Natural Hair in Dubai: The Struggle No One Talks About

When you imagine moving to Dubai, you probably picture stunning skylines, incredible career opportunities, and a vibrant, luxurious lifestyle. It’s a city that promises a world of possibilities, and in many ways, it delivers. But amid all the planning—the visa applications, job searches, and apartment hunting—there are personal, everyday realities that often get overlooked. For Black women, one of the most significant yet unspoken challenges is learning how to care for our natural hair in a completely new environment.

When I prepared to move my life and my family to Dubai, I thought I had everything figured out. With several international moves behind me, I felt confident. I packed the essentials, organized our documents, and mentally prepared for the cultural shift. What I didn't prepare for was the battle my hair was about to face. The dry desert climate was a shock to my coils, and the struggle to find the right products and a stylist who understood my hair was a journey in itself.

This isn't just about hair. It's about identity, comfort, and feeling at home in a new place. It's a piece of the relocation puzzle that deserves more attention. In this article, I want to share my personal journey with Afro hair care in Dubai—the struggles, the lessons, and the solutions I found along the way. This is the conversation I wish someone had with me before I moved.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Dubai is the air. It’s incredibly dry, a stark contrast to the more humid environments many of us are used to. While you might enjoy the lack of frizz at first, the desert climate can be incredibly harsh on Afro-textured hair, which thrives on moisture.

I remember my first few months here vividly. My hair, which had been relatively easy to manage before, became brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. My go-to products suddenly stopped working, and my twist-outs wouldn't hold their definition. It was frustrating and, honestly, a little disheartening. I felt like I was starting from scratch, trying to understand what my hair needed to survive, let alone thrive.

This experience is common for many Black women moving to Dubai. The low humidity levels strip moisture from our hair strands, leaving them vulnerable. This can lead to:

Understanding the "why" behind these changes was the first step in finding a solution. It wasn't my hair that was the problem; it was my routine. It needed a complete overhaul to adapt to my new environment.

Navigating hair care in a new country is about more than just fighting the climate; it's also about finding resources. Where do you buy products? Who can you trust to style your hair? These were questions I had to answer through trial, error, and a whole lot of research.

When I first arrived, I was surprised by how difficult it was to find the brands I relied on. The shelves were filled with products formulated for different hair types, and the "ethnic" hair sections were often small and limited. This forced me to get creative. I started exploring local and international brands available here, reading ingredient lists, and experimenting to see what my hair responded to.

What I learned is that ingredients matter more than brand names. I began focusing on products rich in humectants (like glycerin and aloe vera) to draw moisture from the air and emollients (like shea butter and natural oils) to seal it in. It was a process of elimination, but eventually, I built a new arsenal of holy-grail products that worked for my hair in this dry climate.

Finding a hairstylist who truly understands Afro hair can be a challenge anywhere in the world, and Dubai is no exception. My initial experiences were mixed. I encountered stylists who were unfamiliar with coily textures, leading to a few less-than-ideal salon visits.

However, the community of Black women in Dubai is strong and supportive. Through word-of-mouth and social media groups, I was able to find talented stylists who specialize in natural hair. These professionals not only knew how to cut and style my hair but also provided invaluable advice on maintaining its health in the local climate. Building a relationship with a trusted stylist became a crucial part of my support system here.

This journey was long, and it's a story that’s best told visually. I decided to document a piece of it in a vlog to show you exactly what I mean. In the video below, you'll see a snippet of my experience—the frustrations, the search for solutions, and a visit to a stylist who finally understood my hair's needs.

Watching my journey, I hope you see that while the struggle is real, it’s also conquerable. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability that defines us as Black women, especially when we venture out to build new lives abroad.

Through my experiences, I’ve developed a routine that keeps my hair healthy and moisturized. If you're planning a move to Dubai or are already here and struggling, here are some practical tips that can make a world of difference.

Make deep conditioning a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine. The dry air will constantly try to sap moisture from your hair, so you need to be proactive about replenishing it. Look for moisturizing deep conditioners with ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and panthenol. I also love to add a few drops of my favorite oils, like jojoba or avocado oil, for an extra boost.

The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method is a game-changer in a dry climate. This layering technique is designed to maximize moisture retention.

This is a simple but crucial step. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wearing a satin bonnet or scarf, reduces friction and prevents your cotton pillowcase from absorbing the moisture you worked so hard to put into your hair.

Protective styles are your best friend in Dubai. Styles like braids, twists, and updos keep your ends tucked away, protecting them from the dry air and minimizing manipulation. This gives your hair a break and helps you retain length. Just be sure not to leave them in for too long and to keep your scalp clean and moisturized.

Above all, pay attention to what your hair is telling you. What worked for me might not work for you, and what works today might not work next month. Be flexible, be patient, and don't be afraid to experiment. Your hair journey in Dubai is a personal one, and finding what works is a process of discovery.

Moving abroad is a bold, life-changing decision. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. The challenges you face, whether they’re related to business, family, or even hair care, are all part of the journey of building a global life.

My mission is to provide the support and authentic insights that I wish I had when I started. The struggle with natural hair in Dubai is just one example of the unique experiences we face as Black women moving abroad. By sharing our stories and solutions, we empower each other to not just survive but truly thrive in our new homes.

If you’re considering a move or are navigating life abroad, know that you have a community here to support you. Explore the resources on this site, connect with me on social media, and let's continue to unlock global opportunities, together.