A shampoo that doesn't leave dry hair drier — that's the most specific thing the Intense Hydrate Shampoo promises, and the most important. A sulfate-free formula with a gentle, moisture-retaining surfactant system that cleanses thoroughly without stripping, and deposits Coconut Oil, Bergamot Extract, and a dual Quinoa-and-Wheat protein complex during the wash step. The first step in the Intense Hydrate routine: the cleanse that sets up everything that follows rather than undoing it.

Mechanism Intense Hydrate Shampoo uses a four-surfactant system calibrated for dry and dehydrated hair — rich, creamy lather from an SLS-free and SLES-free blend that cleanses without the aggressive stripping that compounds dryness.

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is the primary surfactant — a mild, low-irritation sulfosuccinate derived from fatty alcohols rather than lauryl/laureth sulfate chemistry. It produces a dense, creamy lather with substantially lower potential for scalp irritation and cuticle stripping than SLS or SLES, making it the correct choice for a shampoo positioned for dry hair where every wash step matters. Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, and Decyl Glucoside are the mild amphoteric and glucose-derived co-surfactants that refine foam quality, improve conditioning, and further moderate the cleanse action.

Polyquaternium-10 and Polyquaternium-22 form the in-wash conditioning polymer system. Both are cationic film-formers that deposit at negatively charged damage points on the hair shaft during washing — providing in-shower slip, reducing mechanical breakage during lathering and rinsing, and delivering the detangling and frizz-reduction that makes the conditioned step feel significantly different from a standard cleanse. Dimethiconol deposits at the cuticle surface during rinsing, providing in-wash silicone smoothing and a preliminary shine boost that carries through to the conditioning step.

Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil deposits during washing to begin replenishing the lipid layer — the same Intense Hydrate collection hero that penetrates the hair shaft, prevents protein loss, and delivers the deep moisturisation that continues through the conditioning and masque steps. Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract provides the antioxidant and radiant shine contribution — the collection's signature botanical pairing with Coconut Oil.

Hydrolyzed Quinoa and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein form the dual protein complex — both hydrolyzed to molecular weights that allow partial penetration into the cortex, depositing amino acids and structural reinforcement at the cleanse step. Combined, they reduce the net protein loss that every shampoo causes to some degree, building cumulative resilience with each wash.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) provides antioxidant protection at the hair shaft level. Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract carries the REF Colour Preserve System — UV and free radical protection. Glycerin and Glycereth-26 provide surface humectant moisture balance. Dicaprylyl Ether provides lightweight emollient conditioning during the rinse.

The CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2) colorant gives the shampoo its characteristic violet tint — a cosmetic colourant at this level, not a toning active.

100% vegan. Cruelty-free. Colour-safe. Sulfate-free.

Metro Vancouver note: Coastal humidity combined with hard water mineral deposits creates a compounding dryness problem — mineral roughness at the cuticle blocks moisture uptake while humidity draws moisture out. A sulfate-free shampoo that deposits Coconut Oil and protein actives during cleansing directly addresses one half of this cycle. See our Hard Water Hair Damage hub if mineral buildup is a contributing factor to persistent dryness.

Who It's For All hair types, especially dry and dull hair — and curly hair, which benefits from the sulfate-free formula and in-wash conditioning polymer deposit. Works on colour-treated, bleached, and chemically processed hair. Suitable for daily use without stripping. Apply to wet hair and scalp, distribute from root to tip, leave 30 seconds before rinsing, and repeat if needed.

Complete the Intense Hydrate routine with: REF Stockholm Intense Hydrate Conditioner → | REF Stockholm Intense Hydrate Masque → | REF Stockholm Leave In Serum →

Key Ingredients

• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate — Mild sulfosuccinate primary surfactant; creamy lather without SLS/SLES stripping; correct choice for dry hair where every wash step matters
• Polyquaternium-10 & Polyquaternium-22 — Dual in-wash conditioning polymers; deposit at damaged cuticle points for in-shower slip, detangling, and frizz reduction
• Dimethiconol — In-wash silicone; deposits at the cuticle surface during rinsing for preliminary smoothing and shine
• Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil — Penetrating emollient; begins lipid layer replenishment at the cleanse step; prevents protein loss
• Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract — Antioxidant-rich botanical; provides radiant shine and colour vibrancy protection
• Hydrolyzed Quinoa & Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein — Dual protein complex; deposits amino acids and structural reinforcement during washing; reduces cumulative protein loss
• Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract — REF Colour Preserve System; UV and free radical protection

How to Use Apply to wet hair and scalp. Distribute evenly from root to tip. Allow 30 seconds to sit on the hair before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat if needed. Follow with REF Intense Hydrate Conditioner or Masque.