Best Hair Products Under $20

Best exfoliating serum         

Growth Bomb AHA Scalp Exfoliant, $20     

Exfoliation is a good way to ensure your scalp doesn’t become clogged with product, pollution or dead skin cells, which can cause irritation and affect healthy hair growth. This serum is easy to apply and contains caffeine and antioxidants from the yerba maté leaf (to support hair growth), native botanicals and fruit AHAs to exfoliate. Use before shampooing to treat your hair and scalp before you scrub. “I noticed my scalp felt a lot less irritated after using this,” says Dr Sharma. “It has a very refreshing smell, too.”      

Best strengthening shampoo                          

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo, from $19 for a travel size       

This luxurious yet gentle silicone- and sulfate-free shampoo uses plant-derived ingredients to remove excess oils, product build-up and pollution while improving the condition of damaged hair by nourishing the cuticle layer.

“This vegan shampoo leaves hair smelling really nice,” says Dr Sharma. It’s safe for all hair types, with a nourishing formula that includes the goodness of certified organic avocado, green tea and sacha inchi oils.     

Best strengthening mask                   

A’kin Daily Shine Hair Mask, $19.95           

Use this nourishing mask in place of conditioner, or as a more intense overnight treatment, to enjoy hair that feels soft, strong and silky. Its effective formulation contains the moisturising benefits of Australian jojoba oil along with yerba maté, shown to strengthen follicles and reduce hair loss, and niacinamide to boost hair condition and scalp health. “I love how shiny and soft my hair felt after using this mask, and all for an accessible price point,” says Bennett.

Best scalp scrub                

A’kin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub, $19.95       

This is a great, affordable scalp scrub for use before shampoo to give your scalp a deep cleanse and detox. Like using an exfoliator for your face, a scalp scrub helps remove dead skin cells, product build-up, oil and impurities, resulting in healthy hair and scalp. It contains Australian aniseed myrtle, bamboo extract and AHAs with a refreshing mandarin and ginger fragrance.

Best gentle conditioner                       

Ego QV Nourishing Conditioner, $18                                    

This moisturiser-enriched conditioner is colour and fragrance free, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin and scalps. “I recommend this to my patients,” says Dr Sharma. “It’s easy to use and is great for those with eczema.” It boosts protection of your hair while heat styling and leaves strands looking smooth and hydrated with a beautiful, soft feel.

Best gentle shampoo        

The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser, $15.30 

This fragrance-free hair wash is gentle enough for use on hair and body, with a softly lathering formula that leaves hair feeling soft and clean. “I love a budget shampoo that also cleanses beautifully,” says Bennett.

“This one has a nice lather and leaves hair looking soft and shiny.” It contains a mild sulphate to effectively cleanse without stripping the hair of moisture and is safe for all hair types.   

Best repairing mask         

Hairification Pure Health Revitalising Mask, $20                                   

The skinification of haircare has come a long way, with active ingredients traditionally found in skincare used to boost the health and hydration of hair and scalp. This moisturising mask, featuring hyaluronic and lactic acids, niacinamide and plant oils, is a great example. It penetrates the strands to provide moisture, repair and shine, helping to reverse damage and banish brittleness.

“This mask has a really smooth application and it works really well,” says Dr Sharma.  

Best hydrating serum                            

Growth Bomb Hair Growth Serum, $20 

This hair-strengthening serum hydrates and protects your hair, repairs split ands and gives you a dose of healthy-looking shine. It contains yerba maté leaf extract, which is packed with antioxidants and charged with natural energy from caffeine to nourish hair and scalp. It’s nice to apply and non-greasy.        

Best leave-in conditioner                   

Palmer’s Moisture Boost Leave-in Conditioner, $11                              

Ideal for coloured, damaged or dry hair, this leave-in spritz delivers an instant hit of hydration while also protecting from heat damage and breakage. The nourishing formulation, which includes coconut oil (rich in fatty acids that help seal in moisture) and Tahitian monoi oil to help restore elasticity to the strands, leaves hair looking and feeling soft and manageable.

“A very accessible price point and an uber-nourishing formula make this a winner,” says Bennett.

Want more award-winning hair products and tools? See the full list of winners in the Prevention Australia's Hair Awards 2024.