The Story
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2004 by Jan Ernstberger, owner of a chain of more than 30 hair salons across the country, REF was born from a simple insight: salon shelves were full of products that took up space without adding real value to a stylist's work. REF set out to do the opposite, a concise, best-performing lineup where every product earns its place. Still family-owned today, with Jan's son Edward Ernstberger leading the company as CEO since 2019, REF is built on a philosophy of Nature + Science, pairing carefully selected botanical ingredients with proven cosmetic technology.
Every REF product carries a simple numerical Hold, Shine, and Volume rating, so finding the right one takes seconds, not guesswork. The entire line is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulphate-free, and REF pays a self-imposed environmental fee to compensate for its carbon footprint. We chose REF for the same reason stylists around the world have for two decades, real performance, honest simplicity, and a Swedish standard of quality that never cuts corners.
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REF Stockholm
Leave In Serum
$35.00125ml
SoftensDetangling SlipVeganCruelty-FreeTrue SerumProduct Description
A true leave-in serum that softens, smooths and helps damaged hair feel immediately more manageable without heaviness. Size: 125ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil and Strengthening Quinoa Protein, delivering hydration, slip, and softness that ease detangling, combing, and blow-drying.Formula Strengths
Its lightweight serum texture, built with organic coconut oil and quinoa protein, absorbs completely while adding hydration, slip, and softness, helping detangling, combing, and blow-drying feel easier and more controlled.Why Förbina Chose It
We chose it because it behaves like a real serum rather than a heavy cream, soaking in beautifully, leaving hair soft and manageable, and giving the slip needed to ease combing and blow-drying. -
REF Stockholm
Dry Shampoo Paste N°205
$30.0085ml
Formable HoldSecond-Day TextureVeganCruelty-FreeAbsorbs OilMatte FinishProduct Description
Dry Shampoo Paste N°205 is a unique hybrid between a dry shampoo and styling paste. It absorbs excess oil while adding texture, grip, and matte finish. Perfect for creating effortless looks with refreshed roots.Size: 85ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Zeolite, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Sulfate, Ceteareth-20, Stearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Oleth-20, Silica, C15-19 Alkane, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Alcohol Denat., Parfum, Trihydroxystearin, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Aqua, Glycerin, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Terpineol, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Geraniol, Citral, PineneFormula Strengths
Clay minerals create a dry matte finish, marula and sunflower oils condition without weighing hair down, and rice starch absorbs oil instantly while adding grip and texture.Why Förbina Chose It
It makes fine, thin, or even balding hair look stylish and fuller. Especially useful for short hair and men's styling when you want dry control, reworkable shape, and a matte finish. -
REF Stockholm
Rough Wax N°505
$30.0085ml
Strong HoldMatte FinishVeganCruelty-FreeTexture & GripDry LooksProduct Description
A matte styling wax that provides strong hold, texture and definition. Perfect for dry looks with a malleable finish.Size: 85ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Kaolin and Bentonite, natural minerals that create a super matte finish and allow the wax to be reshaped throughout the day without stiffness or residue.Formula Strengths
Infused with the natural minerals kaolin and bentonite for a super matte finish. Delivers maximum hold with a dry texture that's easy to work through hair, allowing you to reshape and refine styles throughout the day without stiffness or residue.Why Förbina Chose It
A go-to for creating effortless, runway-ready texture. It gives the control you need with a natural, touchable feel that lasts. -
REF Stockholm
Styling Wax N°534
$30.0085ml
Maximum HoldNatural ShineVeganCruelty-FreeLong-Lasting ControlWorkable FormulaStyling WaxProduct Description
A powerful wax with strong hold and maximum control that gives a natural shine and extra long-lasting hold. The formula is easy to work into any look you want to stay in place.Size: 85ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Carnauba Wax, Sunflower Seed Extract and Quinoa Seed Extract.Formula Strengths
Apply a small amount in towel-dried or dry hair and style as desired. The workable formula gives maximum hold and control while adding a natural shine.Why Förbina Chose It
A strong-hold styling wax with natural shine and extra long-lasting control for looks that stay put. -
REF Stockholm
Fiber Cream N°323
$30.0085ml
Medium HoldNatural ShineVeganCruelty-FreeFlexible TextureWaves & CurlsProduct Description
A soft defining fiber cream that provides flexible hold, texture and natural shine. Perfect for medium length men's cuts and for defining waves and curls with ease.Size: 85ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Castor Oil, Kaolin Clay, Quinoa Protein, and other conditioning agents that add grip and help absorb excess oil at the roots.Formula Strengths
Delivers a workable, medium hold that enhances texture without weighing hair down. Infused with castor oil and kaolin clay, which add grip and help absorb excess oil at the roots.Why Förbina Chose It
A versatile styling essential that works beautifully on medium length men's cuts and brings out the best in natural waves and curls with a soft, touchable finish. -
REF Stockholm
Intense Hydrate Styling Creme
$35.00200ml
HydratingFrizz ControlVeganClimate-CompensatedLight HoldCurl DefinitionHydrating StylerLeave-In FeelProduct Description
A hydrating styling creme that softens, defines and controls while absorbing beautifully into the hair without residue. Ideal for dry curls, thick hair, and fine hair that need moisture without heaviness.Size: 200ml. 100% Vegan. Climate Compensated.Key Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Strengthening Quinoa Protein, and REF's Colour Preserve System, a natural UV-filter derived from sunflower seed oil that protects against fading.Formula Strengths
Enriched with organic coconut oil, strengthening quinoa protein, and REF's Colour Preserve System, a natural UV-filter derived from sunflower seed oil that protects against fading and helps define texture while reducing frizz.Why Förbina Chose It
It gives hydration and definition at once, one of our favorite styling cremes for hair that needs moisture, polish, and soft control without stiffness. -
REF Stockholm
Curl Cream N°234
$37.00150ml
HydrationHeat ProtectionVeganCruelty-FreeLightweightBamboo ExtractCurls & WavesDefined CurlsProduct Description
A formable curl cream that enhances curls with a barrier that protects from heat. It gives soft, defined and hydrated curls, loose, tight or wavy, in a lightweight formula that suits thin to fine hair.Size: 150ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Quinoa and Bamboo Sap Extract for scalp-soothing properties.Formula Strengths
Apply to damp hair and scrunch your curls or waves to create the desired shape. The lightweight formula suits thin to fine hair, and the bamboo extract has scalp-soothing properties.Why Förbina Chose It
A lightweight curl cream that gives soft, defined, hydrated curls and protects from heat. -
REF Stockholm
Whipped Moisture Mousse
$35.00200ml
Deep MoistureLight & AiryVeganCruelty-FreeCoconut OilLightweightSilky FinishProduct Description
A lightweight, airy mousse infused with coconut oil that deeply moisturises and leaves hair with a silky smooth finish.Size: 200ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol and Glycerin.Formula Strengths
Apply in towel-dried hair and do not rinse. The lightweight, airy formula is infused with coconut oil for deep moisture and a silky smooth finish.Why Förbina Chose It
An airy, coconut oil-infused mousse that moisturises deeply and finishes silky smooth. -
REF Stockholm
Texture Spray N°104
$17.5075 ml | 300 ml
Matte FinishTextured ResultVeganCruelty-FreeMoisture-ResistantFLEXIBLE HOLDALL HAIR TYPESProduct Description
Texture Spray N°104 provides effortless body and definition, creating the perfect foundation for texturized and voluminous styles. It delivers a flexible, non-sticky hold while enhancing natural texture.Size: 75ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free. Paraben-free. Sulfate-free.Key Ingredients: Quinoa Seed Extract and Sunflower Seed Extract, creating moldable texture with a flexible, reworkable hold.Formula Strengths
A performance-first styling spray that creates moldable texture, soft separation and reworkable hold. Stays flexible, brushes through beautifully, and can be reshaped with hot tools.Why Förbina Chose It
We chose REF because it delivers professional performance with clean, conscious ingredients. Thoughtfully made with high-quality ingredients and free from harsh additives, it aligns with our commitment to safe, healthy, and effective beauty that's better for you and the planet. -
REF Stockholm
Ocean Mist N°303
$19.50175ml | 100ml
Sea Salt TextureWorkable BodyVeganCruelty-FreeSoft Matte FinishSea Salt SprayAdds StructureProduct Description
A mineral-rich sea salt spray that creates a natural, after-beach look. This effortless styling product leaves hair fresh and soft, with workable body and a matte finish.Size: 175ml and 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Panthenol and Glycerin.Formula Strengths
Apply to towel-dried hair and let air dry, or use a blow dryer to enhance the beach feeling. It can also be used on dry hair as a last step in your styling routine, after serum and heat protection.Why Förbina Chose It
A mineral-rich sea salt spray for an effortless after-beach look with workable body and a soft, matte finish. -
REF Stockholm
Flexible Spray N°333
$32.00300ml
Flexible ControlAdds ShineVeganCruelty-FreeMoisture ResistantFinishing SprayNatural MovementProduct Description
A versatile spray for natural movement with workable control and weightless manageability. It tames and refines hair, adds shine and helps protect against humidity.Size: 300ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Panthenol and Glycerin, plus polymers that give flexible control.Formula Strengths
Use as a finishing spray on styled hair for extra hold. Spray from a distance of 20 to 30 cm. Gives workable control and weightless manageability while protecting against humidity.Why Förbina Chose It
A finishing spray for natural movement, with workable control that tames hair without weighing it down. -
REF Stockholm
Firm Hold Spray N°545
$32.00175ml
Maximum HoldAdds ShineVeganCruelty-FreeMoisture ResistantBuildable VolumeNon-AerosolWorkable FormulaProduct Description
A non-aerosol spray that gives maximum hold and buildable volume for a multitude of looks. It dries slowly, which gives you time to style, and adds shine while resisting moisture.Size: 175ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Extract, Quinoa Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate and Glycerin, plus polymers that hold the style.Formula Strengths
Spray into dry or damp hair during styling from a distance of 20 to 30 cm. Add more for extra hold and fixation. The slow-drying, workable formula lets you build volume and shape before it sets.Why Förbina Chose It
A non-aerosol spray with maximum hold and buildable volume that dries slowly, so you can keep working the style. -
REF Stockholm
Hold & Shine Spray N°545
$17.50300ml | 75ml
Maximum HoldHigh ShineVeganCruelty-FreeEasy Brush-OutBrushes Out EasilyFinishing SprayProduct Description
A hair spray with strong hold and high shine that gives a gorgeous, glossy finish without weighing hair down. Its layering formula brushes out easily for a softer look.Size: 300ml and 75ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Extract, Quinoa Seed Extract and Glycerin, plus polymers that set the style and add shine.Formula Strengths
Use as a finishing spray on styled hair for extra hold. Spray from a distance of 20 to 30 cm. The layering formula makes it easy to brush out for a softer look, so you can set polished, flexible styles that still move.Why Förbina Chose It
A finishing spray with strong hold and a glossy shine that never feels heavy and brushes out softly. -
REF Stockholm
Heat Protection N°230
$19.50175ml | 100ml
Heat ProtectionNatural ShineVeganCruelty-FreeLight HoldUp to 450°FBlow-Dry SupportProduct Description
A lightweight spray that forms a protective barrier on the hair, shielding it from heat styling tools up to 230°C / 450°F while adding natural shine and light hold. Helps reduce blow dry time and keeps hair smooth, resilient and healthy-looking.Size: 175ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Extract, Quinoa Seed Extract, Panthenol and Betaine, plus conditioning agents that smooth and protect.Formula Strengths
Forms a lightweight barrier that protects hair from thermal damage up to 230°C / 450°F, minimizes moisture loss and helps prevent split ends. Apply into damp hair before using a blow dryer or styling tools.Why Förbina Chose It
A lightweight protective shield for blow dryers and hot tools, with natural shine and a touch of hold that keeps hair smooth and resilient. -
REF Stockholm
Frizz Tamer N°130
$29.0020ml
Frizz ControlNourishing FormulaVeganCruelty-FreeBaby HairsShea ButterTravel SizeOrganic Coconut OilProduct Description
A nourishing formula that keeps unwanted flyaways, baby hairs and frizz in place. Made with organic coconut oil and smoothing shea butter for a sleek, smooth finish.Size: 20ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Sunflower Seed Extract and Quinoa Seed Extract.Formula Strengths
Control frizz and baby hairs by brushing the hair in the direction you want it to stay. It can also be used on the eyebrows; avoid contact with the eyes.Why Förbina Chose It
A pocket-size smoother that keeps flyaways, baby hairs and frizz in place with coconut oil and shea butter. -
REF Stockholm
Shine Elixir
$30.0080ml | 30ml
Intense GlossEssential MoistureVeganCruelty-FreeSoft & SilkyHair OilLightweightRosemary & CamelliaProduct Description
A lightweight hair oil that is intensely glossing. It makes hair feel soft and leaves it with silky shine, with a moisturizing formula of rosemary and camellia oil to replenish dry, dehydrated and damaged hair.Size: 80ml and 30ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil and Rosemary Leaf Extract.Formula Strengths
Apply 1 to 3 pumps in damp or dry hair and work through from mid-lengths to ends. Easy to use, with essential moisture that adds nutrition and softness.Why Förbina Chose It
A lightweight hair oil with rosemary and camellia that leaves hair soft, nourished and intensely glossy. -
REF Stockholm
Cool Silver Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Neutralizes BrassCool Luminous TonesVeganCruelty-FreeBlueberry ExtractBlonde & Silver HairToning ShampooNeutralizes Yellow & OrangeProtects Hair ColourProduct Description
A toning shampoo for blonde, grey and silver hair. Organic blueberry extract and purple pigments neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones, while a gentle cleansing base keeps hair soft and bright.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Blueberry Extract and purple pigments.Formula Strengths
Organic blueberry extract and purple pigments counteract brassiness and enhance cool, luminous tones, while the gentle cleansing base preserves softness and strength. Apply to wet hair and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse, repeat, and finish with REF Conditioner.Why Förbina Chose It
A toning shampoo that cancels brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde, grey and silver hair while keeping it soft and bright. -
REF Stockholm
Intense Hydrate Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Deep HydrationSilky SmoothVeganCruelty-FreeDetanglingAdds ShineOrganic Coconut OilDry HairProduct Description
A hydrating shampoo for dry or dehydrated hair. Enriched with organic coconut oil and nourishing botanicals, it cleanses gently while replenishing moisture, leaving hair softer, silkier and easier to manage.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil and nourishing botanicals.Formula Strengths
Organic coconut oil and nourishing botanicals replenish moisture while cleansing, so hair feels instantly softer and more manageable. Suited to naturally dry, curly or chemically processed hair. Apply to wet hair and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse, repeat, and finish with REF Conditioner.Why Förbina Chose It
A hydrating shampoo that quenches dry, curly or processed hair without stripping its natural oils. -
REF Stockholm
Hair & Body Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Gentle CleansingHydratingVeganCruelty-FreeHair & BodyTravel FriendlyProtects Hair ColourAdds SoftnessProduct Description
A multi-tasking shampoo for hair and body. It gently removes impurities while providing lightweight hydration, leaving hair clean and soft and skin nourished and invigorated. A practical all-in-one for travel, the gym bag or anyone who wants a simple, luxurious cleanse.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Arnica Flower Extract, Chamomile Extract, Sweet Almond Oil and Hydrolyzed Quinoa.Formula Strengths
A refreshing cleanse for both hair and body that removes impurities while providing lightweight hydration, leaving hair clean and soft and skin nourished. Distribute evenly to cleanse hair, scalp and body.Why Förbina Chose It
One shampoo for hair and body that cleanses gently, hydrates lightly and travels easily. -
REF Stockholm
Illuminate Colour Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Illuminating ShineColour ProtectionVeganCruelty-FreeAcai OilColour-Treated HairPreserves ColourEliminates FlyawaysProduct Description
A color-protecting shampoo for dyed hair. Formulated with Color Preserve System and organic acai oil, it gently cleanses while safeguarding against fading, adding radiance, softness and shine.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Color Preserve System and Organic Acai Oil.Formula Strengths
Color Preserve System and organic acai oil safeguard against fading while nourishing color-treated hair, boosting radiance, softness and shine, and strengthening hair against environmental stressors. Apply to wet hair and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse, repeat, and finish with REF Conditioner.Why Förbina Chose It
A gentle shampoo that helps colour-treated hair stay vivid, soft and shiny wash after wash. -
REF Stockholm
Weightless Volume Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Lightweight VolumeGrapefruit OilVeganCruelty-FreeNon-DryingFine or Thin HairRevitalizingDetanglingProduct Description
A refreshing shampoo for fine or thin hair that adds noticeable volume and body without residue or heaviness. Quinoa proteins strengthen the hair strand while organic grapefruit oil invigorates the scalp, leaving hair clean, fresh and naturally full.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Grapefruit Oil, Quinoa Proteins and botanical extracts.Formula Strengths
A refreshing cleanse that delivers lightweight volume and body to fine or thin hair. Quinoa proteins strengthen strands while organic grapefruit oil invigorates the scalp. Apply to wet hair and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse, repeat, and finish with REF Conditioner.Why Förbina Chose It
A clean, fresh lift for fine hair, with volume that never feels heavy or sticky. -
REF Stockholm
Ultimate Repair Shampoo
$18.00285ml | 100ml
Deep RepairMurumuru ButterVeganCruelty-FreeStronger FibersReduces Split EndsProtects CuticlesChemically Treated HairDamaged HairProduct Description
A restoring shampoo for damaged and stressed hair. A botanical blend gently cleanses while murumuru butter and quinoa protein help repair broken bonds and reduce split ends. Suited to chemically treated, heat-damaged or fragile hair.Size: 285ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Murumuru Butter and Quinoa Protein.Formula Strengths
Murumuru butter and strengthening quinoa protein work together to repair broken bonds and reduce split ends, so hair feels soft, resilient and full of life. Apply to wet hair and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse, repeat, and finish with REF Conditioner.Why Förbina Chose It
A repairing shampoo for damaged hair that cleanses gently and leaves strands soft, strong and resilient. -
REF Stockholm
Deep Cleansing Shampoo
$32.00250ml
Detox MousseMenthol CoolingVeganCruelty-FreeWeightless FinishBuildup RemovalScalp RefreshReduces Visible DandruffWeekly ResetProduct Description
A detox shampoo in a lightweight, airy mousse. It lifts away oils, styling products, silicones, dry shampoo and buildup without leaving hair dry or stripped, while menthol refreshes the scalp and piroctone olamine helps reduce visible dandruff.Size: 250ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: ChromaVeil, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Menthol, Piroctone Olamine, Jujube Bark Extract and Organic Ficus Extract.Formula Strengths
A lightweight mousse that deeply cleanses oils, styling products, silicones, dry shampoo and buildup while leaving hair clean, weightless and airy. Use once a week, or as needed, for a deep and refreshing cleanse. Follow with a conditioner tailored to your hair's specific needs.Why Förbina Chose It
A weekly detox mousse that clears buildup and leaves hair clean, airy and light. -
REF Stockholm
Illuminate Colour Conditioner
$18.00245ml | 100ml
Illuminating ShineColour ProtectionVeganCruelty-FreeAcai ExtractColour-Treated HairPreserves ColourEliminates FlyawaysRich in VitaminsProduct Description
A colour-protecting conditioner for treated hair. Organic acai extract and a Color Preserve System derived from sunflower oil lock in vibrancy while delivering hydration, leaving hair luminous, soft and healthy. Ideal for keeping salon-fresh colour at home.Size: 245ml / 100ml. 100% Vegan. Cruelty-free.Key Ingredients: Organic Acai Extract and Color Preserve System.Formula Strengths
Organic acai extract and a Color Preserve System lock in colour vibrancy while delivering essential hydration, and antioxidant-rich botanicals shield hair from UV and environmental damage. Apply to washed hair, distribute evenly and leave on for a short while. Rinse thoroughly.Why Förbina Chose It
A conditioner that keeps colour-treated hair vibrant, hydrated and shiny between salon visits.