Hair changes after moving to Dubai are more common than most people realize—especially for expats used to softer water environments.
This article was inspired by a real Reddit thread where a newcomer shared how their hair started thinning and drying out within months of arriving in the UAE.
What made it more interesting? Their hair felt softer and healthier again during a trip to Thailand—without switching shampoos, conditioners, or routines. The only thing that changed was… the water.
If you've ever wondered why you're losing hair in Dubai…
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The Dubai Move: Dream Lifestyle, Unexpected Hair Struggles
Moving to Dubai is a dream. The skyline, career opportunities, and vibrant lifestyle are everything you imagined.
But if your hair suddenly feels dry, flat, or is falling out more than usual—you’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.
Many expats (especially women) report significant hair changes after moving to Dubai—usually within the first 6 to 12 months. And the biggest culprit? Hard water.
What Dubai’s Hard Water Does to Your Hair
In countries with soft water, shampoo rinses out cleanly, conditioners work properly, and your scalp stays balanced.
But in the UAE, tap water is classified as hard water, filled with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Here’s what that does:
- Leaves a residue that coats hair strands
- Blocks moisture from entering the hair shaft
- Causes dullness, frizz, and rough texture
- Irritates the scalp, leading to flakes or even fallout
Even if your routine doesn’t change, your water has—and your hair feels the difference.
What the Water Tests Show
Using a TDS meter, Dubai’s tap water typically tests between 300–450+ ppm, with a pH near 8.5—making it alkaline and heavy in mineral content.
Many expats invest in basic shower filters thinking it’ll solve the issue. But these often only reduce chlorine—not minerals.
So your hair is still being rinsed in the very thing causing the problem.
6 Powerful Fixes That Actually Work
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to support your hair differently in this environment.
1. Rinse with Bottled or Distilled Water
After shampooing, use clean drinking water as a final rinse. It prevents mineral buildup and helps conditioners absorb properly.
2. Use a Portable Pump Like The Gulf Shower
The Gulf Shower connects easily to water gallons, giving you a soft, clean rinse without any plumbing changes. It’s perfect for renters or travelers needing a gentler daily wash.
3. Moisturize Daily with Lightweight Oils
After rinsing, apply a lightweight oil like argan, jojoba, or even lavender to nourish your scalp and soften strands. In fact, Healthline highlights lavender oil’s potential to promote hair growth and reduce scalp inflammation, making it a smart choice for those adjusting to mineral-heavy environments like Dubai.
4. Avoid Excessive Heat and Hot Water
Hot water opens hair cuticles and lets minerals in more easily. Stick to lukewarm water and let your hair air dry as often as possible.
5. Use a Chelating Shampoo Weekly
Chelating shampoos remove mineral deposits more effectively than clarifying ones. Use them once a week, followed by a deep conditioner.
What is a Chelating Shampoo (And How to Spot a Good One)?
Chelating shampoos are powerful cleansers specifically designed to remove mineral buildup—like calcium, magnesium, chlorine, and even metal ions—from your hair. They’re ideal for people living in hard water regions (like the UAE), swimmers, or anyone noticing dull, heavy hair despite a clean routine.
Unlike regular clarifying shampoos (which target product buildup), chelating shampoos go deeper. They’re especially helpful when hair feels coated, dry, or won’t respond to treatments anymore.
Look for these ingredients to spot a good chelating shampoo:
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EDTA (Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA) – binds to minerals and helps remove them.
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Phytic acid or citric acid – natural chelators that gently lift residue.
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Sodium gluconate – often found in cleaner, sulfate-free formulas for mild chelation.
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No heavy silicones or oils – chelating shampoos should rinse clean, not coat.
6. Limit Product Layers
In hard water environments, product residue can stick more. Simplify your routine and use only what your hair actually needs.
What to Remember
Hair changes after moving to Dubai are real—but they’re rarely permanent. Your hair isn’t damaged; it’s simply reacting to a new environment, climate, and water quality.
With a few small adjustments—like rinsing with bottled water, cutting back on heavy products, and treating your scalp more gently—you can restore balance and feel more in control.
Because moving to a new country should shift your perspective, not shake your confidence. And if your hair feels off lately, it doesn’t mean your routine is wrong. It just means your hair needs time—and better water—to adapt. Small tweaks can make a big difference in helping your hair feel like you again.