The Best Haircare Products Under $15

Hands up who’s spent more money than they’d care to admit on disappointingly average products? We’ve all been there. But the truth is, if you do your research (and you’re not scared of the inevitable sensory overload experience that is a Chemist Warehouse) you can actually get really great haircare products under $15. 

So, that’s just what we did. We scoured the depths of drugstore catalogues and supermarket shelves to bring you the best of the best in budget haircare.

Here’s what we found – category is:

The best haircare products under $15

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

We say: If the idea of stripping your hair with overzealous shampoo formulas sounds like your worst nightmare, then this oat and apple cider vinegar-enriched shampoo needs to be on your radar. Formulated to clarify and soothe your scalp and strands (and minimise dullness too) you’re set to see your shiniest hair yet with this sulfate, paraben and dye-free pick in your haircare routine. 

You say: “It worked very well at clarifying my hair, removing product build up, oil and pollution. I made my hair so incredibly shiny which I just loved. My hair is fine and straight and is easily weighed down with product. I felt like this shampoo gave it a complete refresh and brought it back to life, making it look very healthy. It didn’t make my scalp itchy and instead it made it feel soothed and nourished.” – Millecat

Want to know more? Read Aveeno Active Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo reviews here…

$9.69 at Chemist Warehouse

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Conditioner

We say: As far as the best haircare products under $15 go, this hydrating formula is at the very top. It contains nourishing shea butter and moisturising coconut and macadamia oils which help to hydrate, strengthen and soften hair. 

You say: “Really nice conditioner that is thick and creamy with a lovely scent of shea butter… I leave it on for about 3 minutes after using and rinsing the matching shampoo. It’s easy to rinse out and doesn’t feel gluggy afterwards and I have no trouble running my comb through. My hair is left feeling soft and no frizziness.” – Trackydacky

Want to know more? Read Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner reviews here…

$13.80 at Woolworths

Batiste Plant Powered Dry Shampoo Green Tea & Chamomile

We say: While we love the oil-absorbing powers of a dry shampoo, we don’t love a formula that leaves behind powdery white residue. This lightweight revolutionary formula contains 100 per cent natural extracts, and refreshes and re-volumises hair, while boasting a barely detectable finish. 

You say: “[It] smells great and doesn’t leave a white residue on my dark hair. Spray about 30cm from the hair part and lightly massage into the scalp. This will absorb any excess oil and leave your hair looking and smelling refreshed. I used this between washes as washing the hair daily damages the hair so this has also made my hair look healthier. The small aerosol can is not too bulky and you can throw this into your handbag or luggage easily without taking up too much room.” – Buti4

Want to know more? Read Batiste Green Tea & Chamomile Dry Shampoo reviews here…

$10.50 at Woolworths

Garnier Fructis Hair Food Nourishing Banana 3-in-1 Mask Treatment

We say: We’re all about multi-purpose products, so naturally we’re all about this banana-infused offering from Garnier. The nourishing formula can be used as a rich conditioner, hair mask or leave-in treatment depending on your hair’s needs. Regardless of application technique, this stuff will help to hydrate, repair, and soften strands. 

You say: “I’ve been doing a lot of swimming lately so my hair is noticeably dry. I bought this quite frankly as the price was appealing. I love the scent, super scrumptious and applied the smooth thick product to the lower half of my hair, and let it work its magic for a few minutes. After washing it out and letting my hair dry naturally, I noticed my hair was softer and I had less flyaways.” – Peta908

Want to know more? Read Garnier Fructis Nourishing Banana Hair Food reviews here…

$6.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Grow Longer Stronger Stimulating Hair Scrub

We say: Sometimes a simple shampoo just isn’t enough to give your scalp the clean it needs. That’s where this exfoliating and refreshing scalp scrub comes in. Utilise the sea salt and peppermint oil-enriched formula once a week as a scalp purifying treatment or mix a little bit into your shampoo for a gentle, rebalancing bi-weekly scrub sesh. 

You say: “The scalp scrub smells so fresh, I love peppermint. It makes you feel clean and fresh because of the smell and feel of the peppermint oil and the feel of the scrub. It’s so good. It is easy to dispense from the packaging with the top making it easy to open even with wet hands. It lathers well and is easy to distribute evenly. I suffer from dandruff so it was great to really get in and give my scalp a good scrub.” – Pinkellapants

Want to know more? Read GROW Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub reviews here…

$11.50 at Woolworths

Pantene Intense Miracle Treatment Shot Biotin

We say: Short on time? This speedy one-minute rinse-off hair treatment contains biotin which helps to repair and strengthen dull and damaged hair. After those vital 60 seconds? You’ll notice your hair feels smoother, softer and looks shinier too. 

Have you tried Pantene Pro-V Intense Miracle Shot Biotin? Leave us a review and let us know what you thought. 

$6.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Essano Argan Oil Hair Recovery Serum

We say: Looking for a little bit of extra care in your haircare routine? This oil-based hair serum helps to give strands some much-needed TLC prior to styling. Argan oil, essential vitamins and hydrolysed wheat protein are combined to replenish moisture and create a protective seal around each individual hair strand for softer, smoother hair. 

You say: “I love the Essano brand, it gives good quality for a great price and the Argan Oil Hair Recovery Serum lived up to my expectations. The fragrance was very mild but pleasant and the serum was very easy to dispense. I use it after a shower on damp hair and start at the ends and work my way up. I only use 2 pumps, I find that to be plenty for my hair as my hair is fine anyway. It keeps my hair feeling soft and smooth and manages frizz all day.” – Fefe

Want to know more? Read Essano Argan Oil Hair Recovery Serum reviews here…

$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Hask Curl Care 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray

We say: As far as hair goes, there’s nothing more temperamental than a curly head of it. You could curate a collection of multiple products or you could reach for this innovative 5-in-1 formula which boasts five major curl care benefits. It’s an expert detangler, provides up to 24-hours of frizz control, seals-in moisture, acts as thermal protection, and it softens and adds shine to strands. 

Have you tried Hask Curl Care 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray? Leave us a review and let us know what you thought. 

$12.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Klorane Soothing & Anti-Irritating Peony Serum

We say: Ever dealt with the unpleasantness that is a dry, itchy, irritated scalp? You probably wish you had a product on hand that could instantly relieve said symptoms, right? Well, here it is. This peony-infused serum soothes and comforts the scalp for up to 24-hours after application. Plus, the non-greasy, non-sticky finish and handbag-friendly size make this a great on-the-go piece of haircare. 

You say: “This is my go-to when my scalp feels particularly dry, itchy, or generally irritated. It instantly soothes it with one spray. Relief is instant but it also soothes the scalp for several hours. Consistency is like water and absorbs quickly. It comes with an extended nozzle spray as shown as in the picture, which helps to accurately dispense and mist where needed. One spray gives a sufficient quantity to cover a large area of scalp. I find 1-2 sprays is usually enough, depending on your needs, and then you can gently massage the rest into your scalp.” – Ethelinde

Want to know more? Read Klorane Serum with Organic Peony reviews here…

$8.50 at Chemist Warehouse

Urbane Mess Pomade

We say: Add this product to your grocery list stat. It may be a men’s grooming staple, but the Urbane Mess Pomade is set to become a mane-stay (sorry we had to) in your daily styling sessions. This pomade is perfect for smoothing flyaways, nailing the slicked bun and even styling your brows, and will leave your strands looking sleek and lustrous without the crunchy finish.

You say: “When I recently changed my hairstyle from a sleek bob to a messy pixie cut, I needed a product to help with volume and control so that I didn’t have to fiddle with my hair during the day, and this pomade was the answer… Cheap as chips, available in supermarkets and a generous 8.5g pot of product, it’s a dream come true for anyone with short hair that needs some hold that doesn’t build up, nor dull their tresses… I’ve tried so many different kinds, and even some other formulations from this same brand, but the Pomade is by far the best, and a keeper.” – kateshepsutt

Want to know more? Read more Urbane Mess Pomade reviews…

$9 at Woolworths

Main image credit: Getty

What’s your favourite budget-friendly haircare product?