The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Humidity can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Unfortunately, it’s just a part of life here, and the summer months only make it worse. If you hate that sticky, sweaty feeling, you’re not alone. We know how much it hurts to leave your house with flawless hair only to have it turn into a big poofy ball minutes later. Here’s how to keep your hair calm and get rid of the greasy skin in this lovely Cairene weather. 

Anti-Frizz Products 

There are tons of shampoos and conditioners on the market that are specifically made to target frizz. After washing, you can use a microfiber towel to dry your hair without creating any unnecessary frizz. Smooth down your locks while styling with a hair gel or hairspray to keep them from moving. Essential oils, like coconut or argan oil, can also help tame your hair while adding moisture to it, or you can seal your strands with an anti-frizz serum. 

Heat Style

One way to help lock in your hairstyle is with heat. Just using a hair dryer can lead to puffy hair, so smooth it out with a hair straightener (don’t forget to use heat protectant!) to get that sleek style. Heat styling between washes can help renew your look as well. Over washing your hair is one of the biggest culprits behind dryness and frizz, so just give yourself a quick touch-up instead. 

Keratin Treatment

If you’re looking for a permanent solution, you can invest in a keratin treatment for your hair. This process smoothes and straightens your hair for a lasting frizz-free look. Many celebrities and influencers regularly get keratin treatments and the results can last weeks or months. However, this option is not for everyone and there is some debate on its effects on your hair. So, make sure you consult with your hairstylist before undergoing a keratin treatment. 

Tone and Exfoliate Skin

It goes without saying that you should keep your skin clean with the right cleanser for your skin type. The next important step is exfoliating to remove impurities and dead skin cells. This will leave your skin fresh and ready to be hydrated. Many people don’t have toner in their skincare routine, but it helps out especially in the heat. Facial toners are meant to refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Pixi’s viral toner is available in Bloom Pharmacy. 

Set Your Makeup

One of the telltale signs that someone’s been out in the heat for too long is messy, creased makeup. To help prevent that, setting your makeup is extremely important. Add a translucent setting powder to your makeup routine and put it in the areas where your makeup tends to crease, or where your skin looks extra oily. Brands sold here include Essence and Maybelline. Setting spray is usually the last step of your makeup routine, and it locks in your look all day or night. The Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Spray and L’Oreal Paris Infallible Magic All-Day Makeup Setting Spray Mist are great options available in Egypt. 

Face Mist

Sometimes, you can’t avoid being out in the heat. If you want to keep your skin from crossing the threshold from dewy into greasy, then cool it down with a hydrating face mist. Most sprays are makeup-friendly and will totally refresh your pores while keeping you from overheating. Try out the Avene Thermale Spring Water Spray, or La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Face Mist available online and in pharmacies. The Body Shop also has a line of face mists that target different skin types.