Posted by Ella James
Filed in Health 107 views
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns among people living in Dubai. Whether you are a long-term resident or someone who has recently moved to the city, chances are you have heard people blaming Dubai’s water for sudden hair fall. Many say their hair was thick and healthy before coming here, but started shedding heavily after a few months in Dubai.
At first glance, this explanation feels logical. Dubai uses desalinated water, the weather is harsh and life here is fast-paced. But does Dubai water really cause hair loss or is this belief hiding the real reasons behind the problem?
To understand what is actually happening we need to look beyond assumptions and focus on medical science, expert opinions and real-world data.
Dubai’s main water source is desalinated seawater. This is different from groundwater or river water used in many other countries. Because of this difference, people assume the water must be harmful to hair.
Over time, this idea became a common belief. Friends warn friends. Colleagues share personal stories. Social media spreads fear quickly. But popular belief does not always equal medical truth.
Dubai-based hair transplant surgeon Dr. Sajjad Khan, who has practiced in the city for more than two decades, has repeatedly addressed this misconception. In an interview published by City Times (Khaleej Times), he clearly stated that Dubai water does not cause hair loss. According to him, if water were truly responsible, almost everyone living in Dubai would be bald, which is clearly not the case.
According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the water supplied across Dubai meets strict international safety standards. These standards are aligned with guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means Dubai water is safe for daily use, including bathing and washing hair.
However, Dubai water is classified as hard water. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not harmful to health, but they can affect hair texture.
Hard water can leave mineral deposits on the scalp and hair strands. Over time, this buildup may make hair feel dry, rough and dull. This change in texture often leads people to believe their hair is falling out more than usual.
Dr. Sajjad Khan explains that harsh water may make hair brittle, but this can be managed easily with proper shampoos and conditioners. He even joked that washing hair with bottled mineral water is unnecessary and offers no real benefit.
It is important to understand the difference between hair breakage and hair loss.
Hair breakage happens when hair strands snap due to dryness or weakness. Hair loss, on the other hand, happens at the root level, inside the scalp.
Medical research published in the International Journal of Trichology confirms that hard water does not damage hair follicles. It does not stop hair from growing or permanently reduce hair density. It only affects the outer structure of hair.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also states that hair breakage is often mistaken for hair loss. When broken hair collects in the shower drain or on a pillow, it looks alarming, even though the hair root is still alive.
This misunderstanding is one of the main reasons Dubai water gets blamed unfairly.
If water is not the real cause, why do so many people experience hair fall after moving to Dubai?
Dubai is a competitive and demanding city. Long work hours, career pressure, financial responsibilities and limited rest increase stress levels.
According to Harvard Medical School, stress raises cortisol levels in the body. High cortisol can interrupt the hair growth cycle and push hair into a resting phase called telogen effluvium. Hair then starts shedding a few months later.
This type of hair loss is very common among professionals in Dubai and is completely unrelated to water quality.
Dubai’s extreme heat affects both the scalp and hair. Excessive sweating can clog hair follicles if the scalp is not cleaned properly. Heat also increases scalp inflammation.
Research published in the Journal of Dermatological Science shows that prolonged exposure to heat and UV rays weakens hair cuticles and damages scalp health. Over time, this makes hair thinner and more fragile.
Despite abundant sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Dubai. The Cleveland Clinic links low vitamin D levels to increased hair shedding and slow regrowth.
Iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance and low protein intake are also common causes of hair loss. Dr. Sajjad Khan highlighted that rapid weight loss, especially losing 3 to 4 kilograms per month, can lead to noticeable hair thinning, particularly in women.
Hair loss does not affect everyone in the same way. Most men experience androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. According to the American Hair Loss Association, genetics and hormones are the primary causes. Water plays no role in this condition.
Women experience hair loss for a wider range of reasons. Around 50 percent of female hair loss cases are genetic. The remaining cases are linked to pregnancy, menopause, anemia, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalance.
Dr. Sajjad Khan explained that menopause is a critical phase for women. Estrogen levels drop sharply, leading to thinning hair. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy or regenerative treatments can help restore hair growth.
Hard water can reduce how well shampoos and conditioners work. Mineral residue can block products from cleansing the scalp properly.
According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, product buildup can worsen scalp conditions and increase shedding if someone already has hair loss issues. This makes hair fall more noticeable, even though water is not the root cause.
This explains why people often feel their hair loss accelerates after moving to Dubai.
If hair loss continues for a long time and new hair does not grow back, the condition may be permanent. Genetic hair loss does not reverse on its own.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) confirms that modern FUE techniques are safe and effective for permanent hair restoration.
Many people explore hair transplant Dubai solutions when medications and lifestyle changes stop working. These procedures relocate healthy hair follicles to thinning areas, creating natural-looking results.
If you are considering trusted options for hair transplant dubai, choosing a clinic that follows internationally approved techniques and has decades of clinical experience can make a real difference in results.
Instead of blaming water alone, focusing on proven solutions delivers better results.
Using a shower filter can reduce mineral buildup. Clarifying shampoos help remove residue and improve scalp health.
Stress management is equally important. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes proper sleep, regular exercise and mental balance as key factors in controlling hair fall.
Most importantly, early medical evaluation matters. Blood tests and scalp analysis help identify the real cause before hair loss becomes permanent.
Dubai water is not destroying your hair roots. It may affect hair texture, but it does not cause baldness.
Hair loss in Dubai is usually caused by stress, genetics, climate, hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies. Blaming water delays proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Understanding what is really happening allows you to take the right steps and protect both your hair and confidence in the long run.
