The scalp is skin. And like all skin, it accumulates dead cells, sebum, product residue, and environmental buildup that no shampoo alone can fully address. REF Stockholm AHA Scalp Detox Treatment is a professional-grade scalp exfoliation treatment built around six clinically developed actives — AHAs for gentle chemical exfoliation, Procapil® for hair strengthening and anti-hair-loss support, Scalposine for microbiome balance, Zanthalene for soothing itchiness, Frescolat for immediate cooling comfort, and a prebiotic ferment complex for long-term scalp health. With an innovative applicator featuring an integrated scalp brush to stimulate circulation and enhance absorption. The result: a clean, hydrated, rebalanced scalp — the foundation that every hair routine should be built on but rarely is.

AHA Scalp Detox Treatment works through two simultaneous systems: chemical exfoliation to remove what shouldn't be there, and active treatment to support what should be.

AHA 50 is REF Stockholm's proprietary blend of alpha hydroxy acids — the exfoliation system. AHAs work at the scalp's skin surface by loosening the bonds between dead keratinocytes (skin cells), allowing them to shed naturally and more completely than physical scrubbing can achieve. The blend includes Glycolic Acid (the smallest AHA molecule, with the deepest penetration and strongest exfoliation), Lactic Acid (gentler, with humectant moisture-binding alongside the exfoliation), Malic Acid (Omega-3-rich, anti-inflammatory), Tartaric Acid, and Citric Acid — each contributing at different molecular weights for a graduated exfoliation effect. Supporting this, botanical AHA sources: Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Myrtle) Leaf Extract, and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract — all natural alpha hydroxy acid sources that reinforce the chemical exfoliation with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory botanical properties.

Scalposine (Sarcosine) is the formula's microbiome-balancing active — an amino acid derivative that improves scalp comfort, reduces the Malassezia yeast overgrowth associated with dandruff, and supports the scalp's natural bacterial balance. Lactobacillus Ferment and Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate are probiotic-derived ferment actives that directly support the scalp microbiome — reinforcing the beneficial bacterial environment that keeps the scalp's skin barrier healthy and resilient against the imbalances that drive chronic dandruff, irritation, and sebum dysregulation.

Zanthalene — Zanthoxylum Bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper) Fruit Extract — provides the formula's soothing and anti-itch active. Sichuan pepper husk contains hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a compound with nerve-calming properties that specifically reduce the chronic scalp itchiness associated with dry scalp, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and post-buildup irritation. It acts at a different level from anti-fungal ingredients — calming the sensory nerve response to irritation rather than eliminating the irritant — and works synergistically with Scalposine's microbiome-balancing approach.

Procapil® is the formula's hair strengthening complex — a patented combination of Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (a biotin-linked peptide that reinforces the hair's protein structure and anchoring at the follicle), Apigenin (a flavonoid from Chamomile that stimulates follicle circulation and supports the hair growth cycle), and Oleanolic Acid (an anti-5-alpha reductase compound that helps reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT, supporting the hair follicle's longevity). Together, Procapil® addresses the multiple factors in hair thinning — structural weakness, reduced circulation, and hormonal follicle miniaturisation — at the scalp level where the outcome is determined.

Frescolat — Menthyl Lactate — provides the immediate cooling sensation that is the formula's most distinctive sensory experience. Menthyl Lactate activates the TRPM8 cold-receptor on the scalp's skin nerve endings, creating a refreshing, cooling comfort that signals the treatment is working while simultaneously providing soothing vasodilatory support to the scalp's circulation.

Bisabolol (chamomile-derived) provides anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant support. Menthol reinforces the cooling sensation. Hydroxyethylcellulose provides the formula's texture and helps the AHAs distribute evenly across the scalp surface. Polyquaternium-11 provides anti-static conditioning. Oleyl Alcohol provides emollient support. Glycerin provides humectant moisture balance. Maltodextrin provides the formula's film-forming and carrier properties. Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract provides additional antioxidant scalp protection.

The integrated scalp brush applicator is an integral part of the treatment delivery — the nozzle-mounted brush allows direct, even distribution of the formula across the scalp surface while simultaneously stimulating blood circulation, which amplifies ingredient absorption and follicle activation.

100% vegan. Cruelty-free.

Metro Vancouver note: Coastal humidity creates the warm, damp scalp environment where sebum dysregulation, Malassezia overgrowth, and product buildup compound most rapidly. A scalp treatment that addresses all three — chemical exfoliation (AHA 50), microbiome balance (Scalposine, Lactobacillus ferment), and soothing (Zanthalene) — is the most complete scalp reset available for Metro Vancouver's climate. See our Scalp Health hub for the full diagnostic if your scalp concern extends beyond buildup alone.

Six Active Systems

Who It's For All scalp types experiencing buildup, dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, dryness, or hair thinning. Suitable for both in-salon and at-home use with long-term benefits from regular protocol. Can be used on any hair type. Not recommended for broken or severely irritated scalp skin — consult a dermatologist first if active scalp conditions are present.

How to Use

After shampoo (recommended for heavy product buildup): Apply to freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Twist the nozzle and massage the treatment into the scalp using the integrated brush. Leave on for 3–5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with a hair mask and conditioner.

Before shampoo (alternative — dry scalp): Apply directly to dry scalp before washing. Massage with the integrated brush. Leave on for 3–5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo, then finish with mask and conditioner.