Every summer, we hear this one sentence on repeat, whether it’s through E consultations or DMs: 

“I just need a strong hold gel to get my curls to last longer and reduce frizz from Dubai heat and humidity.”

We recognise this is the #1 frustration for curly hair in Dubai, UAE and the wider Middle East when the extreme summer weather conditions hit. 

Unfortunately, the story is always similar, you spent a good deal of time on what you think is a solid wash day routine, only for your curl definition to disappear and frizz make an appearance by the afternoon following wash day, call it Day 2 if you’re lucky.

What most people fail to realise is that it takes more than a strong hold gel for your curls to thrive in 45-degree heat and 90% humidity. You need a curated curly hair routine that’s fit for the climate, aligned with your porosity and sealed for curl longevity.

Why Most Curl Products Don’t Work In Middle Eastern Heat

The climate in the Middle East is unique, and of course given cities like Dubai were once pure deserts, it’s not a surprise that we experience things like scorching dry heat one season to suffocating humidity in the peak of the summer season, all while your curls navigate mineral build up from hard water and excess sun exposure. These are some of the challenges for curly hair in the region.

Finding the best curly hair products that can effectively tackle all of these can be difficult, but not impossible.

It’s a case of understanding how your curls behave in this environment and tailoring a curly routine suited to the climate and your curl behaviour – which is visible derivative of your curl porosity.

Not every curl product is suited to summer curls in the Middle East, some leave tacky build up, some too heavy but work well in the cooler months, but in the summer just leave your curls weighed down and greasy, others just curdle when mixed.

We understand the idea behind trying different products, especially where your curls constantly feel dry and brittle from sun exposure. The truth is, the better you understand your curl behaviour, the more you understand what they need. We explore this in depth in our post on Why Your Curls Lose Moisture in 8 Seconds Flat in Middle Eastern Humidity.

Layering products to seal moisture and curl definition and structure is key for curls that last. More importantly layering products that are compatible both performance and ingredient wise is essential for thriving summer curls.

The Ritual That Changes Everything

You don’t need to wash and condition or refresh daily for beautiful summer curls. You need smarter layering and a porosity based curl routine - this is how to keep curls defined in extreme heat and humidity.

The Summer Curl Edit works because it delivers a complete, expertly curated curly hair layering routine for curls based on porosity – whether you have low-medium or high porosity curls, there is a ritual made for you. 

There is a proven method behind each product and each step. It’s not a random product bundle. 

Each step plays a role:

1. Prep - this is your base for resetting your strands pH for better product absorption
2. Prime - This is your anchor for hydration and cuticle smoothing
3. Base Styler - Your definer that aids curl clumping without the crunch
4. Finishing Styler - to seal in moisture and form a protective barrier

Three key things this edit was tested for to ensure delivery of real results:

1. Ingredient compatibility
2. Texture and application
3. pH harmony

Why Most Curly Hair Routines Fail?

Ingredient Compatibility: The Overlooked Secret

Humidity proof curls start with products that work well together, not just individually. Every product has its place in delivering hydration and long lasting curl definition.

We've all experimented with curly hair products and know what curdling looks like, but did you know it is possible for products not to work well together and yet still not curdle?

Many curl routines fail because of ingredient incompatibility, even if each product seems to work well on its own. This is often due to:

• Varying pH levels
• Heavy loads of emollients 
• Moisture-protein imbalance
• Formulas that repel rather than penetrate

A Real Life Example: What Happens with Low Porosity Curls

Low porosity curls - use of a heavy butter based leave in followed by a protein rich styler and an oil as a sealant. 

Low porosity curls naturally repel water, as a result a heavy butter based leave in will only leave your curls coated and congested.

If you then follow that with a protein rich styler, two things will happen:

1. Protein cannot correctly bind as it needs direct access to damp and clean hair.
2. The strands are already overloaded as the protein just sits on top, causing strands to feel dry and brittle.                                               

The end result?

A heavy barrier that blocks real hydration and protein from entering the hair shaft. You may see defined curls on Day 1 but by Day 2 you'll be left with curls that feel dry, coated and frizz begins to build.

Why the Summer Curl Edit works

The difference lies in the formulation architecture designed for curly hair in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha. Each product, ingredient works in harmony - no clashes, no curdling.

The layering system aligns with observed curl porosity behaviour, has been tested to promote product absorption for better hydration, definition and humidity resistance that doesn’t suffocate your curls.

Dew vs Quench - Curl rituals tailored to your porosity

One edit, two pathways. Why? The key influence on your choice of products should and must always be your curl porosity. Whether you have Type 3A or Type 4C curls if both curl types are high porosity, the types of products you need will be the same with slight variation in product quantity depending on hair length and density. 

Introducing: The Quench Ritual (For High Porosity Curls)

Tailored to high porosity curls which crave hydrated, sculpted and humidity resistant curls.

The ritual layering system includes:

Step 1: The Doux Fast Forward Conditioner

• The first line of defense for your curls - the prep layer. 
  
• This is where humidity and frizz protection starts. 
• The Doux Fast Forward rinse out conditioner contains unique bond technology to reduce curl porosity by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle which causes moisture to evaporate quickly.
  

Step 2: TréLuxe Aloe Vera Primer

• This is where moisture meets performance. Aloe, coconut, and avocado oils hydrate without heaviness
• A pH for stylers to grip and glide properly and minimise surface frizz.
• This primer is your styling foundation that allows for buildable hydration. 

Step 3: Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic

• This cult classic styling gel has unmatched slip for curl definition with bounce and memory.
• Clumping curls effortlessly while laying the foundation for a long-lasting definition and cast. 
• This is where curl formation begins to amplify.
  

Step 4: Innersense I Create Hold

• This plant based gel builds a breathable cast with strong hold and zero flaking - with a deeply concentrated formula (a little goes a long way!)
• Paired with Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic you'll enjoy perfect curl definition, memory and sculpted hold.

Introducing: The Dew Ritual (For Low to Medium Porosity Curls)

Tailored to low to medium porosity curls which crave lightweight, buildable, defined and volumised curls.

Watch the Dew Ritual in action here by Irene, Senior Curly Hair Specialist. This step by step reel shows exactly how to layer products that for curls that last and hold up in heat and humidity whilst keep them soft and frizz free.

The ritual layering system includes:

Step 1: Uncle Funky's Daughter Midnite Train

• Your curl reset and first hydration anchor.
• This lightweight mist rehydrates, smooths and set your base.
• Resets your strands pH level to minimise surface frizz.

Step 2: Kinky Curly Knot Today

• A holy grail for a reason - legendary slip and instant softness.
• This works in tandem with your stylers to prime, soften and moisturise curls without residue or buildup.

Step 3: The Doux Mousse Def 

• A viral curl mousse is an instant hit for a reason. 
• This weightless texture enhancing foam delivers curl definition, memory and the added lift every curly wants.
• It contains Polyquats and PVP - must have ingredients for an effective frizz free curly hair routine. 
  

Learn more about which ingredients are essential for defined, long lasting summer curls in this must read guide to summer curl care here.

Step 4: TreLuxe Hi Definition Gel

• The finishing layer for sculpted hold and seal.
  
• This step seals softness, definition into structure.
  
• Formulated with a botanical complex, this defining gel locks in shape while keeping curls touchable and light.

This is not just a collection of curly hair products. It’s a strategic product layering system - performance tested, stylist approved for frizz free, humidity proof curls in the peak of the Middle Eastern summer. 

Unsure of your porosity or which ritual in the Summer Curl Edit is right for you?

Explore the Edit Made For Curls That Demand More in Heat and Humid Climates.

Limited Edition. Only available this Summer.

→ The Summer Curl Edit