For my hair, I like to wash and go. But lately, I’m realizing that my simple routine just isn’t cutting it anymore. I don’t have a ton of time to spend on my hair but I also don’t want it to look so drab. Turns out all I needed was to invest in a better shampoo and conditioner.

In my search, I looked at three different options: Prose, Aveda, and Oribe.

The 3 Haircare Contenders

I’ve been seeing Prose on TikTok lately and was intrigued by the custom craze. But did I really need to have my own custom-made formula? Aveda has been around for decades and its salons and spas look very serene and inviting. Meanwhile, Oribe definitely has that ultra-luxe premium vibe going for it. But which one’s for me? Let’s compare:

Round 1: Customizable formulas

Prose: Each formula is individually crafted for your hair’s unique needs, which means that every product you get is made to order. All I had to do was take a quick online consultation which accounted for over 80 factors that determine my haircare needs, and my unique routine was sent to my doorstep.

Aveda: Aveda has 20 different lines of haircare products to choose from, ranging from color-treated to curly and more. They also have a hair quiz to match you with the best haircare routine based on your needs but it’s not as comprehensive as Prose’s consultation and their formulas aren’t customized to you.

Oribe: Oribe has nine different lines that cater to different hair goals like volume, strength, or shine. There’s no quiz to help you determine what products are best for you and it seems like unless you have a very specific goal, their formulas won’t suit you.

Winner: Prose

Round 2: Salon experience

Prose: Since Prose is made-to-order, they’re only available online. If you still want to feel like an insider, you can subscribe to your routine to unlock 15% off and free shipping on every subscription order.

Aveda: If you’re someone who likes to go in person and pick your shampoo based on how they smell, then Aveda is your way to go. Aveda can be found at their stores, salons, Target, and more. There are even Aveda salons for you to really experience the brand.

Oribe: Spotted at many trendy salons, Oribe seems to be a hairdresser’s favorite but they don’t have their own salons or stores. You can also buy them at department stores such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Winner: Aveda

Round 3: Sustainability

Prose: Prose is only produced on a made-to-order basis, which significantly reduces waste. They’re also a certified B Corporation, as well as completely carbon-neutral and certified Climate Neutral, and they make a point to only formulate with certified clean ingredients that are sustainably sourced. Also, when you order refills, they will be shipped without pumps unless you specifically request them.

Aveda: Aveda is also a certified B Corporation that’s completely carbon-neutral and certified Climate Neutral. But their products are still mass-produced, which leads to a lot of waste and inefficiency.

Oribe: Oribe recently introduced its liter refill pouch, which uses 71% less single-use plastic than its liter bottles. However, Oribe does not have the same environmental certifications as Prose and Aveda and it’s still a mass-produced product.

Winner: Prose

The Ultimate Winner: Prose

All these shampoos and conditioners are high-end and a step above what you’ll find on grocery store shelves. But I’m glad I ultimately went with Prose. Not only is it custom-made for me, which means less waste and a product that works specifically for my needs, but it’s also the most affordable. My hair is already so much softer and I can’t wait to see how it continues to improve. If you’re looking to turn the volume up on your haircare, I highly recommend giving Prose a try.