The Truth About Hair Steaming
Have you been curious about hair steaming and how it would work for your hair? Hair steaming is growing in popularity for textured hair types, and you may be wondering if there’s any benefit for your hair.
Steam appliances are expensive, and they’re not your everyday purchase. If you’ve already done some research and priced a few steamers, you’re probably back to square one of figuring out whether you should get one or not.
In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive view about hair steamers and whether you should purchase one. You’ll also learn about several ways you can do hair steaming at home without buying an appliance.
What is Hair Steaming?
You’ve probably heard a lot of warnings about using heat on textured hair, and all of this advice is exactly right… sort of.
Heat can do damage when it is not used with a heat protectant or with moisturizing ingredients. High heat can cause the water inside the cortex of your hair to boil, leading to damage that can make the hair lose its luster, strength, and elasticity.
In the case of hair steaming, you’re using heat combined with moisturizing components. Those ingredients could be plain water, or they could be conditioning elements.
Hair steaming is a way to let in heat and moisture at the same time. You’re letting in heat to open the hair cuticles and follicles, and you’re allowing the moisture to get in and penetrate the hair shaft.
The Benefits of Hair Steaming
The main benefit to hair steaming is being able to get moisture in an effective way. Here is a list of benefits and reasons to do hair steaming:
- Adds Moisture to Dry Hair. The heat from hair steaming opens the hair cuticles so that the shaft can receive hydration. The extra moisture softens hair and creates more elasticity and curl definition.
- Helps Products Absorb Better. If you have low porosity hair, you’ll find that product tends to sit on your hair. Steaming will allow the cuticles to open so that you can get hydration and nutrition to the shaft. You’ll find that your products perform better when they can actually reach the shaft.
- Cuticles Get Moisture. Hair steaming doesn’t only help get moisture through the cuticle… it moisturizes the cuticle itself andthe strand. The result is softer, shinier, and bouncier textured hair.
How to Use Hair Steaming in Your Hair Regimen
Now that you know about hair steaming and its benefits, you’re probably wondering how and when to add it into your weekly or monthly routine. Here are some of the ways to make use of the hair steaming method:
- Weekly or Monthly Deep Conditioning. You can always steam your hair with water alone, but why not benefit from pairing steaming with a moisturizing conditioner? Steaming while deep conditioning is a clever way to get the nutrition to penetrate the hair shaft. Combine hair steaming with a conditioner like Nutress Instant Conditioner or Protein Pack Conditioner for a softening and strengthening boost.
Mid-Week as a Refresher. Many textured-hair gals tend to wash their hair only once per week, but it’s a good idea to hydrate your textured hair more frequently. However, you don’t need to fully immerse your hair in water to accomplish the mid-week hydration if you do the steaming method. You can use your steaming method to refresh and revitalize your hair mid-week so you don’t have to do a full wash day. Hair steaming will save you time and energy.
Which Steaming Methods are Best for Hair?
There are several steaming methods you can use for your hair. You can accomplish steaming with very little cost, but the most effective way is to buy an appliance. Here is a list of steaming methods, ranging from most affordable to most expensive.
- Plastic Cap and Towel. This is the most common method of steaming, and you’ve probably already tried it. You spray your hair with warm water, immerse it under water in the shower, or use a water-based product. Then you place the cap on your head and a towel over it to generate body heat and steam. This method is perfectly fine and almost free, but it is not as effective as using a stronger heat source.
- Steam from Shower. You may have overlooked this easy method of steaming your hair. Your bathroom will generate steam naturally when you run hot shower water. Just keeping yourself well-enclosed within the shower stall is enough to open the cuticles if the water is hot. This is a good time to place conditioner on your hair and let the hot steam from the shower penetrate through the cuticle.
- Handheld Steamer. This method of steaming is a favorite of many women because of its effectiveness and versatility. It’s straightforward to use and it is highly effective for hair that needs moisture. A handheld steamer like the Q-Redew will help to open the cuticles and lead moisture right into the shaft. A great thing about the handheld steamer is that you can focus on problem areas. However, one con is that holding the steamer upright can be tiring, especially if you’re doing a whole wash day regimen.
- Overhead Steamer. The cost of the overhead steamer is fairly pricey, but it is comparable with the price of the handheld steamer. The overhead steamer will transmit steam to your entire head, and it tends to be more relaxing than the handheld version. You can sit the whole time, and simulate a spa feel with the overhead steamer. They can also double as facial steamers.
- Salon Steaming. Going professional is always a smart option, though it is the costliest way to steam your hair. Using a stylist for your steam session can be advantageous if you have questions about your hair and you need professional advice.
If you do decide to steam at home, be careful not to use too much heat. High heat can damage your hair. Any steam that is too hot for your skin should not be applied to the hair.
Also avoid over steaming your hair or doing it too frequently. Hair that turns limp, fragile, or dull may be losing its moisture-protein balance.
If your hair is becoming over-moisturized, you probably need to stop steaming for a while and increase protein treatments with Nutress Protein Packs.
Have you tried hair steaming for your textured tresses?