Living in Dubai is always sold as an incredible experience with its stunning skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant culture, and that’s absolutely true. However, as you would expect.
Living life as an adult in the city does come with some challenges, especially when it comes to hair care.
The harsh desert climate, high mineral content in the water, and the constant use of air conditioning can seriously mess with your hair. But that’s nothing to worry about!
We’ve created this detailed guide to help you get through Dubai’s rugged climate and keep your locks looking beautiful and healthy.
Understanding Dubai’s Water Quality
Before we jump into the tips and tricks on how to keep your hair healthy, it’s extremely important to first discuss Dubai’s water to really get to the bottom of the issue.
The city mainly uses desalinated water, which basically means that they take all the salt and minerals out of their seawater to make it drinkable. That method does make the water safe for drinking, but the same can’t be said about washing hair.
Desalinated water in Dubai tends to be “hard water.” Basically, it’s packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these are great for your bones, they’re not so great for your hair.
They leave a weird, greasy residue that makes your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. They also add chlorine to clarify the water, which can further strip your hair of its natural oils, making it even drier!
It’s really crucial to understand what’s really going on with your hair to be able to adjust your hair care routine to fight the weird climate of Dubai.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and that’s precisely why there are many products and approaches you can adopt to keep your hair looking perfect even in Dubai’s climate. So, let’s dive into some practical tips and tricks to help your hair thrive in Dubai!
Essential Hair Care Tips
Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
What’s the first step in any hair care routine? Of course, it’s shampoo and conditioner, and that’s precisely where we will begin correcting things.
There are many kinds of shampoos and conditioners available on the market. Still, the ones you’re looking for are silicone—and sulfate-free and have ingredients like biotin, keratin, and essential oils. These dos and don’ts will help prevent your hair from getting even drier and more damaged while repairing it from within.
Pro Tip: Consider using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove mineral buildup from hard water. Getting rid of that greasy buildup will definitely bring your hair back to life eventually.
Use Hair Masks
Incorporating a moisturizing hair mask into your routine can make a significant difference in combating dryness and brittleness. Hair masks are typically richer and more concentrated than regular conditioners, providing deep hydration and repair.
How to Use: After shampooing, take dollops of your hair mask and massage them into your hair, leaving them on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.
Cold water is actually an important part of the process since it helps seal the cuticle off after all the moisture from the mask has been drawn in.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has been considered a miracle worker for ages and for good reason. The chemical structure has fatty acids that really help the moisture to penetrate the hair shaft, getting in all the conditioning your hair needs to stay healthy.
How to Use: Heat up a mixture of three parts coconut oil and one part extra virgin olive oil. Massage it into your scalp and hair, then leave it on for about half an hour before washing it off with your regular shampoo.
Doing this twice a month will get your hair from dry and brittle to gorgeously luscious and beautiful!
Dry Naturally
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can exacerbate dryness and lead to further damage. Whenever possible, let your hair dry naturally.
Pro Tip: If you have wavy or curly hair, avoid brushing it when wet. Instead, use your fingers to detangle it while you’re in the shower, using a generous amount of conditioner to minimize breakage and maintain your natural texture.
Use Moroccan Oil
Moroccan oil, also known as argan oil, is another fantastic product for keeping hair healthy and vibrant. It’s become quite popular on social media because of the vitamins and fatty acids it contains, which nourish and protect hair from damage.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of Moroccan oil to damp hair after washing. It will give you the instant shine characteristic of healthy hair.
Brush When Dry
Brushing your hair when it’s wet can lead to breakage and damage. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to snapping, so it’s best to wait until your hair is partially or completely dry before brushing.
Pro Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Use a Water Filter
Installing a water filter in your shower can make a significant difference in reducing the negative effects of hard water on your hair.
These filters pretty much eliminate all the water issues that were causing us problems in the first place by removing chlorine and other impurities, resulting in softer, more manageable hair.
Pro Tip: Look for a filter that specifically targets chlorine and mineral content. One important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to change the filters quite frequently.
Have a Scalp Massage
Regular scalp massages can improve blood circulation to your hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
How to Do It: You can either get a professional scalp massage at a spa or do it yourself at home. Use circular motions with your fingertips to gently massage your scalp, applying light to moderate pressure.
You can really take the experience to the next level by using a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary.
Limit Use of Hair Tools
Excessive use of heat styling tools can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and breakage. Try to limit the use of these tools and opt for heat-free styling methods whenever possible.
Alternative Styling Methods: Try braiding your hair before bed to wake up with natural waves, or use foam rollers to create bouncy curls without heat.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The harsh Dubai sun can cause significant damage to your hair, leading to dryness and fading of color. Protect your hair by wearing hats or scarves when you’re outside for extended periods.
Pro Tip: Use hair products with UV filters to shield your hair from the sun’s blazing rays. UV filters act like a screen, keeping your hair’s color vibrant.
Regular Haircuts
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks helps to prevent split ends and breakage, promoting overall hair health.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re trying to grow your hair out, regular trims are crucial. Removing the damaged ends interestingly prevents breakage and keeps your hair looking fuller and more even.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your hair. Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support hair growth and strength.
Hair-Healthy Foods: Incorporate leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean proteins into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and supplements like flaxseed oil, are also great for your hair’s health, so try incorporating those in your diet as well.
Consider Getting Keratin Treatments
Keratin is a solid choice for strengthening and smoothing hair, which really makes your hair a lot more manageable. Keratin treatments infuse hair with keratin, a protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails.
But here’s the thing: when you opt for a keratin treatment, choose your salon wisely. Ensure they use high-quality products. Some treatments contain formaldehyde or other harmful chemicals, so it’s crucial to confirm that the products the salon is using are safe and suitable for your specific hair type. Remember, safety always comes first!
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy hair in Dubai’s unique environment requires a bit of extra care and attention.
The high mineral content in the water, the extreme heat, and the constant exposure to air conditioning can all contribute to hair dryness, brittleness, and even hair loss.
However, you can stay at the top of things by knowing exactly what’s causing the problems and the right way to deal with those problems.
Here’s a quick recap of the essential tips:
- Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner: Opt for sulfate-free products that are designed for dry or damaged hair. Consider using a clarifying shampoo weekly to remove mineral buildup.
- Use Hair Masks: Incorporate a deep moisturizing hair mask into your routine to provide intense hydration and repair.
- Use Coconut Oil: Apply a mixture of coconut and extra virgin olive oil to your hair for deep conditioning.
- Dry Naturally: Avoid heat styling tools and let your hair dry naturally whenever possible.
- Use Moroccan Oil: Apply Moroccan oil to damp hair, reduce frizz, and add shine.
- Brush When Dry: Avoid brushing wet hair to prevent breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush on dry hair.
- Use a Water Filter: Install a water filter in your shower to reduce chlorine and mineral content.
- Have a Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massages can improve blood circulation and promote healthier hair growth.
- Limit Use of Hair Tools: Minimize the use of heat styling tools and try alternative, heat-free styling methods.
- Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Wear hats or scarves and use UV-protective hair products to shield your hair from sun damage.
- Regular Haircuts: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain healthy hair.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet includes hair-healthy foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Consider Keratin Treatments: For extra smoothing and strengthening, consider getting professional keratin treatments.
With these tips in your hair care arsenal, you’ll be able to handle Dubai’s unique environment like a champ and keep your locks on point.
Just keep it consistent, stay proactive, and you’ll be rocking fabulous hair day in and day out! So embrace the desert lifestyle and flaunt those fabulous, healthy locks!
FAQs
Is Dubai water bad for hair?
Dubai’s water, primarily desalinated, tends to be hard water, which can pose challenges for hair health. However, with the proper care routine and products, you can minimize its negative effects.
How to avoid hair fall in Dubai?
To prevent hair fall in Dubai, consider using hair products with UV protection, opting for sulfate-free shampoos, staying hydrated, and incorporating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Which shampoo is good for Dubai water?
Look for sulfate-free shampoos with ingredients designed to combat the effects of hard water, such as chelating agents. These shampoos get rid of all of that mineral buildup from your hair, keeping it clean and healthy.
Is Dubai water hard or soft?
Dubai’s water is typically classified as hard water due to its high mineral content, including calcium and magnesium. This can lead to dryness and brittleness in hair if not properly addressed.
Which oil is good for hair in the UAE?
Coconut oil and argan oil are popular choices for hair care in the UAE as they help moisturize and nourish the hair.
Also Read: HOW TO STOP HAIR FALL IN DUBAI?
