Hair care brands: Function of Beauty vs. Amika
Quick Verdict
Both brands offer quality hair care products with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices, but Function of Beauty excels in customization, while Amika is known for its delightful scents and effective formulas.
- Function of Beauty offers highly customizable formulas, while Amika provides a virtual hair expert assistant.
- Both brands are cruelty-free and offer sustainable packaging options.
- Amika is generally pricier than Function of Beauty.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Function of Beauty | Amika |
|---|---|---|
| Customization Options | Personalized via quiz; up to five goals; trillions of formulations. | Virtual hair expert assistant, products for different hair types and concerns |
| Ingredient Quality | Naturally-derived, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free. | Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and over 1300 EU-banned ingredients. Includes sea buckthorn berry. |
| Hair Type Suitability | Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. | Suitable for all hair types, textures, and styles. |
| Scent Options | Customizable; range of fragrances; various strengths; fragrance-free option. | Delightful scents, hair fragrance with warm vanilla, fresh citrus, and spicy sweet clover. |
| Packaging Sustainability | Post-consumer recycled materials; SFI Certification; recyclable bottles and jars. | Up to 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. Refill pouches available. |
| Cruelty-Free Status | Certified cruelty-free by PETA. | Cruelty-free, certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA. |
| Price | Starting at $40 for 8-ounce shampoo and conditioner bottles with a membership and $60 for a one-time purchase. A 16 oz shampoo and conditioner set costs $50 with a subscription. Prices vary depending on product size and type. | Pricier compared to drugstore alternatives |
Overall Comparison
Customization: Function of Beauty wins; Price: Function of Beauty wins; Cruelty-Free: Both; Sustainability: Both
Pros and Cons
Function of Beauty
Pros:
- Highly customizable formulas
- Uses naturally-derived ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Sustainable packaging options
- Effective detangling and moisturizing conditioner
- Good frizz control with styling products
- Gentle shampoo cleansing
Cons:
- Potential concerns regarding product performance
- Potential concerns regarding customer service
Amika
Pros:
- Offers virtual hair expert assistant for personalized routines
- Products are free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
- Includes sea buckthorn berry with 190 active ingredients
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Products have delightful scents
- Uses up to 90% post-consumer recycled plastics in packaging
- Offers refill pouches to reduce emissions
- Cruelty-free and certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA
- Effective shampoos cleanse without stripping hair
- Conditioners deeply nourish and hydrate hair
- Offers a variety of styling products
- Known for high-quality and effective hair care
- Committed to sustainability and ethical practices
- Certified B Corp
Cons:
- Pricier compared to drugstore alternatives
- Scents may be too strong for some users
User Experiences and Feedback
Function of Beauty
What Users Love
- Hair feels stronger, softer, and healthier overall with continued use.
- Helps control hair and keep it sleek even in humid conditions.
- Fragrance lingers throughout the day without being overpowering.
- Conditioner hydrates blonde ends, even after drying.
- Responsive customer service.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- Generally less expensive compared to competitors like Prose and SkinCeuticals.
- Prioritizes ethical, sustainably-sourced, and naturally-derived materials.
User Recommendations
- The custom shampoo uses natural quinoa protein and other ingredients to cleanse the scalp and hair gently, without stripping the hair.
- The conditioner has a super creamy formula and makes hair easy to detangle in the shower.
Amika
What Users Love
- Many users feel the quality and effectiveness justify the cost.
- Some users have noted that Amika products work well against humidity.
Common Complaints
- Some users find the scents to be too strong.
Value Perception
- Considered worth the investment by many.
- Discounted prices sometimes available at stores like TJ Maxx.