. So much so, I bought a set for my mom.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted
Showing 1-11 of 55

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