REF Stockholm helps keep colour intact and makes styling a breeze, even battling the elements

With the seasons being all topsy-turvy, no thanks to global warming, our hair is usually the first thing affected, with it being closest to the elements. Hair is often the first thing to be hit by the sun and rain, exposed even more so than our skin.

With regards to hair being sun-affected, often this means coloured or tinted hair is easily damaged – or at least fades quicker than normal.

That’s when you need a trusted brand to give coloured hair that much-needed boost in temperamental weather. REF Stockholm offers a brilliant product called Illuminate Colour Instant Shine which does just as its name suggests. The lotion is relatively weightless and helps provide maximum shine to all hair types, ensuring that colour glows. As a bonus, Illuminate helps to eliminate frizz, leaving hair looking and feeling silky and smooth.

So what are the secret ingredients in it? Illuminate is infused with Camellia Oil and Wheat Bran Extract for moisture, along with Quinoa Protein which helps to strengthen follicles. It also contains essential amino acids that assist in the repairing, conditioning and protecting hair. Now that’s a heck of a lot of benefits from one product!

It’s no wonder Illuminate Colour Instant Shine won in the category of ‘Best Hair Care Product’ at the 2025 Swedish Beauty Awards – the biggest event in the Swedish beauty industry – as the evidence is in the results. Amazing results, every time.

Another of my favourite products from REF Stockholm is their excellent Intense Hydrate Styling Cream. Seriously, I have a lot of hair products in my bathroom cabinets – something I am always grateful for, working in the media and reviewing many new hair and beauty product releases. But the one hair styling product I find myself reaching for most often is this one.

While it’s lightweight, it delivers a nice light hold and smooth definition. And the scent is simply delicious since it is enriched with coconut oil and jojoba oil – both ingredients helping to maintain just the right amount of moisture in my hair – and never leaving it looking greasy. I simply apply the tiniest amount – about the size of a 5 cent piece, and work it through my curls.

I can see why prestigious salons such as Maurice Meade include REF Stockholm products in their collections. In fact, says a representative from the Maurice Meade team, “When we need a styling-focused range, REF Stockholm is the perfect choice. REF is a uniquely beautiful, clean brand,  globally renowned for its Swedish creativity, innovation and organic formulations.”

I couldn’t agree more, and it’s now my go-to for colour maintenance and styling.

Lisa Andrews

REF Stockholm haircare products are stocked in select salons. Product prices vary. Visit refstockholm.com for full information.