Moving to another country as a black woman comes with its unique set of beauty challenges — when it comes to skin and hair care. As an expat, it can initially feel daunting to locate the right products or salons that cater to your specific needs. When I first moved to Dubai, finding hair products suitable for my very curly Afro-Caribbean hair was a struggle. A real struggle. Not to mention beauty stores that might not stock the necessary products like shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, or oils that are essential for maintaining my type of hair. Additionally, many local salons are not equipped or trained to handle Afro-textured hair, making it challenging to find professional services for styling, braiding, or other treatments. This often means that Black women either have to do extensive research, undertake hair care themselves or travel significant distances to find suitable salons. 

Thankfully, in Dubai this is changing as the years go on. There is a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in beauty services in Dubai. Several salons and stores have emerged to cater specifically to the needs of Black women, making the transition to life in Dubai much smoother for recent expats like myself.

Beauty Box Dubai: Located in Diamond Park, Beauty Box specialises in Afro hair care and styling. They offer a range of services from braiding to weaves and their stylists are well-versed in managing different textures of Afro hair. 

Brown Sugar: This salon is often at the top of any black girl in Dubai’s list. It is known for its expertise in dealing with various hair types. Their trained professionals can help with everything from trending braids to natural hair styling.

Curl Therapy: This salon focuses on curly hair and offers a range of services for those with natural curls and kinks. Their understanding of textured hair makes them a go-to for black women looking to embrace their natural hair.

As a black woman living in Dubai, having go-to beauty products that cater to my specific needs is essential. Whilst these products are, of course, exclusive to all, here are must-haves that I absolutely love:

Love Shampoo: This product is brilliant for tighter curls like mine. It effectively cleanses without stripping my hair of its natural oils, keeping my curls hydrated and defined. The gentle formula reduces frizz and enhances curl definition, making it a staple in my hair care routine. My only regret is finding out about it recently, I would have loved this gem a few years ago. 

Allum Body Butter: For keeping my skin moisturised, Allum Butter is a game-changer. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, it deeply nourishes and hydrates my skin, leaving it soft and supple. Its non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting moisture and a healthy glow.