If you’ve ever struggled with frizz and unmanageable hair, you know selecting the right serum can make a world of difference —but which one is truly better: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum or L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum?
Given that I have frizzy hair and suffer from dryness, I’veexperimented with quite a few hair serums over the years. The market is filled with choices, so it’s hard to know which one gives you smooth, shiny and manageable hair instead of just glossy marbles. The most preferred amongst beauty buffs and stylists are Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum and L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum. Both claim to combat frizz, repair damage and leave your hair looking and feeling silky and smooth. But they are from different brands with different formulas and different benefits — so which is better for your hair, really?
In this comprehensive and candid beauty comparison, I’ll tell you everything I learned after doing my test on these two elephant-drawing serums that everyone seems to wonder about the difference between. From the textures to the ingredient lists and how they work across hair types, along with real-user reviews, you’ll have everything you need to decide which serum is best for your hair goals. And keep reading for my pro tips to up your serum game for the ultimate, frizz-free mane!
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum | L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Key Benefit | Frizz control and smoothing | Damage repair and frizz control |
| Suitable Hair Types | Frizzy, dry, and thick hair | Damaged, weak, and dry hair |
| Texture | Lightweight, silky serum | Lightcream serum, slightly richer |
| Main Ingredients | Buriti oil, glycerin, silk amino acids | Pro-Keratin, ceramide, arginine |
| Fragrance | Fresh, subtle floral | Soft, creamy floral |
| Price Range | Mid to high | Affordable to mid |
| Overall Effectiveness | Excellent for smoothing and frizz | Great for repair plus frizz control |
1. Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum
A Overview:
Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum is part of the Biolage Smoothproof range, designed for frizzy, difficult to control hair in need of a serious dose of smooth. This serum promised to hydrate and soften strands without making them flat, so it is perfect for someone who has thick hair or coarse hair that contends with humidity and static.
In addition to its smoothing effects, it also boasts the ability to shield hair from heat styling and environmental aggressors. The formula is weightless and super easy to apply without a buildup of residue that leaves hair shiny and beautiful.
Key Benefits:
- 72-hour frizz and fly-away control
- Longer treatment for smooth feel and shine
- Heat protection up to 450°F (232°C)
- Non-greasy, lightweight feel
- Great on thick, course, or unruly hair
- Environmental protection against humidification
Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum: The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros
- It was Good frizz control Humid &Gusty as well.
- Leaves hair silky and free them without residue.
- Shields hair from heat up to 450 F.
- Easy to apply and distribute
Cons
- Little more expensive on some drugstores.
- Those with ultra dry or coarse hair may find it to be a little to light.
2. L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Serum
A Overview:
The L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Serum comes in a lightweight and sturdy pink colored plastic bottle which can be easily carried in a handbag, or is light enough to even carry in hand.
L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Serum is specifically engineered to provide a way to to fight against the 5 visible signs of damaged hair – Hair fall, dryness, roughness, dullness and split ends without weighing it down.
It’s formulated with pro-keratin and ceramide to help repair damaged hair from root to tip. This serum doesn’t just help to control frizz, it also reinforces the hair’s structure to prevent damage, so it’s an excellent option if you’re dealing with coloring, heat styling or chemical damage.
Key Benefits:
- Repairs & Strengthens Damaged Hair
- Minimizes split ends and frizz
- Frizz-fighter smoothes and tames hair surface
- Makes hair more shiny and soft
- It has a lightweight feel that absorbs quickly
- Cheap and easy to find
L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Serum: The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros
- Repair and frizz control at the same time
- Perfect for Weak, Damaged, and Dry hair
- Fast and pocket-friendly
- Pleasant, mild scent
Cons
- Could be better at controlling frizz than their specialty serums
- Scent might not be strong enough for some
Key Ingredients Battle: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum vs L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum
| Ingredient | Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum | L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buriti Oil | Yes | No | Natural oil rich in antioxidants, moisture sealing, and shine boosting |
| Glycerin | Yes | Yes | Humectant for long-lasting hydration |
| Silk Amino Acids | Yes | No | Strengthens and smooths hair cuticles |
| Pro-Keratin | No | Yes | Repairs damaged hair structure |
| Ceramide | No | Yes | Restores hair’s protective barrier |
| Arginine | No | Yes | Improves hair strength and elasticity |
Did You Know? Buriti oil found in Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum is obtained from the fruit of the Moriche palm, which is native to the Amazon and is also known for its vitamin A content that helps maintain healthy hair and improve its elasticity. Meanwhile, the ceramides in L’Oreal’s serum fortify the protective outer layer of hair, which will help prevent moisture loss and breakage.
Texture, Feel & Hair Type Guide: Which Serum Fits You Best?
5 Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum Silky and lightweight, this serum distributes evenly throughout hair without feeling sticky or muddy. It is easily absorbed and provides hair with a natural, lustrous shine. This serum is best for those with medium to thick hair that leans toward frizz, particularly in humidity. If your scalp is sensitive or prone to greasiness, this unslick serum should be comfortable and not build-up inducing.
L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum is more like a milky, slightly thicker serum as it goes on, even though it is still relatively fast absorbing. It’s great for dry, frail or damaged hair that needs a little more nourishment, but with a lot less weight than certain heavy oils. For those with finer hair, it may need to be used more decisively so it doesn’t get heavy. It’s for all hair types, although I think it’s particularly great if your hair is breaking or has split ends.
Performance Face-Off: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum and L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum
They both shine and tame frizz, but in those two categories, the Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum shines brightest if you are specifically trying to combat humidity induced frizz. It maintains hair smooth and manageable for longer without reapplying.
Where the L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum excels is in repairing damage over time when you use it regularly. It also tames flyaways and frizz, but really, its greatest power is in reinforcing strands to ward off future breakage, split ends, and dryness.
For Matrix Biolage, there is a note on the bottle that it protects against heat for up to 450°F, which makes it a bit of a step ahead in that it provides some thermal protection to those of you who use heat tools. It’s less a goo for protecting your hair’s integrity from the outside in than it is about repairing damage and infusing moisture.
My Experience: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum vs L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum
After trying the serums for a few weeks each, here’s what I could see the first-hand difference with Self: The Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum is amazing for keeping my thick, wavy locks smooth in the humidity. I appreciated the light texture and non-greasy finish, and my hair was as soft and shiny as I’d hoped it would be, but without the weight.
L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum What I liked: How soft and strong my hair felt with continued use. It had worked on my dry ends, smooth down my hair and made it easier to comb, though I found it less effective at the frizz control (at first) vs. the Matrix serum.
I have read a lot of reviews and see lots of people say the same thing: That Biolage is the better product for frizz control and shine, and the L’Oreal is better for repair and the price. Both are highly rated, with thousands of satisfied users.
My Pro Tip: Make sure to apply the Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum on damp hair before styling for frizz/smoothness and heat protection. Also, follow up the next evening with L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Serum on the dry ends as a treatment to fix the damage and keep the softness.
Bottom Line: Choosing Between Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum and L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum
Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum vs L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum Finally, the decision between Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum and L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Serum comes down to what your hair needs. If you want to vanquish frizz to get an extra smooth, straight result — particularly if you have thick or unruly hair — the Matrix Biolage is the worth-the-few-bucks jump. It’s amazing at taming frizz, adding shine and protecting hair from heat in a formula that’s super light.
If you have damaged, dry or split-prone hair and you are looking for an inexpensive multi-tasker that will also repair your hair while taming frizz, this is for you. Strengthens with a refreshing, long lasting fragrance, nourishes and smooths hair without feeling heavy.
Both of the serums work splendidly if they are used together in a hair care routine. Listen to what your hair type and your goals say, do not let them down and you `ll have the hair of your dreams, smooth and fabulous!
