Hey curl-friend! You must know the struggle very well. After spending 45 minutes carefully styling your curls, you step outside into that Dubai heat and by the time you get to the Metro or your car your beautiful curls instantly transform into a frizz-ball. It’s like your curls have a personal vendetta against the climate here. And let’s not even talk about what the AC does to our moisture levels!
Curly hair in Dubai is a love story with dramatic twists. The environment here isn’t just weather it’s an active player in your hair routine from the minerals in hard water to the constant tug-of-war between AC dryness indoors and sticky humidity outdoors, every curl has to fight for its shape. But what if instead of battling the climate, you learned to work with it?
Here’s the good news you can absolutely have amazing curls in the desert. It’s not about fighting the climate, it’s about learning to work with it and providing your hairs with the treatment they require to withstand it. So let’s not wait more and get ready to meet the Dubai version of your best curls.
Let’s first meet your Culprits – The Frenemies of Curly Hair
- Humidity: That moment your hair decides to expand to twice its size.
- Hard Water: Making your hair feel like straw
- Sun & Saltwater: Fun for beach days, not so fun for hair health
- AC Everywhere:The ultimate moisture thief
- The Desert: It’s like the giant straw constantly sipping moisture out of your hair.
So understanding all these problems the only solution is we find a hydration superhero to save our curls.
Let’s discuss a Curly Hair Care Routine
Maintaining your curls is not a very difficult task and your curls are not rebellious. You just have to understand them and treat them appropriately:-
Wash Day = Self-Care Day
1. Pre-Wash TLC: If your ends are feeling extra dry which means they are thirsty massage it with some lightweight oil into them before you even get in the shower
2. Gentle Cleanse your hair with sulfate-free shampoo once a month for a “reset” wash to clear out all the gunk
3. Deep Condition this is non-negotiable.This is like giving your hair a big drink of water
4. Detangle with love and care. Use a Wide-tooth comb and hair serum. Apply serum in the damp hair.
Make your Curls Pop by following a layering method:
- A leave-in conditioner.Apply to soaking wet hair this is your moisture foundation
- A Curl Cream for definition
- A Strong Gel for hold.
- Lock it in with a few drops of light oil.
2 Important Tips
- Dry with Care: As regular towels are too rough, gently soak out water with a microfiber towel or an old, soft t-shirt. Hence,
T-shirt plopping > rough towel drying.
Lastly, Diffuse or air dry, your choice.
- Switch to Satin or Silk Pillow covers as cotton fibers are actually very rough as you toss and turn at night your hair grinds against the surface hampering it’s quality. On the other hand satin or silk has a smooth texture and your hair glides over it with minimal resistance.
When Things Get Tricky:
“Help, I’m a Frizz-Ball!”
Try an anti-frizz product, seal with oil and maybe rock a protective style
“My Roots Are Greasy But My Ends Are Desert-Dry”
Sound familiar? Focus products on your ends and that monthly reset wash is your savior
“My Curls Give Up By Lunchtime”
You might be using too much product or touching your hair too much
Finding your perfect routine takes some experimenting and that’s okay. Your hair might love something your curl-twin hates. The goal is happy, healthy curls that work with Dubai’s climate, not against it.
Be patient with yourself and your curls. Some days will be great hair days, some days will be “put it in a bun” days and both are perfectly fine.
Remember: your curls are as unique as you are and they’re absolutely worth the love and care.The most important part is to understand them and what your curls are asking for. Some weeks your hair may feel limp and mushy so it’s a sign it needs protein while other weeks it’s just dry.
The best product is the one that works for you. Don’t be afraid to mix, match and experiment until you find your perfect combination for curly hair.