Hair loss is often a common and recurring problem for those living in harsh climates. In the case of expats moving to the UAE or the wider region, everything from the weather through to seawater, chlorinated swimming pools and harsh tap water can have an impact on your hair, causing thinning and even hair loss. Why, you ask, does this happen?
Well, first off, in the UAE, your tap water is desalinated. That means is has a high content of chlorine, which causes the hair to become dry, leaving it more prone to breakage. Combine that with a few trips to the pool and a dip in salty seawater, and it’s no surprise your hair is thinning. Plus, it can also affect the health of your scalp, preventing new hair from growing. On top of that, the sun’s harmful rays can lead to more damage as it further dries out your locks. And even the desert air can cause your hair to become more brittle, thanks to silica, which is common in volcanic and arid regions.
After moving to the UAE, you may notice the impact on your locks in just three months of living in the region. If you also regularly subject your hair to various treatments, including dyeing and bleaching, the impact may be even more extreme.
Never fear, however – there are plenty of precautions, products and treatments you can use to protect your luscious locks. From shower filters through to products to protect and cleanse your scalp and prevent thinning and hair loss, here are the latest haircare innovations for a head of hair that would rival that of Beyoncé and Julia Roberts.
1. SHOWER FILTER
Target the problem at its source by ensuring that the water you use at home is filtered of nasty pollutants and bacteria. This one from Blu promises to eliminate 99% of the stuff that can damage your hair and skin, ensuring protection against hair loss and moisture.
Blu Ionic Shower Filter Handheld
2. HEAT PROTECTION
If you do regularly style your hair and expose it to excessive heat, be sure to use something that will protect it. This serum from Miriam Quevedo locks in moisture and helps to eliminate frizz.
Miriam Quevedo Extreme Caviar Restructuring Luxe serum
3. SCALP REHAB
Directly targeting the scalp, Aveda’s scalp revitalizer is a wonder product. Four out of five women who tested it stated their hair felt thicker and fuller after use. Apply directly to your scalp for results.
Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer
4. KERATIN SHAMPOO
If you’re after a great shampoo that packs a punch against hair loss, look no further. Nanogen’s 7 in 1 Thickening Shampoo is also a conditioner and is packed full of keratin for thick and full locks.
Nanogen 7-in-1 Shampoo Thickening Hair Treatment for Women
5. LEAVE-IN TREATMENT
A leave-in treatment, Nioxin’s scalp and hair treatment adds volume to thinning hair and is ideal for chemically treated locks. Furthermore, it contains SPF to protect from the sun’s harmful rays and can be used daily.
Nioxin Scalp & Hair Treatment
6. NOURISHING CONDITIONER
If your hair is seriously in need of some hydration, then this intensely nourishing conditioner might be the answer. It targets split ends as well as overall limp hair.
Kevin Murphy Hydrate.Me.Rinse
7. HAIR SUPPLEMENTS
As they say, beauty comes from within. As such, strengthen your locks by ensuring your body is getting the right nutrients for a healthy head of hair.
Philip Kingsley Tricho Complex Hair Nutrition Formula Food Supplement
8. LEAVE-IN LOTION
Created to target thinning hair, this leave-in lotion is made with sabal extract and mulberry root extract, both of which are natural remedies known to stimulate hair growth.
Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion
9. HAIR THICKENING MASK
Multi-award-winning UK brand Creighton’s has a unique range of professional-grade, natural hair care products made specifically for thinning hair. Try its BAMbeautiful Hair Thickening Conditioning Masque.
Creighton BAMbeautiful Hair Thickening Conditioning Masque
10. MINOXIDIL TREATMENT
If you’re looking for a medical-grade solution, try any of Rogaine’s products, which contain minoxidil, which has been proven to promote hair growth. Apply this foam to your hair once a day and use consistently for several months.
Rogaine Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
