Prevention Australia Hair Awards 2026: Winners List

Clear a shelf and cue the happy dance. The Prevention Australia Hair Awards are back with a fresh line-up of winners that actually perform on real hair, in real life.

This year, the judging focused on what Australian women 35+ ask for most: healthier scalp days, softer lengths, less breakage, styling that holds up in humidity and tools that save time without frying your ends. We looked for formulas that feel good, deliver visible results and fit into a routine you can stick with.

How the judging worked

We wear-tested short-listed products across multiple weeks, checking texture, finish, scent, build-up, frizz control and how hair looked by day’s end. We also assessed ease of use, layering and whether a product earned repeat use, not just a one-time “nice”.

Meet the judges

Our panel brought together hair and scalp expertise and editorial know-how:

Chelcey Salinger, certified trichologist and hair loss specialist
Cecily-Anna Bennett, Prevention beauty editor
Melanie Burnicle, professional hair and makeup artist
Zoe Meunier, editor of Prevention Australia

The Prevention Hair Awards 2026 winners list

Here are highlights from the winners, grouped by category. Each one earned its place by performing beautifully, feeling good to use and making hair easier to live with.

Everyday essentials

Everyday staples that keep hair clean, soft and manageable.

L’Occitane Intensive Repair Shampoo — Silicone-free repair for dry, brittle, heat-stressed hair. “This is a godsend for dry and brittle hair,” says Zoe.
Fabriq Hydrate Shampoo — A rich, sulphate-free cleanser for dry, coarse or damaged hair.
Revlon Restart Hydration Moisture Micellar Shampoo — Micellar cleanse that lifts impurities without stripping.

Natural haircare

Plant-forward formulas that still deliver softness, shine and scalp comfort.

Mukti Botanique Shampoo — Gentle, organic care that restores softness and bounce.
MooGoo Sensitive Scalp Milk Shampoo — Kind, skin-friendly cleansing for sensitive scalps.

Smart styling

Products that make hair behave, protect against heat and help styling last longer.

Stockholm Sweden REF Dry Shampoo Paste — A clever hybrid that absorbs oil, adds body and gives reworkable texture.
ghd Bodyguard Heat Protection Spray for Coloured Hair — Lightweight protection that helps preserve vibrancy.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray — A dry-hair heat protectant that shields without weighing hair down.
Nioxin Diaboost Hair Thickening Serum — Density support for fine or thinning strands with an easy targeted nozzle.

Scalp care

Because good hair days often start at the roots.

Dermal Therapy Scalp Relief Serum — Targeted support for itchy, inflamed or flake-prone scalps.
Thanks To Nature Anti-Dandruff Scalp Scrub — A satisfying exfoliating step that feels more spa than “treatment”.
Amperna Cleanse & Rebalance Dermal Care Shampoo — A standout for sensitive, reactive scalps.
Fraim Exfoliating Scalp Serum — A rinse-off exfoliating step that dissolves build-up and flakes without scrubbing.

Hair-boosting treatments

For shedding, thinning and hair that needs extra reinforcement.

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo — Scalp-clearing daily shampoo designed to support stronger-looking growth.
Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo — A luxe strengthener that supports fragile strands and adds softness.
Mesoestetic Tricology Shampoo — A targeted option for increased shedding and thinning, especially around peri/menopause.

Styling tools and accessories

Tools that speed things up, improve results and make styling feel less like a chore.

MUK Ultra Sonic Dryer — Lightweight, fast and shine-boosting. “A brilliant dryer, super lightweight and speedy,” says Zoe.
ghd Chronos Max Wide Plate Styler — Wide plates for long, thick or textured hair with even smoothing.
Mermade Hair Digital Hot Rollers — Quick heat-up and bouncy results that last.
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System — A versatile wet-to-dry system designed to style without relying on extreme heat.

Silver style

Toning and care that keeps grey, silver and blonde looking bright, not brassy.

Maria Nila Sheer Silver Shampoo — “This shampoo gave a beautiful colour transformation from brassy gold to creamy blonde,” says Melanie.
Maria Nila Sheer Silver Hair Masque — A weekly reset that tones while adding moisture and shine.
Moroccanoil Treatment Purple — A multitasking oil that tones while smoothing frizz.
Iles Formula Grey Delay Booster — A leave-in treatment that supports natural pigment with a science-led approach.

Special recognition awards

Extra standouts for the realities of busy hair lives, including regrowth gaps and at-home maintenance.

Done Ultimate Root Retouch Kit — A DIY root touch-up designed for quick coverage between appointments.

This is just a taste of the 2026 line-up. For the complete list across Everyday Essentials, Natural Haircare, Smart Styling, Scalp Care, Hair-Boosting Treatments, Styling Tools and Accessories, Silver Style and Special Recognition Awards, check out the full Prevention Australia Hair Awards 2026 winners list and find the best match for your hair goals, routine and budget.