Photographed in a life-changing moment, I was introduced to the miracles of hair steaming. Initially, there was skepticism about this ubiquitous practice found in Black salons, where a large hood steamer is as common as a plastic bag for deep conditioning. The process involves moist heat and oils, applied to afro hair in the bathroom using a contraption. Experts like trichologists and hairstylists and founders of hair products highlight the virtues of steaming for preventing dry and damaged hair, promoting healing and growth. Embracing this routine can reduce loss, making hair more manageable by opening follicles and improving moisture retention. The hack of using conditioners and tips from hairstylists helps maximize the benefits of this revitalizing technique for a healthy scalp and hair environment.
Benefits of Steaming Hair
IMPROVES CLEANSING OF THE SCALP AND HAIR
Hair steaming has many benefits, especially for cleansing your scalp and hair. The moist heat from the steam gently opens the cuticles and shaft, allowing dead cells to loosen and be easily rinsed away. Using a milder shampoo for the wash keeps your scalp cleaner and saves your hair from harsh chemicals in stronger shampoos.
INCREASES HAIR ELASTICITY
Not only does it feel great, but steaming your hair also improves its elasticity.. The moist heat helps your hair shaft to soak up moisture deeply, making it more flexible. This added moisture allows your hair to stretch and bend without breaking or getting brittle, ensuring it can grow stronger and move freely without getting tangled.
REDUCES HAIR BREAKAGE
One significant benefit of steaming your hair is the remarkable reduction in breakage.. For dry and damaged hair, which is prone to break, this process is less frustrating as it effectively moisturises and softens the strands, making them less brittle and fragile. This not only reduces breakage but also strengthens the hair, leaving it healthier and more beautiful.
ENHANCES HAIR GROWTH
Steaming enhances hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp, providing essential nourishment to the roots. This natural method also moisturises and improves circulation, creating an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. Regular steaming unclogs pores, releases toxins, and promotes collagen production, supporting overall scalp health and well-being.
PREVENTS HAIR DRYNESS
A simple, effective solution for dryness, which is a common concern, is steaming your hair.. The moisture from steaming penetrates deep into the strands, preventing dryness from the inside out. Using a spa creme during steaming keeps your hair strong and healthy. This intensive treatment restores moisture, combats frizz, and leaves hair soft, smooth, and revitalised, making it healthier.
ENHANCED PRODUCT ABSORPTION
Enhancing product absorption is a key benefit of steaming. a fantastic advantage for hair that struggles with low-porosity strands. It rescues your hair by allowing moisture and products to penetrate deeply, improving moisture balance. This means you can use less product, saving money and still achieving optimal results. Start by washing daily with a deep conditioner, clarifying shampoo, or hydrating shampoo before your steaming session. This ensures your hair soaks up all the nourishing goodness, promoting a healthy scalp and supporting growth.
What exactly happens during hair steaming?
Hair steaming uses moist heat to open the cuticle and let moisture enter the fiber. Skipping treatments leads to missing benefits like better protein absorption and healthy circulation. Eva Proudman, a specialist with 20 years’ experience, says steam helps counteract dryness and dull hair. Rose Ovensehi, founder of Flora & Curl, notes that it improves health by cleansing and rejuvenating tired strands. Use ointments and masks for optimal results.
GREAT FOR CURLY HAIR
Enhancing curls is one of the key benefits of steaming hair.. It offers deep conditioning properties that keep curly hair bouncy and vibrant. I noticed that after steaming, my curls looked full of life and more defined. The process not only enhances the elasticity of the hair but also ensures that your hair retains moisture. This is especially useful for those with naturally curly hair, which can often be prone to dryness.
Another tip is incorporating black sesame seeds benefits for hair into your routine. This can further improve the conditioning properties of your hair, making it healthier and more resilient.
How to Use a Hair Steamer
- Once you’ve decided to steam your hair, you need to pick the right treatment for your needs.
- Gather your conditioners and products. Look for those with ingredients that can penetrate the cuticle and contain hydrating humectants for added moisture.
- Avoid harmful additives and opt for leave-in conditioners and masks. Adding oil can help maximize benefits.
- Find a comfortable space to set up your tabletop or handheld steamer. Ensure it’s positioned high enough and near an outlet.
- Start with freshly washed hair to fully absorb the product.
- Steam for about 15 minutes. Use the steam for five minutes before applying the conditioner.
- Add distilled water to the reservoir. Avoid over-steaming to prevent damaging your hair.
- Plug in your device and allow it to heat for a few seconds.
- Apply steam evenly to each section. Be mindful of the scalp and maintain a safe distance to avoid discomfort.
- Use an inflatable cap or even a shower if you don’t have a steamer. Just close the bathroom door to let the room steam up.
- Once done, rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and finish with hair oil to lock in moisture from root to tip.
What is the best way to steam your hair at home?
A simple and effective way to treat your hair at home is by steaming it.. Use a plastic bag or a heated towel for a good at-home treatment. Wash with nourishing shampoo and apply a generous amount of conditioner or a moisturizing hair mask like Flora & Curl Rose Water Molasses Moisture Mask. Cover with a plastic cap and wrap with a hot, microfibre anti-frizz towel. For extra benefits, compare hair oil vs leave-in conditioner for your needs. After 15 to 30-45 minutes, rinse and seal with a conditioning treatment to lock in nutrients.
How often should someone with textured hair steam their scalp?
How often you complete the steaming process depends on the overall condition of your hair. Ovensehi confirms that steaming once a month is enough for healthy hair, and every 7-12 days if in urgent need of hydration. Never more to avoid minor damage. Regular combing dry scalp can also cause issues.
What Does a Hair Steamer Do?
A hair steamer is an important device that turns water into steam. It’s similar to a face steamer. Imagine diving into skincare ingredients; it opens pores and works to decongest and help moisture and conditioners flow in. The steam helps your hair become smooth by reducing wrinkles and letting cleansers sink deeper. This answers the question of how to keep hair well-moisturized.
HAIR STEAMERS ARE A MUST FOR NATURAL HAIR & HERE IS WHY
Hair steamers are a must-have for natural hair care. They add moisture in unique ways and offer benefits that manipulate how your hair absorbs products. Considered a game-changer, they require using the right hair steamer tips and nail down the best hair oils and conditioners. Steaming helps to apply moisture effectively, ensuring your mane is well-nourished, regardless of hair porosity. This technique transforms the hair from a dry stone to a hydrated glory.
Conclusion
Steaming hair provides numerous benefits, such as improving scalp health, increasing hair elasticity, and reducing breakage. This practice helps to clean and moisturize the hair effectively, enhances product absorption, and promotes growth. Regular steaming makes hair more manageable, healthy, and vibrant, especially when combined with the right hair care products. It’s an essential routine for maintaining natural hair, ensuring it stays hydrated and resilient, and ultimately supporting overall hair health and vitality.
FAQ’s
Is steam good for your hair?
Steam is excellent for your hair. It opens the cuticles and follicles, adding moisture and giving new life. A steaming session can fix dry and broken hair, making it grow faster as the moist heat and water penetrate inside.
How often do I need to steam my hair?
Steaming your hair has many benefits, but you should not do it every day. This special treatment is usually needed when your hair needs a boost. For healthy hair, steaming once a month will cut it.
Does steaming hair help it grow?
Steaming your hair is one of the best things you can do to help it grow healthy and strong.
Is it necessary to wash hair after steaming?
Yes, shampooing after steaming is essential. Warm steam helps loosen dirt and dead skin cells on the scalp, enhancing the cleansing process. A mild, herbal shampoo is best for keeping your hair clean and healthy.
