The Hair Loss Issue. The Easy Guide for Expats in the UAE Struggling with Hair Loss

Hair loss was the first thing I heard about when I moved to the UAE, and it quickly became a reality I had to face. The UAE’s climate is an adventure in itself, but for expats like me, it comes with unexpected challenges for hair health. Hot, dry weather, desalinated water, and stress from adjusting to a new environment (or traffic, or waiting for 12+ months to find a job, etc.) can impact our hair in unexpected ways. Many experience hair thinning, shedding, or even hair loss – but fear not! I have been working on a little guide to understanding hair loss, common causes in the UAE, and practical steps to keep your locks resilient and thriving.

Healthy hair is more than a beauty statement; it’s often a reflection of our body’s wellness. Our hair can signal stress, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, or even underlying health concerns. Prioritizing hair health keeps us feeling confident and looking our best, especially in such a demanding environment.

Hair Types and Ideal Routines
Every hair type deserves a customized routine. Fine, thick, curly, or straight, each type requires different care approaches:

Fine Hair: Look for lightweight products that won’t weigh down strands.
Curly Hair: Prioritize moisture, as curls are prone to dryness.
Thick Hair: Benefit from nourishing oils and deeper hydration.
Color-Treated Hair: Always opt for color-safe formulas to protect vibrancy, hair, and scalp.

Understanding your hair type is the foundation for healthy hair, especially in this desert oasis.

Main Reasons for Hair Loss in the UAE

Expats in the UAE, including myself, often find themselves dealing with unexpected hair challenges. Here are some common causes of hair loss here:

Hard Water: The desalinated water in the UAE is rich in minerals, which can dry out the hair and lead to breakage over time.
High Temperatures: With constant high temperatures, sweat buildup can clog scalp pores, weaken hair follicles, and increase hair shedding.
Stress and Environment Changes: Moving to a new country is exciting but stressful, which can contribute to hair loss. Adjusting to the UAE’s unique environment can also affect scalp health.
Sun Exposure and Outdoor Lifestyle: Sitting at the beach, sunbathing, and spending time outdoors can leave hair vulnerable to UV damage, leading to weakened strands and dryness. Sandy winds further strip moisture from hair, making it more prone to breakage. Frequent dips in pools expose hair to chlorine, drying it out and damaging hair structure.
Vitamin D Deficiencies: Ironically, despite the sunny climate, many people in the UAE suffer from vitamin D deficiencies due to staying indoors to avoid the heat. Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair follicles so that a deficiency can exacerbate hair loss.
Dietary Adjustments: Check your diet and make sure it does not impact your hair health.

These factors can be harsh on your scalp and strands, making hair health a priority.

The UAE’s climate is no friend to hair. With temperatures often soaring, the dry desert air, coupled with mineral-heavy desalinated water, strips moisture from both skin and hair. This environment demands an intense haircare regimen focused on hydration and protection.

Best Practices to Fight Hair Loss

Consistency and thoughtful choices go a long way in supporting hair health. Here are some best practices:

Hydrate: Moisture is key, so make sure you don’t leave the house without a leave-in treatment, oil, or balm in your hair.
Protect from the Sun: UV rays weaken the hair, so use a hat or UV-protectant spray.
Get a Haircut: Trim damaged ends as soon as possible. Regular haircuts prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, reducing breakage and keeping hair looking healthy.
Rinse with Filtered Water: If possible, rinse your hair with filtered water to reduce mineral buildup.
Gentle Products Targeting Hair Loss Concern: Avoid sulfates and harsh ingredients that strip natural oils.
Reduce Hair Styling Products: Minimize the use of heavy styling products, such as heavy hairsprays, strong-hold gels, and mousses, waxes, as they can weigh down hair, clog scalp pores, and, in the long run, contribute to hair loss.

Tools That Support Hair Health

Here are some top tools I use to help me keep my hair on my scalp:

Silk Pillowcases: Reduces friction, preventing breakage.
Scalp Massagers: Stimulates blood flow, supporting growth, especially when used with oils that target hair loss, such as rosemary oils, peppermint, lavender, and orange.
Boar Bristle Brush: Gentle, reduces pulling, and distributes natural oils.

Star Ingredients for Hair Loss Prevention

When it comes to ingredients, the UAE heat requires hydrating and strengthening components:

Horsetail Extract: Rich in Silica, it aids hair thickness and strength.
Rice Water: Packed with amino acids, it strengthens hair and promotes elasticity.
Biotin and Vitamins: Boost hair’s resilience and promote growth from within.

Always check the ingredients list of your haircare products and try incorporating these ingredients into your haircare routine for noticeable improvement.

The Supplements I Tried and Recommend for Hair Loss

I wrote more about these brands and why they provided results for me:

FORCAPIL® HAIR ACTIV from Arkopharma Laboratoires
Nourkrin Hair Growth
New Nordic Hair Volume
SIKAPUR Silica Softgel Capsules

Supporting hair health from within is equally essential. Here’s what to consider:

Horsetail extract or Horsetail Powder, or on other ingredient lists, Silica. It is a mineral essential for developing healthy hair, skin, and nails, promoting collagen production, and is crucial for maintaining hair’s strength and elasticity.
Rosemary Oil: It stimulates circulation in the scalp, promotes hair growth, and strengthens hair follicles; it’s an excellent addition to any haircare routine.
Biotin and Multivitamins: Help nourish hair from the roots.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Keep hair moisturized and healthy.
Collagen Supplements: Known to improve strength and resilience.

When to See a Doctor
Hair loss can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. If your hair loss becomes noticeable or sudden, it might be time to consult a specialist.

All for Hair Loss

If you’re looking for effective, budget-friendly options, here are some great haircare brands available in the UAE online and in stores or pharmacies:

Vichy Dercos Series Targeting Hair Loss: Known for scalp-friendly, dermatologically tested solutions, Vichy uses ingredients like Aminexil to combat hair loss at the root level. I have seen baby hairs after less than three weeks of using the Dercos Technique Aminexil Clinical 5 – Treatment Women – I absolutely love and highly recommend these vials, together with the shampoo and conditioner.
Kitsch: Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth. This affordable, sulfate-free shampoo bar harnesses rice water’s nourishing power, which promotes growth and adds shine. It is a perfect shampoo bar for daily use and travel; it’s gentle on the hair and scalp. Kitsch has quickly become a cult favorite for its eco-friendly, innovative products, and I absolutely love their shampoo bars for their effectiveness and ease of use.
Kevin Murphy PLUMPING.WASH shampoo and conditioner. Formulated specifically to target scalp health and boost volume, this duo includes a blend of nourishing ingredients that stimulate hair follicles. It is ideal for fine, thinning hair, and helps create a fuller look, and encourages healthy growth.
Sukin Haircare VOLUMISING SHAMPOO – Another cult favorite, Sukin’s Volumising Shampoo is gentle, natural, and effective. Free from harsh chemicals, it uses botanical extracts like rice protein and mango butter to add body and thickness to fine hair. I love Sukin for its commitment to cruelty-free and vegan formulations, making this shampoo an excellent choice for those seeking volume while caring for their hair and the environment.

High-End Haircare Brands to Consider

For those who want to invest in luxury haircare, these brands are worth the splurge:

Virtue Labs: Known for its groundbreaking keratin technology that repairs hair on a cellular level.
Oribe: Luxurious and rich in botanicals for both strength and beauty. Their collections, like Magnificent Volume, Hair Alchemy Resilience, and Gold Lust Repair & Restore, target everything from hair loss to restoring vitality.
John Masters Organics: The Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner with Rosemary & Peppermint are award-winning products that improve hair health from the first use.
Sachajuan: The SCALP Shampoo and Conditioner offer a powerful, science-backed approach to soothe and maintain scalp health, promoting stronger hair growth.
Philip Kingsley: The Density Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to add body and fullness, ideal for thinning hair.
Living Proof: The Full Shampoo and Conditioner provide noticeable volume and bounce, giving fine hair a fuller, thicker appearance.
OUAI: The Fine Hair Shampoo and Conditioner deliver gentle hydration while enhancing volume, perfect for maintaining lightweight, healthy locks.

I know I gave more expensive options, but I love my hair, and I do think the splurge is worth 🙂

“There are no rules when it comes to hair. You can do whatever you want.” — Oribe Canales

Bonus: Best hair masks, oils, and treatments that are helping me with my hair loss:

🤍K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
🤍Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask
🤍Virtue Labs Flourish Density Booster for Female Hair Loss
🤍Hairgain Miracle Treatment Mask
🤍Hairgain Scalp Foam
🤍Oribe Nourishing Oil
🤍Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum
🤍Hair by Sam McKnight Nourishing Balm
🤍Hair by Sam McKnight Intensive Treatment Mask
🤍Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapies Deep Conditioning Treatment – I love the Bluebell Woods
🤍Nashi Argan Instant Hydrating Styling Mask

Quick Tips for Expats in the UAE Struggling with Hair Loss:

Stay Hydrated and consider your diet.
Use a Filtered Shower Head – it’s a must.
Incorporate Nourishing Treatments and UV protection for your hair.
Avoid hair dryers, at least for a short period, until you feel your hair is getting stronger.
Create a weekly haircare routine to include washing and grooming your hair and your scalp, and be diligent about it.
Get a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks; make sure your ends are nourished and protected.
Always check the ingredients list before purchasing any products targeting hair loss; stay away from products that have “organic” written on the packaging and are under 50 AED.
Consider a silk pillowcase and a microfiber hair towel to dry your hair and scalp gently.