How to use a hair steamer for healthy, dope natural hair

If you have natural hair, you’ve probably heard (or seen) questions about using a hair steamer.

The process of hair steaming is a great way to keep your natural hair healthy and hydrated. But, what exactly is it and why do you need it?

We’ll be doing a deep dive into how to use a hair steamer and everything else you’ll need to know to get the best results!

What is a hair steamer?

If you’re a steaming newbie, you’ve probably wondered what a hair steamer exactly is.

You’re about to discover a whole new world of possibilities for your natural hair, curl friend!

A hair steamer is a versatile tool that can be used for deep conditioning, detangling, and even styling.

Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra hydration to your strands.

To make it really simple, a hair steamer adds the maximum amount of moisture to your hair strands.

As you already know, our natural hair types tend to be dry with a capital D.

(Read more: Pre-poo for 4c hair: A guide to what it is and why your natural hair needs it)

If you also have low porosity hair, you get a double dose of dry hair because the hair cuticle lays flatly on your hair shaft.

This is a good and bad thing.

While intact and closed cuticles are great for moisture retention, they also block the absorption of moisture from getting in easily.

As much moisture as our hair needs, it doesn’t help when that same moisture is blocked out from getting where it does the most good.

A hair steamer can help open up the cuticle so that moisture can enter and nourish your strands from the inside out!

Not only does steaming help with moisture absorption, but it also makes your hair more pliable.

This is important because when your strands are more hydrated, they’re less likely to break during detangling sessions.

We all know the feeling of having dry, brittle hair that snaps off at the drop of a hat (RIP to them all).

Hair steaming will help alleviate some of that pain by making your strands softer and more manageable.

The right steam treatment regimen can aid in improving the condition of your hair and maximizing the benefits of a solid hair care regimen.

What is a steam treatment?

A steam treatment uses steam to open up the hair cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.

Moist heat comes out of the steamer and contacts the hair.

This helps the cuticles to open, allowing the extra hydration to enter the hair strands.

The added bonus is increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles, where your hair strands grow.

This increased blood flow promotes hair growth and healthier hair fibers.

For low porosity hair, this allows for maximum hydration as the moisture levels are increased by having the heat lift those stubborn cuticles open.

Steaming low-porosity hair is one of the best things you can do to improve curl definition, decrease hair breakage and achieve much softer hair.

A properly executed steaming session is the little extra help your thirsty curls have been waiting for!

If you’ve ever been to a sauna, think of a hair steamer as a mini steam room for your hair.

Ready to get started on your steaming journey?

We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to use a hair steamer.

What are the benefits of steaming hair?

There are quite a few benefits to steaming hair, which is why it’s such an important part of a solid hair care routine.

We’ve already talked about how steaming can help with moisture absorption and increasing blood circulation to the scalp.

But there are even more benefits to be had!

Here are some of the other amazing benefits of steaming hair:

What does a hair steamer do for your hair?

A hair steamer does a lot for your hair!

We’ve already talked about how it can help with moisture absorption and detangling, but there’s even more.

Here are some of the other things a hair steamer can do for your hair:

1. Improve the effectiveness of deep conditioning
2. Maximize the benefits of a hot oil treatment (use with caution and always follow instructions carefully)
3. Revive limp hair and keep your hair in tip-top shape

Is a hair steamer good for 4c hair? 

Yes, a hair steamer is good for 4c hair! I wish I could get a bullhorn and scream it from a mountaintop!

The added moisture and hydration can do wonders for 4c curls.

Steam therapy is one of the most effective ways to keep our 4c hair moisturized while waiting for wash day.

Just be sure to use a heat protectant before steaming and always follow the instructions carefully.

(I didn’t know about this and suffered hair breakage at my crown).

What are the best hair steaming products?

There are a few different types of hair steaming products on the market, including:

Handheld hair steamers

Garment steamers

Hair steamer caps

Hair steam therapy machines

The best product for you will depend on your budget and how often you plan to use it.

If you only want to use it occasionally, a handheld steamer or hair steamer cap might be the best option.

If you plan to use it more frequently, a garment steamer or hair steam therapy machine would be better.

 Whichever product you choose, make sure to read the instructions carefully before using it. 

How do I choose the right hair steamer machine?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right hair steamer machine:

1. Portability – You’ll want a steamer that’s easy to travel with if you’re planning on taking it with you on trips or to the salon.

2. Size – Choose a steamer that’s the right size for your needs. If you have long hair, you’ll want a handheld steamer with a longer hose so you can reach all of your strands.

3. Settings – Make sure the steamer has different heat settings so you can find the perfect temperature for your hair type. Temperature control is essential as you don’t want to damage your hair with too much heat.

4. Price – Hair steamers can range in price from around $30 to $200. Choose the one that fits your budget and needs.

5. Water tank capacity – This is important if you want to be able to steam your hair for a long time without having to stop and refill the water tank.

6. Warranty – Check to see if the steamer comes with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with it.

7. Weight – If you’ll be carrying the steamer around with you, choose one that’s not too heavy.

8. Accessories – Some steamers come with accessories, like diffusers and nozzles, which can be helpful in getting the most out of your steaming session.

Other than these things, the type of steamer you choose is just a matter of personal preference.

Now that we’ve gone over all the basics, let’s get into how to use a hair steamer!

How to use a hair steamer for natural hair 

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be a steaming pro in no time.

1) Always start with clean hair.

This is so important because you don’t want any dirt to become trapped or build up in your hair.

Product build-up can lead to scalp irritation, so it’s best to start with a clean slate.

If you tend to use a lot of styling products, or heavy oils, butters, or greases on your hair, it is vital that you cleanse your curls with a clarifying shampoo prior to the steaming process.

A clarifying shampoo breaks down all of the dirt and oils, allowing them to be washed from the surface of your hair properly.

2) Section your hair.

Start by sectioning your hair into 4-6 sections with clips or a stretchy headband.

This will help make the process go more smoothly and ensure that each section of hair gets an equal amount of steam.

I like to use these Framar hair clips on my hair. They do a good job of keeping my coils out of the way without adding unnecessary tension.

3) Fill up the steamer.

Fill up the steamer with distilled water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, room temperature water works best.

If you don’t have distilled water, you can use boiled water that has cooled down completely.

You don’t want to use cold water, or hot water for that matter, as these may damage the internal mechanisms of your steamer.

3) Plug in the steamer and wait for it to heat up.

If you’re using a handheld steamer, once it has heated up, hold it a few inches away from your hair and let the steam disperse for 30 seconds to a minute.

Once the initial steam has dispersed, you can bring the steamer closer to your hair, being careful not to touch your strands with the steamer as this could cause burns.

Hold the handheld hair steamer in place for 3-5 minutes before moving on to the next section of hair.

Repeat until all sections of hair have been steamed. Make sure to target all areas of your hair.

How long should I steam my hair?

Steaming for 10-15 minutes should be sufficient.

If using a tabletop steamer, or hooded steamer, grab a good book, sit underneath the steamer hood and let it do its job for 3-5 minutes.

The duration of your steaming session will vary depending on your hair type and length.

Fine-haired coilies may only need to steam for 3 minutes, while those with thicker, coarser strands may want to steam for up to 10 minutes.

It’s a good idea to start with a shorter steaming time and work your way up as needed.

Gently remove the steamer from your head and allow your hair to air dry for a few moments before applying any products.

Once you’re done steaming, turn off the steamer and allow it to cool down completely before handling.

When the steamer is cool, carefully remove the lid (if using a tabletop or hooded steamer) or discontinue using the handheld steamer from your hair.

Follow up with your favorite deep conditioner or protein treatment.

Applying a deep conditioner after steaming helps to lock in all of the moisture and hydration from the steam therapy session.

For example, if you have low-porosity hair, look for a conditioner that is protein-free.

Protein can actually cause more damage to low-porosity strands. 

On the other hand, if you have high-porosity hair, look for a conditioner that contains proteins.

Proteins can help to fill in the gaps in your cuticle and prevent moisture from escaping.

Applying a generous amount of conditioner, concentrating on the ends.

Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while your conditioner is still on, and to wet hair, to help further moisturize and protect your strands.

After applying your deep conditioner, cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or steaming towel and allow it to penetrate for 30 minutes to an hour.

Rinse out the conditioner with cool water and style as usual.

 If you have time, sit under a fan for a few minutes to help speed up the drying process.

You can also use a leave-in conditioner if desired, but make sure it does not contain any alcohol, which can dry out your hair.

(Check out The Best Leave In Conditioners for 4c Hair)

When your curls are about 60% dry, apply your favorite leave-in conditioner and/or styling product(s).

A good conditioning treatment gets a super boost when coupled with your home hair steamer.

How often should I steam my hair?

Can I steam my hair every day? How long should i steam my hair?

How often you should steam your hair depends on a few factors, such as your hair type, porosity, and current condition.

Generally speaking, you should only need to steam your hair once or twice a week at most.

If you have low-porosity hair, you may need to steam your hair more often to get the full benefits.

Can I steam my hair every day?

It’s important to use a moisturizing and nourishing conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type.

No, you should not steam your hair every day.

Steaming your hair too often can actually cause more damage than good.

Hygral Fatigue can occur when you steam your hair too often, causing your strands to become weak and brittle from excessive moisture.

Your hair needs time to recover between steaming sessions, so it’s important to give it a break in between.

Can steaming 4c hair cause damage?

Steaming 4c hair can cause damage if you do it too often or if you don’t follow up with a deep conditioning treatment afterward.

Make sure to only steam your 4c hair once or twice a week at most, and always follow up with a conditioning treatment to help hydrate and protect your strands.

How to use a handheld hair steamer/handheld hydration machine for hair

If you’re using a handheld hair steamer, hold it about 6 inches away from your hair and move it around to evenly distribute the steam.

Be careful not to get too close to your scalp, as this can cause burns.

Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until your hair feels hydrated.

After steaming, allow your hair to air dry for a few moments before applying any products.

When the steamer is cool, carefully remove it from your hair.

How to use a garment steamer on 4c hair

If you’re using a garment steamer, hold it about 6 inches away from your hair and move it around to evenly distribute the steam.

Be careful not to get too close to your scalp, as this can cause burns.

Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until your hair feels hydrated.

After steaming, allow your hair to air dry for a few moments before applying any products.

When the steamer is cool, carefully remove it from your hair.

How to use a hair steamer cap

If you’re using a hair steamer cap, put it on your head and sit under a dryer set to low heat for about 10-15 minutes.

After steaming, allow your hair to air dry for a few moments before applying any products.

When the steamer is cool, carefully remove it from your hair.

 If you have time, sit under a fan for a few minutes to help speed up the drying process.

Steam caps for black hair:

• VICARKO Hair Steamer Thermal Heat Cap
• Debecty Deep Conditioning Microwavable Heat Cap
• RIEEPTV Cordless Natural Hair Steam Cap

Hair steamer vs. hooded dryer

A hooded dryer is a type of hair dryer that has a dome-shaped hood that covers your head.

Unlike a hair steamer which uses moist heat, a hooded dry uses dry heat on your hair.

The heat from the dryer penetrates your hair, helping to dry it evenly.

Hooded dryers are often used in salons to help speed up the drying process.

While a hooded dryer can be used on all types of hair, it’s especially helpful for those with thicker, curlier hair.

A hooded dryer can actually cause more damage to your hair than a steamer, so it’s important to use it carefully.

Only use a hooded dryer on a low heat setting and don’t sit under it for too long.

As with a steamer, apply a heat protectant before using a hooded dryer to protect your hair from heat damage.

Always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after using a hooded dryer.

Which is better: Hair steam treatment in a salon or at home?

There are benefits to both salon and at-home hair steaming treatments.

Salon treatments are usually more expensive, but they can be tailored specifically to your hair type.

At-home treatments are often less expensive and more convenient, but you may not get the same results as you would from a salon treatment.

If you’re new to hair steaming, it’s probably best to start with an at-home treatment.

You can always upgrade to a salon treatment later if you’re not happy with the results.

 Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow all the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.

How to steam hair at home w/o a steamer

There are a few ways to steam your hair at home without using a steamer.

One way is to put your head over a bowl of hot water and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.

Sit like this for 10-15 minutes, or until your hair feels hydrated.

Another way is to fill up your bathroom sink with hot water and lean over it, covering your head with a towel.

Or, you can take a hot shower and let the steam work its magic on your strands.

After steaming, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to help hydrate and protect your hair.

The Breakdown

There are many benefits to steaming your hair.

It’s a great way to hydrate your strands and give your hair a healthy boost to help support length retention and growth.

There are many different ways to steam your hair, and a variety of products on the market, so you find the method that works best for you.

A weekly dose of steaming can be just the thing dry, thirsty coils need to keep them healthy and hydrated!

I hope this was helpful. If it was, why not leave a comment and let everyone know!

Until next time.

Your favorite Kurlie Gurlie,