New York-based start-up, Prose, which was set up by a former L’Oréal employee, has raised US$5.2 million in a funding round, according to a report published by Tech Crunch.

The round was led by Forerunner Ventures; Correlation Ventures also participated. Prose CEO Arnaud Plas revealed that he will use the investment for R&D.

The bespoke hair care range, formulated to cater for each client’s hair type as well as their immediate environment, for example with ingredients to counteract pollution or humidity, is sold via salons and a dedicated website. Salons in San Francisco and New York work with Prose to design shampoos, conditioners and treatments for their clients, with the salon taking a 25 percent commission.