While I've always made sure to take good care of my skin, my hair has definitely not received the same TLC.

I've put my hair through a lot — excessive heat styling, frequent dyeing and more chronic stress than I'd like to admit.

And it showed. Every time I went to a hairdresser, they'd comment on how dry it looked (rude, but fair). It was a far cry from the thick dark brown/black hair I naturally had growing up.

WATCH: Cassandra Green shares a simple hack for perfecting a ponytail. Post continues below.

It wasn't until I started feeling self-conscious about my hair's health (especially around the hairline) that I decided to properly look into products to undo the damage I'd caused over the years.

Luckily, thanks to my K-beauty obsession (and the nature of my job as a beauty writer), I've come across some seriously good products. They haven't just repaired my strands — they've offered long-lasting nourishment, protection and even helped stimulate hair growth. Oh, and they've also made styling a whole lot easier.

My hair when it was dry and brittle (left) vs. my hair after investing in Korean and Japanese haircare poducts (right).

And because I believe no beauty secret should be gatekept, I'm sharing all my must-haves with you.

So, below are the products I keep on rotation to help my hair stay strong through seasonal changes, stress, and all the dye and heat I throw at it and you'll find nothing over $50.

The best Korean and Japanese beauty haircare products to buy in Australia. 

Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer 100ml, $18.80 (usually $27.50).

Image: Lila Beauty.

ICYMI, rosemary has become one of the most talked-about ingredients for hair health — and for good reason. It's known to stimulate growth, improve scalp health, and reduce irritation. Rosemary oil, in particular, is celebrated for its ability to boost circulation to the hair follicles, which may help prevent hair loss and promote thicker, healthier strands. In short, rosemary is a bit of a haircare MVP.

Which brings us to this cult-favourite tonic from Aromatica.

Even if you're not across Korean haircare, chances are you've spotted this one during its viral moment on TikTok. The Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer combines rosemary with biotin and a "black food complex" (think black beans, black rice, black sesame, black pepper and mulberry) — a powerhouse blend designed to strengthen roots and support overall scalp health.

To put things into perspective, it has a 4.3-star average rating on Amazon from over 2,400 reviews. Many users report noticeable improvements in hair density and strength. Not bad, right?

And while it's technically an oil-based treatment, it doesn't feel like one. It comes as a lightweight spritz that's super easy to apply and massage into the scalp (pro tip: use a scalp massager — it feels amazing and helps stimulate the hair follicles more effectively). I'll admit I was a bit sceptical about the rosemary scent at first — I didn't want to smell like roasted lamb — but it's actually really fresh. The added spearmint oil gives it a clean, invigorating scent that's surprisingly pleasant.

Mise En Scene Perfect Serum Original 80ml, $18.50 (usually $22.50). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

I take annual trips to Seoul, and on every visit, this product is always a top seller at Olive Young (think of it as Seoul's version of Sephora, MECCA and Adore Beauty all rolled into one). Earning that kind of status is no small feat, especially in Korea's incredibly competitive beauty market.

This affordable serum is packed with a nourishing blend of argan oil, coconut oil, camellia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil, apricot oil and marula (birrea) seed oil — all delivering rich nutrients to every strand of hair. It also helps to reduce tangles, smooth cuticles, and maintain hair colour and shine.

It's honestly been a lifesaver for reviving my damaged hair.

I personally love using the Perfect Serum Super Rich version — a supercharged take on the OG — especially during the cooler months when my hair tends to get extra dry.

Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Mask Hair Treatment 180g, $16.40 (usually $30). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

When it comes to hair masks, no one does it quite like Japanese beauty brand Shiseido. While the brand is best known for its skincare and makeup, let me just say that they really deliver when it comes to haircare.

Shiseido is renowned for two standout masks: the Fino Premium Touch Hair Treatment Mask and the Tsubaki Premium Repair Hair Treatment Mask. I've tried and loved both, but I personally prefer the Tsubaki one. It's rich enough that I only need to use it twice a week, whereas the Fino formula is lighter and suitable for every wash.

As the name suggests, the Tsubaki mask is centred around tsubaki (camellia) oil — a beloved ingredient known for its nourishing and smoothing properties. It deeply moisturises and smooths the hair cuticle, leaving hair soft, glossy and more manageable. Plus, it has the most gorgeous, floral, honey-like scent that lingers in the best way (and this is coming from someone who is not big on scented products!). 

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment 100ml, $12.50 (usually $20). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

If you love Olaplex's formulas but not the price tag, let me introduce you to this Korean dupe. OK, it's not an exact ingredient match, but according to the internet (and from my own testing), it delivers pretty comparable results.

This ultra-nourishing hair treatment helps protect and repair damage caused by dyeing and heat styling. It's packed with pig collagen, hydrolysed milk, broccoli and rice extracts, which deeply condition the hair while also soothing the scalp and boosting circulation.

Every time I use this as a five-minute treatment, then rinse it out and blow-dry my hair, I notice significantly less frizz and tangling, plus way more softness, shine and bounce.

Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki Gold Premium Shampoo and Treatment 500ml, $49.50 (usually $62). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

I can't even tell you how much money I've spent on expensive shampoos and conditioners. Sure, all the high-end brands recommended by professional hairdressers have been nice to use — but none of them really wowed me… until I discovered this combo from Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki.

It's genuinely helped reduce dandruff and relieve itching, which is step one when it comes to improving overall scalp and hair health. The formula contains 33 per cent pure medicinal Korean ginseng (my fave!) to boost circulation and stimulate hair growth, while liquorice root helps control sebum production and protect against hair loss. There's also green tea and panthenol to nourish and shield the hair follicles, and menthol to create a refreshed, balanced environment for healthy growth. And last but not least, Siberian chrysanthemum brings antibacterial properties and deep scalp cleansing into the mix.

Literally every ingredient is music to my ears.

Kaminomoto Super Strength Hair Serum (Gold) 150ml, $31.50 (usually $43.50). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

I remember first buying this serum (which has more of a watery consistency than a traditional thick serum) years ago when my dad asked me to find something to help with his hair loss, and that's when I came across this Japanese product. After a few weeks of consistent use, my whole family genuinely noticed an improvement in his hair density, so I decided to grab a bottle for myself.

After around six weeks of regular use, I saw less hair fall when brushing, and more growth around my hairline (an area I've always been a bit self-conscious about).

This Japanese hair treatment is designed to improve the health of the hair roots, pores and scalp, which in turn promotes growth and strengthens the follicles. Key ingredients like Kamigen E and K, along with CS-Base, help address scalp concerns while supporting nutrient delivery to the hair. It also has antiseptic properties to maintain a clean, balanced scalp environment. 

You'll likely see the most noticeable results within the first two months (and taking a break after that is actually recommended), so it's not something you need to use every single day of the year.

Have you tried any of these Korean and Japanese hair products? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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Feature image: Supplied.