UAE summer hair? Survive the sweat, sun, and split ends with 7 easy fixes

No doubt, your hair can send you into a full-blown existential crisis. And in summer? Yikes. Maybe even double yikes. Between the scorching heat, relentless sun, and blasting air-conditioning, your strands are up against a lot, hello dryness, brittleness, and full-on frizz. But don’t panic. You don’t need a complete routine overhaul, just a few smart tweaks to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

So, where do you begin?

Just like your skin, your hair gets thirsty. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, look for ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera. Once or twice a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask to lock in moisture.

In the UAE heat, your hair and scalp are already under pressure from sun, sweat, and dryness—so avoid adding extra strain. Skip super-tight ponytails or heavy extensions that pull on your roots and can lead to breakage or even hair fall. Instead, opt for looser styles or lightweight accessories that let your scalp breathe and keep your hair healthy all summer long.

Your hair’s already getting enough heat from the sun. Give it a break from blow-dryers, straighteners, and curling irons when possible. Try air-drying or heatless styles like braids and buns.

If you’re planning to hit the pool and beach, remember chlorine and saltwater can dry out your hair fast. Before swimming, rinse your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or a bit of coconut oil to create a protective barrier.

When the sun’s blazing, your hair needs protection too. Throw on a hat, scarf, or even a cute bucket hat to shield your scalp and strands from UV damage.

It might seem counterintuitive, but regular trims are essential for healthy hair—they help prevent split ends before they have a chance to travel up the strand. Split ends usually form when hair becomes dry, brittle, or frayed due to heat styling, weather changes, or overuse of tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Left unchecked, they can lead to loss of length, volume, and that smooth, sleek finish.

And beware of frequent use of chemical-based products like hair dyes, as they can stunt growth and cause further damage to the strands. For stronger, smoother hair, keep heat styling to a minimum, skip the bleach, and give your hair a break from harsh treatments. Less is definitely more when it comes to hair health.

Air-conditioning may feel amazing, but it can dry out your hair over time. Balance it out by using a humidifier at night, or spritzing your hair with a hydrating mist during the day.

Good hair starts from within. Load up on hair-loving foods like nuts, eggs, spinach, and berries, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the UAE heat.