Summer in the UAE can sometimes be brutal, not just for your skin, but for your hair too. With high temperatures, intense sun, high humidity and exposure to salt water or chlorine, hair tends to suffer more than usual this time of year. It becomes dry, frizzy, damaged and prone to breakage.
To help you protect and nourish your hair all season long, Connector spoke with some dermatologists and hair care experts across the UAE. From what to do before a swim to which shampoo works best for your hair type, here’s your summer hair care guide made easy.
Step One: Protect Before You Step Out
Whether you're heading to the beach, running errands, or simply spending time outdoors, summer sun can cause real damage to your strands. "The combination of intense heat, high UV exposure, and humidity creates a particularly challenging environment for maintaining healthy hair. Common issues include dryness, frizz, sun-induced hair shaft damage, and scalp irritation”, says Dr. Ragini Rajan, Specialist Dermatology and Cosmetology at Aster Clinic, Sharjah.
“UV rays degrade the cuticle and weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness and breakage. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a UV-protective hair spray with antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract can help protect strands from oxidative stress”, adds Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Specialist at Wellth, Jumeirah.
Dr. Maha Sultan, Specialist Dermatology and Aesthetics at Medcare Medical Centre, Jumeirah and Al Khawaneej, suggests, “Avoid peak sun hours between 11am and 4pm when possible, and consider wearing a scarf or hat for direct sun protection".
Also, don't overlook your pool or beach routine. “Wet your hair with clean water before swimming so it absorbs less salt or chlorine”, advises Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth, who also suggests applying a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil beforehand to create a protective barrier.
Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre recommends using a swim cap in pools and rinsing hair thoroughly with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo followed by a deep conditioner post-swim.
Step Two: Choose Your Shampoo And Routine Wisely
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair more frequently during summer doesn’t always help.
“Over-washing is a common mistake, especially in hot climates”, says Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth. “While it’s important to remove sweat and pollutants, stripping the scalp of natural oils can trigger imbalances like dryness, irritation, or oil overproduction”.
Most hair types do best when washed two to three times a week. People with oily scalps can wash more often, while those with curly or dry hair should wash less frequently and use hydrating products instead.
Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre recommends gentle sulfate-free shampoos like 'La Roche-Posay Kerium Extra Gentle Shampoo' or 'Briogeo Be Gentle', 'Be Kind Daily Moisture Shampoo'. If you sweat a lot, look for scalp-balancing shampoos with tea tree or mint, such as 'Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo'.
For dry or damaged hair, experts advise using deep conditioning masks once a week and lightweight oils like argan or jojoba to seal in moisture and restore strength. Dr. Ragini Rajan from Aster Clinic says, "Look for shampoos and conditioners that contain humectants like glycerine and panthenol, and emollients like shea butter and argan oil. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide can counteract environmental stress, while proteins like hydrolysed keratin or silk proteins temporarily repair weakened hair structures. Leave-in conditioners with UV protection and serums containing silicones or natural oils provide a shield against heat and humidity without weighing the hair down".
Step Three: Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
Summer hair care mistakes are easy to make but even easier to avoid, once you know what to look out for.
“People tend to use harsh shampoos daily, skip UV protection for their scalp and hair, and tie their hair up when it’s still wet. All these contribute to breakage and long-term damage”, says Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre.
Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth, also points to the importance of internal support. “Hair reflects internal health. A diet low in protein, iron, or micronutrients can lead to dullness or increased hair shedding, especially during summer when appetite may decrease”.
Experts also point out that hydration is equally important. Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods that include omega-3s, biotin, zinc and collagen to support healthy hair growth.
"Applying heavy oils or hair products directly to the scalp in humid weather is also problematic, as it can clog follicles and exacerbate seborrhoeic dermatitis. These issues can be avoided by using light, non-comedogenic products, avoiding tight hairstyles that cause mechanical stress, and incorporating sun-protective measures like UV sprays and hats", says Dr. Ragini Rajan from Aster Clinic.
Step Four: Summer Styling And Air-Drying Tips
Tight ponytails, heat styling, and rough towel-drying can all do more harm than good in the summer. Experts stress the importance of gentle handling.
“For those who do regular heat styling like blow-drying or straightening after sun exposure or pool time, without heat protectants, they have to use-protectant spray or cream before styling. Many tie their hair up immediately after showers or swimming. This can be damaging for the hair. It would be better to let the hair air dry partially before tying, use soft scrunchies instead of tight elastics", advises Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre.
Experts also point out that for added shine and frizz control, consider anti-humidity serums or leave-in products with silicones that help seal the hair cuticle.
Step Five: Tailor Care For Your Hair Type
Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth points out that while using shampoos, it is important to choose products that are suited to each individual's hair type.
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Oily scalp: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week and wash every other day.
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Dry or curly hair: Stick to sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners with ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.
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Colour-treated or damaged hair: Use protein-repair shampoos with keratin or rice protein and avoid excess heat styling.
Also consider a monthly scalp exfoliation to remove product build-up and boost circulation. Dr. Ragini Rajan from Aster Clinic also agrees and further adds, “Hair washing frequency during summer should be tailored to hair type and activity level. For individuals with oily scalps or those who sweat heavily, washing every one to two days with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo is appropriate. People with drier or curly hair may benefit from washing less frequently, from two to three times per week”.
Summer in Dubai doesn’t have to spell disaster for your hair. With a few simple adjustments to your routine and the right products in place, you can keep your locks healthy, hydrated, and radiant all season long. Make sure that you take care of your hair like you take care of your skin. A balance of prevention and nourishment, both externally and internally, is the way to go.