Dubai's humidity is relentless. You walk outside for five minutes and your hair has its own plans. I've spent years figuring out what actually works here, and it's different from what you'd do in London or LA.
Why Dubai Is Different
The humidity here hovers around 60-90% for much of the year. Your hair absorbs moisture from the air, which causes the cuticle to swell. That's frizz. That's also why curls drop and sleek styles puff up.
Add the temperature swings between air-conditioned indoors (dry) and outdoors (humid), and your hair is constantly adjusting. This breaks down any style faster than normal.
Styles That Survive
Some styles fight humidity better than others. After years of trial and error with clients, these hold up:
Textured Styles
Anything with deliberate texture hides what humidity does naturally. Beachy waves, tousled looks, lived-in styles. If your hair gets a bit messy, it still looks intentional.
Updos and Braids
Hair that's secured stays put. Low buns, French twists, braided styles. The structure holds everything in place while loose pieces can frizz without ruining the whole look.
Slicked Back Looks
Gel and pomade create a seal. Slick ponytails, wet-look styles, anything with product holding hair flat against the head. Humidity can't penetrate as easily.
Enhanced Natural Texture
If you have natural curl or wave, work with it. Defined curls with anti-humidity product will last longer than fighting against your hair type.
Products That Actually Work
Not all products do what they claim. These categories make a real difference in humidity:
Anti-Humidity Sprays
These create a barrier on the hair shaft. Apply as a final step after styling. Look for silicone-based formulas. They coat the cuticle and block moisture absorption.
Smoothing Serums
Applied to damp hair before blow drying. They smooth the cuticle as you style, which means less surface area for humidity to attack. A little goes a long way.
Flexible Hold Hairspray
Skip the crunchy stuff. You want something that locks in your style but still moves. Apply in layers rather than one heavy coat.
Leave-In Conditioners
For curly or wavy hair especially. These keep hair hydrated from the inside, so it's less desperate to absorb moisture from the air. Hydrated hair behaves better.
Techniques I Use
Beyond products, how you style makes a difference:
- 01Cool shot to finish. After blow drying each section hot, I blast it with cool air. This closes the cuticle and sets the shape. Most people skip this.
- 02Let curls cool before touching. If using a curling iron or wand, let each curl cool completely before brushing or shaking out. Hot hair loses its shape when manipulated.
- 03Pin curls for longevity. For events where hair needs to last 8+ hours, I set curls with pins and let them cool before releasing. Takes longer but holds dramatically better.
- 04Strategic product layering. Light serum first, then style, then hairspray, then anti-humidity spray on top. Each layer has a job.
Throughout the Day
Your hair will change as the day goes on. A few things help:
- Carry a travel-size anti-humidity spray. Touch up at the hairline and crown where frizz shows first.
- Keep hair off your neck. Body heat plus humidity at your nape creates the most frizz. If your style allows, clip up the underneath layers.
- Embrace the transition. Hair styled for morning often looks different by evening. If you can, schedule a refresh before important evening events.
Dubai's climate doesn't have to mean giving up on good hair. It means being strategic about styles, using the right products, and accepting that perfect hair all day every day isn't realistic here.
Work with the weather, not against it. That's the difference between fighting your hair and actually enjoying how it looks.
I work across Dubai, including Dubai Creek Harbour, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, DIFC, Business Bay, JBR, and all major hotels.
