First up I love that the products from Reference of Sweden are Paraben and Sulfate free, and made using natural extracts of omega-rich linseed oil and ultra emollient Tamanu oil, which have healing and repairing properties.
I also love that the products as they are also called are using a very simple reference system, hence why they also go under the name REF., where the REF on each product simply describes the unique characteristics of the product with numbers, so you can always get the product tailored to your hair's personal requirements, according to Hold/Care, Shine, or Volume. Each is simply rated from 0 through to 5, with 5 naturally being the highest strength - so the Shampoo and Conditioner I'm putting to the test here, both have the reference 551, meaning that they provide maximum Care, Shine and minimal Volume, whereas the Heat protection Spray REF 230, has medium Hold and Shine and offers no Volume. How brilliant is that!
Let's start with the Reference of Sweden REF Shampoo 551, which is a sulphate and paraben free shampoo intended for dry, damaged or chemically treated hair. It features extracts of neem, lingonberry seed and walnut, Tamanu and Argan oil, and aims to reconstruct and renew the hair for optimal health and shine. It also repairs hair that is dry and damaged from chemical services and thermal styling, while calming and nourishing the hair and scalp.
What I notice first is that the pearlescent shampoo has the most divine fruity scent, which reminds me a little of green apples. It gently cleans my hair, without drying it out or making it feel squaky clean, and you can clearly feel that the botanical extracts are caring for the hair. Following with the Reference of Sweden REF Conditioner 551, which is an intensive reconstructor for hair damaged by chemical services and thermal styling, and it is also sulphate free. The conditioner has a light consistency, and absorbs quickly into my hair, which did initially make me feel the need to use a little more, but don't be fooled as it really does add intense moisture to the hair. It is easy to rinse out without leaving behind a greasy residue, and afterwards the hair is left soft and smooth and easy to comb out without knots. And once dry, the hair looks very healthy and shiny, without being weighed down. The conditioner has the same gorgeous scent as the shampoo, although unfortunately not quite as strong.
I don’t heat style my hair everyday, but when I do, I've enjoyed using the Reference of Sweden REF 230 Heat protection Spray. This light light spray that can be used in both damp and dry hair before heat styling to help form a protective barrier and prevent the hair being damaged from the heat styling. The spray is easy to apply to the hair, and I love that it has the same fresh fruity scent, as the shampoo and conditioner, although the first few moments it is a little chemically and alcohol-like, but luckily that does quickly evaporate, leaving the nice scent behind. After styling my hair, it is left soft and smooth, and looking healthy and shiny, and I like that it also gives my hair a touch of hold, without making it feel stiff, as that means that flyways are also under control.
Overall I've really enjoyed using these products from Reference of Sweden, as continued use has left my hair feeling soft and smooth, and looking shiny and healthy, so I will definitely consider repurchasing these again, and also look into other products from the brand including Leave-In Treatments, Hair Masques and Shine Spray..
REF Repair Shampoo 551 - RRP: $8 / 75ml, $29 / 300ml, $58 / 750ml
REF Repair Conditioner 551 - RRP: $8 / 50ml, $29 / 250ml, $58 / 750ml
REF 230 Heat protection Spray - $32 / 200ml
Available from select salons, contact Luxury Beauty Concepts to enquire
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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