Loreal vs Matrix, which is better? Read the comparison of these two top-selling hair products to find out the major differences.
It is super important to have a hair care routine that works best for you. Both Loreal and Matrix are excellent hair care brands even though matrix comes under the L’oreal Group Professional Product Division.
I have been a faithful follower for both these brands for as long as I can remember simply because the shampoos, conditioners, and oils give my hair that extra bounce and shine which I totally love.
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Having said that, with so many products available by both brands, it will be hard to know what works best for your hair type.
This is where I come in, here is my in-depth analysis and comparison on these brands in terms of popularity, pricing, and other factors.
Loreal vs Matrix
Who is Loreal?
It all began way back in 1909 when Eugene Schueller, a young chemist formulated one of his very first hair dyes where he manufactured and sold it to Parsian hairdressers.
And here we are a hundred years later, bigger, better and bolder with the strong slogan- ‘Because I am worth it’ empowering hundreds of young girls and women like me every day.
With several notable visionaries associated with the brand, L’oreal skyrocketed to be the leading brand in the beauty industry worldwide with more than 500 brands and thousands of products including makeup, hair color, perfume, skincare and other cosmetics.
It’s no accident that L’Oreal is the world’s number one beauty and personal care brand because one thing I really admire about this brand is that they never let their old ways of doing things stand in the way of innovation.
There is something for everyone and I am sure this brand will not disappoint you.
Who is Matrix?
As mentioned earlier, The Matrix is actually a part of L’Oreal USA’s Professional Products Division, founded by mastermind Arnie Miller way back in 1980.
The whole idea of creating Matrix was to create a sense of togetherness and support to welcome every business model, hair stylist and hair type.
The brand empowers hairdressers of every level of expertise, and background by giving them the tools and assistance to deliver outstanding looks and recognize their professional potential.
Today, Matrix stands proud as one of the reputed hair care professionals and hair color companies in the United States, offering customers a wide array of haircare, hair color and styling products suited for all hair types.
Loreal Paris Total Repair Hair Serum VS MATRIX OptiCare Smooth Straight Split End Serum-
I have naturally straight hair, so I choose to review both these hair serums to help tame down the frizziness, reduce split ends and make my hair stronger.
I am always someone who wants to try a new product and if I like it, I prefer sticking on to it for a long time.
However, let’s see whether they really worked or not.
Loreal Paris Total Repair Hair Serum
Description: The Loreal Paris Total Repair Hair Serum 5 Instant Smoothing and Nourishing Oil Serum is the best product for smoothing your hair and giving it the nourishment it needs.
Besides protecting it against natural aggregators like water, sun and pollution, it has been designed to repair and create a protective shield against split ends, and further damage.
Ingredient list:
Cyclopentasiloxane-A common silicone is responsible for giving your hair that silkiness and smoothness.
Benzyl Salicylate-A common fragrance with a light floral smell.
Geraniol-Common fragrance ingredient with a rosy smell found in rose oil and other essential oils.
How to use:
-Take a few drops of the serum and gently rub it on your palms and apply it to your hair.
-Make sure to rub your hands gently onto your palms before evenly distributing it to the lengths of your hair
-Make sure you close the cap always to preserve the quality of the product.
Packaging:
L’oreal Paris Total Repair Hair serum comes in a non-transparent white triangular-type bottle, with a red flip-flop cap to prevent any spills or leaks. I found the body of the bottle to be very sturdy and the mouth of the cap small enough to dispense the right amount of product.
I bought an 80 ml size which lasted me a good two months. The bottle is travel friendly and will avoid any spills because of its tight cap.
Texture:
It is a transparent runny liquid with a little oily-like consistency. It also spreads easily on the hair, I mainly love using this product for my slightly damp hair. After application, I love that extra softness and shine.
Fragrance:
The smell reminded me of a fruity jam. It was a sweet and delicious fragrance which was strong and lasted me about two hours.
Price:
I purchased my L’oreal Paris Total Repair Hair serum on Amazon for around $17 dollars.
Effects on hair:
First of all, what compelled me to buy this hair serum was a solution to control my hair frizziness. I have been using this product for over five months now after towel drying my washed hair, which has helped me control my frizz to a certain extent but not completely.
The first time I tried this serum, I used way too much which made my hair oily but after using just the right amount which is like two drops for my hair, it helps keep my hair tamed, smooth and shiny.
Overall, I don’t notice any major wonders or any significant changes. There is only a slight smoothness and shine to my hair which lasts for about half a day.
However, you can always give it a try to see if it works well for you.
What I liked-
- Smells delicious
- Sturdy packaging
- Control frizziness
- Cap prevents any leakage
- Makes hair soft
What I disliked-
- Does not control tangles
- Effects do not last long
MATRIX OptiCare Smooth Straight Split End Serum
Description: Matrix Opticare Smooth Straight Split End Serum is designed for chemically straightened hair or rebonded hair. Even though I use my straightener every day, I was curious to see the results on my hair.
This serum also helps prevent split ends, frizz and leave your hair with a high gloss reflective shine and smoothness.
Ingredient list:
Kernel Oil-This natural ingredient helps strengthen the hair, reduces frizz, and protects against damaged ends.
Apricot kernel oil-This ingredient helps hair longer, and thicker and maintains the radiance of the hair.
Shea butter-This is a great moisturizing ingredient for scalp and hair and increases hair softness.
How to use:
-Rub a small amount of the serum into your hands and gently start applying it on your hair.
– Start at the ends and work your way up towards the scalp.
Packaging:
The packaging is nice as the hair serum comes in a cute orange transparent bottle but I personally loved the cute pump dispenser which makes getting the right amount of the product in your hands. For me, two to three pumps was enough for my hair length.
Texture:
The serum has a transparent and thick consistency and the texture feels very light and smooth for my medium-length hair. When I apply it to my wet hair, it helps control frizz to a great extent.
Fragrance:
The fragrance has a fruity smell and is quite pleasant.
Price:
I bought mine from my local beauty shop at $11 dollars.
Effects on hair:
Regular use of this serum helped keep my split ends in check. Also, I think the texture really helped condition my hair and maintain my frizziness.
I did notice how it helped detangle knots after every hair wash and was happy to see my overall results with this product. I was always loyal to L’Oreal professional products but this one really impressed me in terms of softness and shine.
What I liked-
- Weightless feel
- Travel friendly
- Makes hair really manageable
- Controls frizz
What I disliked-
- Too much serum make hair greasy
- Contains parabens
Comparing the Two Brands: Matrix vs L’Oreal
So, I would like to share my overall thoughts and experience while comparing both these products-
Consistency: For me, the Matrix Opticare Hair Serum had a much better consistency and the texture felt lighter compared to the Loreal Paris Total Repair Hair Serum.
Price: Keep in mind that Loreal products are on the pricey side but they are worth the investment.
Long-Lasting effects: According to me, the L’oreal Paris Total Repair Hair Serum lasted much longer compared to the Matrix Opticare Hair Serum.
Which one Will I buy again? I found a clear winner and that was the Matrix Opticare Hair Serum simply because it ticked off all the boxes in my imaginary hair list.
Summary
As you can see from the above brands, different hair care products have different hair goals.
The key to choosing a hair care product that works for you is first to address all your hair concerns.
For instance, if you have frizzy hair like mine, choose a hair serum infused with oils like rosewood or castor that will provide your hair with intense hydration.
So, take your time and choose the brand that works well for you.
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