The Anti-Frizz Guide for Hot, Humid Days

By the time you step out into Dubai’s sweltering heat, your hair is already reacting, puffing up, curling out, and resisting any attempt at looking polished. If you struggle with frizz during hot, humid months, you’re not alone.

Smooth, manageable hair in high humidity is possible with the right approach. From cleansing and conditioning to lightweight serums and targeted treatments, it’s all about using formulas that hydrate, protect, and tame frizz without weighing hair down.

To understand what works in extreme climates like the Gulf, we spoke to Maya Fadel, Deputy General Manager and Brand Manager at Softcare Cosmetics, and Nassim Basma, co-founder of Softcare Cosmetics. With years of experience bringing high-performance, clean beauty formulations to the region, they shared insight into what GCC women really need to fight frizz and dryness.

Why Hair Gets Frizzy in the Heat

Humidity is the main culprit. In hot, moist air, the hair’s cuticle lifts, allowing moisture to enter and causing strands to swell and misbehave. This is especially noticeable on dry, curly, or chemically treated hair.

Nassim Basma explains that the most effective anti-frizz products strike a balance between moisture and cuticle sealing, often using lightweight oils and proteins that smooth hair without weighing it down. Maya Fadel adds that GCC women’s top hair concerns in summer are frizz and dryness, and lightweight, high-performing formulas are particularly valued.

Step 1: Start in the Shower with Frizz-Fighting Shampoos

The first line of defense against frizz starts in the shower. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse gently while preserving natural oils, providing a smooth foundation for the rest of your routine.

Top picks:

• Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo – Creates an invisible shield around each strand.

  
  

• Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo – A clean formula enriched with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils.

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

Step 2: Use a Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner softens and hydrates hair without weighing it down.

Top picks:

• Ouai Leave-In Conditioner – Hydrates, detangles, and protects against humidity.

  
  

• Gisou Honey Infused Leave-In Conditioner – Nourishes with sustainably sourced honey.

  
  
  

  

  

  

Maya emphasizes that consumers in the GCC prefer lightweight but effective formulas, such as leave-in mists and curl-defining creams, which help keep hair soft and frizz-free even in extreme humidity.

Step 3: Lock in Moisture with Anti-Frizz Oils

Anti-frizz oils seal the cuticle and add shine. The trick is to choose oils that nourish without leaving hair greasy.

Top picks:

• Lola From Rio Pinga Hair Oil (50ml) – Tames unruly strands while enhancing silky shine.

  
  

• Christophe Robin Monoï Oil – Restores elasticity and shine when used overnight.

Nassim highlights a common mistake: people often assume heavier oils will control frizz better. In hot, humid climates, lightweight oils perform best because they fight frizz without causing buildup.

Step 4: Always Apply Anti-Frizz Serums on Damp Hair

Serums act as armor against humidity. Applying them on damp hair locks in moisture and creates a smooth foundation for styling.

Top picks:

• Lola Xapadinha Disciplinary Balm (200ml) – Controls volume, enhances texture, and blocks frizz.

  
  

• Philip Kingsley Finishing Touch Frizz Fighting Gloss (50ml) – Perfect for finishing and taming flyaways.

  
  
  

  

  

  

Maya notes that clean, natural-origin formulations are highly valued. Products that combine gentle ingredients with visible results meet the demands of GCC consumers seeking both efficacy and safety.

Step 5: Use Heat Protectant Before Styling

If you’re using hot tools, a heat protectant spray is essential. It prevents moisture loss and keeps the cuticle sealed.

Try:

• VIRTUE Frizz Block Spray – Lightweight and non-greasy for daily use.

  
  

• KÉRASTASE Discipline Anti Frizz Spray – Anti-frizz protection spray instantly eases blow-dry with heat protection up to 180°C for fine to coarse, unruly hair. Provides shine and control with 72 hours of frizz protection.

Step 6: Style Smart—Humidity-Proof Hairstyles That Work

Instead of fighting your hair’s natural texture, work with it:

• Slicked-back buns or ponytails with a touch of serum

• Loose braids to control volume without tension

• Half-up styles for face-framing without adding frizz

Accessories like silk scrunchies or hair claws secure hair without causing damage.

Step 7: Salon & At-Home Treatments Worth Trying

For persistent frizz, deeper treatments can hydrate, smooth, and strengthen hair without harsh chemicals:

1. Dermadrop – Non-invasive infusion delivering active ingredients deep into the scalp and hair.

2. Hair Botox (Formaldehyde-Free) – Fills damaged areas of the hair shaft, leaving it smoother and healthier.

3. Cysteine Hair Treatment – A gentler alternative to keratin, softening hair without compromising volume.

4. Gloss or Glaze Treatment – Semi-permanent shine treatment that seals the cuticle and adds vibrancy.

Nassim explains that treatments using natural, climate-tested ingredients are most effective, performing consistently even in the Gulf’s heat and humidity. Tropical-inspired butters and lightweight oils help keep hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free.

No matter how humid the summer gets, frizz doesn’t have to win. By combining the right products, lightweight oils and serums, humidity-proof hairstyles, and targeted treatments, you can keep hair smooth, healthy, and effortlessly styled. As Maya Fadel and Nassim Basma highlight, the key lies in formulas that are both effective and lightweight, hydrating and protecting hair without weighing it down. With a thoughtful routine and climate-tested products, frizz can finally become a manageable part of your summer hair story, leaving you free to enjoy the heat without compromising on style.