We often emphasise that textured hair is naturally more prone to dryness than straighter textures, not because it’s a weaker hair type but due to its structural features. The tighter the curl pattern the more challenging it is for natural scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft, so but design curly hair starts out drier.

Why does curly hair struggle in UAE’s heat and humidity?

Humidity refers to the level of moisture in the atmosphere, while this may align with the needs of textured hair it doesn’t guarantee that your curls will stay moisturised, as factors such as products, technique and porosity have a part to play.

Dubai and the wider UAE and Middle East region presents curly hair with an unusual combination of extreme outdoor heat and sun exposure, peak humidity and the on the opposite end, hours spent inside air-conditioned spaces. This constant shift in environment could have your hair texture feeling hydrated one moment, dry and frizzy the next due to cuticle disruption.

This is well documented in hair science - textured hair sees more cuticle lifting along the hair fiber, making it more porous as such more reactive to humidity, than straighter textures - Porosity and Resistance of Textured Hair, 2024

During the region’s peak humid months, roughly July through Late September, though though the same swings can occur on any hot, humid day - an intentional routine built for lasting moisture and styling longevity is essential. The default for many is often, leaning into using more conditioning products – deep conditioners for curly hair or more curl cream in hopes to boost moisture levels. This inherently isn’t wrong, however there’s a better more proven way which involves retaining moisture, as opposed to simply replenishing when dry. Curly hair needs moisture momentum meaning moisture should be retained for as long as possible, before the hair strands dry out moisture should be present.

This alone demonstrates why a well hydrated and conditioned base is essential for curl health and better styling results in the heat. Misting your curls with water daily is not a long-term fix, the solution is hydration that holds.

We cover the full seasonal picture in Why Curly Hair Changes After Moving to the UAE and the Post Summer Curly Hair Care: Deep Moisture That Lasts in Dubai, UAE  worth a complementary read if you want a full breakdown on the climate considerations for your curls.

In this article, we focus on the one prep step missing for routines before styling begins.

An overlooked step in a curly hair routine for hot, humid weather

Before reaching for more of your moisturising stylers, start with understanding the importance of the preparatory step, the step before and how it affects the performance of other products. The preparation step should help create a more even cuticle, support even distribution of stylers whilst imparting hydration that holds.

This is where a curl primer finds its place in your routine, much like a make up primer, it sets the best so everything that follows in your routine performs better and the styling results last longer because of a more even, hydrated base.

What is a Curl Primer 

A curl primer functions the same as a make up primer but for your curls. Its primary function is to hydrate and smooth the hair cuticle, this then allows for products to spread and better absorb across the hair strand more evenly and consistently, rather than sitting heavily in some sections or missing in others. 

Is a curl primer the same as a leave in conditioner?

A curl primer is a leave in product, however is not the same as a leave in conditioner. They both provide a degree of moisture but they do not perform the same function.

Depending on your curls' needs, you can layer it after your leave in conditioner and before your styler, this is well suited to high porous and medium to high density curls with benefit from additional conditioning. For finer textures that tend to benefit from a lighter primer to styler route it can be used on its own without the need for a leave in conditioner as the first step.

One note: A curl primer is not a heavy cream and isn't designed to provide hold. Its intended use to to the prepare the hair, not style it.

Our curl primer pick: Treluxe Aloe Vera Curl Primer

As the leading curator of curly and textured haircare in the Middle East, we carefully chose products based on ingredient and formulation integrity to ensure it meets the Emerson standard of high-performance products.

What does TréLuxe Aloe Curl Primer Do?

Formulated with aloe vera and Vitamin C and E high up the ingredient list. It is formulated to:

• Provide lightweight hydration that holds
• Improve slip (spreadability) and detangling
• Smooth the hair cuticle
• Encourage curl formation and curl clumping
• Reduce flash drying
  
• Help styling products spread more easily and evenly
  
• With even distribution, by product is reduced drying time and more consistent styling
  

It's role in your routine isn't simply more moisture but more evenly prepared curls.

This distinction matters for textured hair in this climate, where there is a natural need or desire to add more product for better results. This addition to your routine ensures your products can perform at their optimum without having to add more and more layers.

How to use TréLuxe Aloe Vera Curl Primer

After the cleansing and conditioning phase of your wash day routine:

1. Apply the primer to your curls when wet following rinse out of your conditioner. Be sure to work in sections for maximum coverage and best results.
2. Smooth across the length of the hair shaft, from roots to ends, concentrating on areas that feel dry, rough, difficult to tangle or struggle to form curl clumps.
3. Allow the hair to naturally form curl clumps after smoothing.
4. Follow with your chosen curl styling product.
5. Allow your curls to full dry without disruption.

As part of your refresh routine:

1. Lightly apply the primer to damp curls, work in sections.
2. Rake or brush the product through your curls to reactivate stylers and reform curl clumps.
   
3. Allow your curls to fully dry and set.

The amount of product required as part of your refresh routine will depend on your density, porosity and hair length. Begin with a small quantity and increase as needed.

A Routine to Maintain Hydrated Curls in Dubai, UAE

To maximise your results with a curl primer, a well thought out routine is necessary for results that last beyond wash day.

Start with a clean base

If product or mineral build up are present, your curls can not receive the hydration available in the product. Clarify your curls as often as necessary if using multiple stylers and exposed to hard water. Our rule of thumb is to clarify every 3-4 wash days.

Condition according to what your curls need

Use an instant or deep conditioner suited for moisture protein balance where you feel your curls are not considerably dry or focus on moisture first conditioning treatments where your curls are dry and parched.

Prepare before you style

Use the TréLuxe Aloe Curl Primer to hydrate, smooth and encourage curl clumping before applying your main styling product.

Choose hold deliberately

Humidity can interfere with your styling results. Following your foundational styler, apply a styler that offers a strong level of hold for styling longevity.

Fully dry before going outside

Curls that are still damp or wet are more prone to frizz when exposed to humid air. Gentle diffuse or fully air dry indoors before separating and fluffing.

If you're building your new to building a curl routine, our Ultimate Guide to Curly Hair Care in the Middle East  is the best starting point, Porosity over Pattern will help you determine how much product to use and when.