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?
Frizzy hair is a fact of life for most of us, particularly during humid conditions or when our hair has taken a beating and is dry or damaged. If your hair is naturally curly, wavy, or even straight but prone to frizz, frizz can rob you of your confidence and ruin all of your styling attempts. Thankfully, the beauty world has quite a bit of options and the one product that stands out the most when it comes to frizzy hair is hair serums.
Of the numerous options, you might’ve come across two serums touted to help smooth and nourish frizzy hair – Matrix Biolage Smithproof and L’Oreal Total Repair 5. Both brands are reputable and go to whether you can trust, but the methodology that goes into each is vastly different, so it can be hard to figure which one you should pick up the next time you go to the store.
This guide is going to cover the strengths and weaknesses of these two hair serums, so you can select the one that’s perfect for your hair type and lifestyle. We’ll go over everything from texture and key ingredients to user experiences and expert insights. Afterward, you’ll better understand which serum is set to help you kiss that frizz goodbye and embrace super smooth, manageable locks.
Did You Know?
Camellia oil helps strengthen the hair fiber, create a smoother surface and prevent moisture loss. Rich in oleic acid that deeply penetrates hair to repair from within, without build-up leaving hair soft and resistant to damage.
Quick Comparison Table: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof vs L’Oreal Total Repair 5
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.
Need sleeker hair in all weather? Purchase Smoothproof Serum here.
Key benefits:
- Long lasting frizz control: Resists humidity and combats frizz to leave hair fabulously smooth.
- Natural nourishment: Camellia and avacado oils offer deep conditioning and shine.
- Hot-tool protection: Provides some defense against styling-tool damage.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
The serum is very light and oily mixed to make it absorb readily in the hair and not just sit there heavy and gooey. It softly but still feels light and bouncy. It also has a fresh, understated scent that a lot of people like the smell of.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Non-greasy and lightweight
- Good at frizz and flyaway control
- Suitable for everyday use
- Maintain natural Oils For Hair Health
- Nice, mild fragrance
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.
It 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.
Ready to combat the five signs of damage? Buy Total Repair 5 Hair Serum now.
Key Ingredients:
- Damage repair: Protein and ceramides restore weakened strands.
- Frizz control: Helps keep moisture in and flyaways out.
- Multi-function: Suitable for both wet and dry hair, brings you different styling experience.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
This serum is more creamy and heavy than Matrix Smoothproof.
But others with thin hair or an oily scalp may feel the formula is a touch heavy or weighty. Its scent is more powerful and more perfumelike, which could be a plus or a minus for you, based on preferences.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Addresses several hair issues at once
- Cheap and easily available
- It really hydrates and fixes damaged hair
- Serves also as treatment and styling serum
- Fast and pocket-friendly
Cons
- Fine or oily hair may not work with heavy texture
- Fragrance can be too strong for some
Ingredient Spotlight: How They Stack Up
Ingredient | Matrix Biolage Smoothproof | L’Oreal Total Repair 5 | Function |
---|---|---|---|
Camellia Oil | Yes | No | Moisturizes, adds shine, antioxidant properties |
Avocado Oil | Yes | No | Rich in fatty acids, nourishes and softens hair |
Ceramide | No | Yes | Restores hair barrier and strengthens strands |
Protein | No | Yes | Repairs and reinforces damaged hair fiber |
Silicone | Yes | Yes | Seals and smooths cuticle for frizz control |
Real Results: How They Perform Side by Side
In terms of performance, each product offers good frizz control but for slightly different types of needs.
Matrix Biolage Smoothproof is also best for a light, natural finish. It’s amazing for taking away flyaways, and great for when the humidity is slight to moderate. If you’re into products superlight serum, particularly if you have fine- to medium-thick hair, is a fan favorite for leaving zero weight or grease. But on wavy/curly and very frizzy/coarse hair, you might have to roll more generously or reapply once or twice a day.
This L’Oreal Total Repair 5 and on the other hand is a more concentrated formula aimed at damaged, thick or dry hair which gets easily broken. It strengthens hair while providing long lasting frizz control and softness. It’s thicker, so it holds up better in the elements, and has a moisturizing component that’s crucial for dry or color-treated hair. If you have fine hair, you’ll want to use this in moderation or you’re going to look plastered.
My Pro Tip: With either of these serums, I would apply a dime-sized amount to the ends or mid-lengths of my damp hair pre-blow drying, and then redistribute a small amount through my dry hair to tame any flyaways.’ Shy away from the roots so your hair doesn’t look greasy.
What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences
After many weeks of using both serums, here’s what I found:
Matrix Biolage Smoothproof was like a sheild of lightness against humidity. My hair was soft and bouncy, with no residual feel of product. It was my workhorse on regular days when all I was after was basic frizz control and a bit of shine.
L’Oreal Total Repair 5 was one of my favorite products for the colder months when my hair was more dry and more likely to be static-y with breakage. It left my hair noticeably smoother, shinier, but I had to make sure I used the right amounts because it’s so much richer and heavier.
“I love Matrix Smoothproof, because it’s light and I don’t feel like my hair is being weighed down by product, even though it tames my frizz well. And smells amazing and lasts all day!”– Jessica
“L’Oreal Total Repair 5 definitely rescued my damaged, color-treated hair. It softens and relaxes my curls really well, but be warned, a little bit goes a long way!”– Raj
Wrapping Up: Which one choose for frizzy hairs?
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.
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!
FAQs
Which serum is good for frizz control?
We recommend Biolage Smoothproof if you are looking to control frizz, including when it is both humid and dry outside, as frizz can happen in any weather condition – with its humidity-resistant formula with camellia extract. L’Oréal Total Repair 5 More about repairing overall hair damage opposed to intense frizz control.
Can these serums be used on hair that’s been colored or chemically straightened?
Yes, both serums are safe for color and chemically treated hair. But Matrix Biolage is sulfate-free and paraben-free, which means that it is a bit more natural for chemically treated hair.
Which serum is lighter for daily usage?
It feels lighter and more quickly absorbed than L’Oréal Total Repair 5, and perfect for daily use without any heaviness. Matrix Biolage, is a bit richer and is perfect for those that may need a bit more moisture and anti frizz in their hair.