Tips, Tricks, and Products to Help Your Curls Thrive in the UAE

Curly hair can be both a blessing and a challenge, especially in climates like ours. Between heat, humidity, and occasional dryness, maintaining bounce, softness, and definition can feel like a full-time job. But with the right care routine, you can work with your curls, not against them.

Here are some practical tips and some product picks, all available in the UAE, to help your curls stay hydrated, defined, and gorgeous all year round:

1.     Start with a soft, hydrating wash ritual

Skip harsh shampoos that strip away natural oils. Instead, reach for a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser or co-wash that cleans without drying your strands. Always detangle in the shower using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while your hair is soaked and conditioned.

Tip: Flip your hair forward and massage your scalp with your fingertips to boost circulation and loosen build-up.

Try: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Fondant Hydratation Essentielle, AED 189, available at Sephora UAE.

2.     Lock in moisture immediately post-wash

Curly hair is naturally thirstier, so moisture should be locked in straight after washing. Gently blot excess water (don’t rub!) with a microfibre towel or soft T-shirt. While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to seal in hydration and prevent frizz before it starts.

Try: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream, AED 170, from LookFantastic.ae.

3.     Use a curl-activating mousse or gel for definition and hold

A lightweight mousse or gel helps define curls while keeping frizz under control, a must for humid UAE days. For a cream-based option that adds both moisture and control:

Try: Hask Curl Care Defining Cream, AED 29, available at Carrefour UAE and Centrepoint (Super affordable and surprisingly effective!) 

4.     Work in sections, scrunch, and set

• Divide your hair into four to six sections.

• Apply your curl cream or gel section by section, then scrunch upwards towards your scalp.

• For extra definition, use the “prayer hands” method before scrunching.

• After five to ten minutes, flip your hair and lightly scrunch the roots to boost volume.

5.     Diffuse or air-dry carefully

When it comes to drying, patience pays off:

• Use a diffuser on the no-low heat and low airflow settings, letting curls fall naturally. (The Dyson Supersonic on the “no heat” setting works beautifully for this!)

• If air-drying, resist the urge to touch your hair until it’s completely dry; it’s the best way to keep frizz away.

You might not get the exact same curls every day, but that’s the beauty of it. Embrace your texture, give your hair the moisture it craves, and let your curls do their thing. With the right products and a little patience, your curls will stay happy, healthy, and full of life - even through the UAE’s toughest weather.