Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Have you ever seen someone steaming their hair and wondered what the heck they are doing? No, me neither. Because that would be weird.

But if you have ever seen someone with shiny, bouncy, healthy-looking hair and wanted to know their secret, it’s probably a good chance that they were using a hair steamer!

In this post, we’re going to talk about what a hair steamer is, how it works, and why you might want to consider adding one to your beauty routine!

Sound good? Let’s get started!

If you’re like most women, you probably love having healthy and shiny hair. But if you’re like me, trying to achieve that look can sometimes be a challenge. I’ve tried all sorts of products, but the one thing that has helped me the most is using a hair steamer.

If you’re not well-versed in this essential tool, don’t worry! We’ve come to offer some clarity.

What is a hair steamer and what does it do for your hair?

A hair steamer is a tool that emits moist heat to your hair and is said to offer a variety of benefits.

People with curly hair likely know the struggle of keeping it moisturized and free of frizz. And, while there are a plethora of products on the market that promise to help, using a hair steamer is said to be one of the most effective ways to seal in moisture and keep your hair healthy.

Benefits of using a hair steamer

• Stimulates the scalp and increases blood flow.

• The moist heat of a hair steamer help promote hair growth, by encouraging blood to circulate.

• Helps to retain moisture in the hair shaft.

• Helps to reduce frizz and flyaway.

• Helps to define curls.

• Making your hair look shinier and bouncier.

• It helps in raising the cuticle layer of the hair shaft, which makes it easier to infuse products into the hair. This aids in the maximum effectiveness of your conditioning and deep conditioning treatments.

• It is a great tool for low porosity hair. The cuticle layers of low porosity hair are tightly packed and do not easily allow moisture or products to penetrate the hair shaft. Using a hair steamer can help to raise those cuticle layers and allow for better absorption.

Pretty impressive, right?

How does a hair steamer work?

Hair steaming works similarly to a facial steamer – that is, it helps to “open” or lift the hair cuticle and allows your products, treatments, and oils to penetrate the hair fiber, providing maximum hydration, moisture, and nourishment.

When moist heat is generated from the hair steamer, the cuticle gently lifts and swells, then it’s infused with the nourishing product ingredient or treatment, as well as water.

In turn, curls are more defined, hydrated, and manageable.

What Hair Types Can They Be Used On?

Steaming your hair with a hair steamer is a welcome addition to any hair care regimen. Hair steamers can be used on all hair types.

Types of hair steamers – which one is best for you?

Each type of hair steamer has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.

Here is a breakdown of hair steamers:

Ionic Hair Steamer: This type of hair steamer is said to be the most popular and widely used. It produces negative ions, which are beneficial for the scalp and hair.

The main downside to this type of steamer is that it can be a bit bulky and heavy and super expensive; we’re talking hundreds of $$$!

Ultrasonic Hair Steamer: This type of steamer uses ultrasonic vibrations to emit an enormous quantity of microscopic water particles that permeate deep into hair follicles. It serves as an effective treatment for hair that is damaged by perms and coloring.

The downside to this steamer is that it can be difficult to find replacement parts, and it is also very expensive – you don’t wanna know how much!

Hair Dryer with Steam Function: You may have heard of this concept with a washing machine. The advantage with this is that it comes as a 2-in-1 function, which means more bang for your buck.

A hairdryer with a steam function is just that – a hairdryer with the added feature of emitting moist heat.

The downside to this type of hair steamer is that it can be difficult to find. It’s less expensive than the other two types and is a good option for those who are not ready to make a big purchase.

Travel Hair Steamer: This type of hair steamer is perfect for those on the go. It’s small and compact and can be easily packed in a suitcase or carried in your tote.

The downside is that it doesn’t produce as much heat or moisture as the other types of hair steamers.

More common types of hair steamers:

Now that you know a little more about hair steamers, let’s talk about how to use one for the best results!

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your hair steamer:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as all steamers are not created equal.
• Start with freshly washed hair and apply your treatment.
• Apply your favorite moisturizing product, treatment, or oil to each subsection of hair.
• -Start with the coldest setting and work your way up. This will help to prevent burns.
• Allow 5 to 20 minutes for your hair to absorb the moisture and nutrients. If your hair is super dry or damaged, you may want to do it for 30 minutes. Don’t overdo it, though, or you’ll risk over-moisturizing your hair.
• Rinse your hair with cool water and style as usual.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about hair steamers:

Is steaming good for your hair?

Yes, steaming is good for your hair. It helps to seal in moisture and hydration, reduces frizz and flyaways, helps to define curls, and keeps hair healthy and shiny.

Does a hair steamer damage your hair?

When a hair steamer is used correctly, it can take your hair-care game to the next level. That said, it’s important to know that over-using this device can adversely affect the look and feel of your mane.

Simply put, over-steaming can offset your moisture levels and lead to damage. This can cause limp and weak-looking strands to become a reality. Not what you want!

Always make sure to use a hair steamer when needed to keep your strands in tip-top shape.

How often should you steam your hair?

Now that you’re well-versed on the benefits of using a hair steamer, you’re probably ready to add one to your routine ASAP. We don’t blame you.

However, it’s important to know that you shouldn’t use this tool every day. Play it safe and pay attention to your strands.

If it’s always a struggle for your products to penetrate your strands and you want to shower your locks with an extra boost of moisture, kick things off with weekly usage, then adjust accordingly.

How long should you steam your hair

When it comes to steaming your hair, it’s important not to go overboard. Locking down the right time for your hair steamer to work its magic is key for healthy and moisturized strands.

To get the most out of this device, you’ll want to steam your hair between 5 to 30 minutes, but ultimately, you need to pay attention to your hair and let it guide you. Also, make sure to follow the instructions on the product that you apply to your hair, as well as the hair steamer.

Is there anything I can do with my hair while it’s in the steamer?

While we don’t recommend leaving the house while using a hair steamer (safety first, people!), there are a few things you can do to make the most of your time.

For example, if you’re using a hair steamer to help with curl definition, section your hair into small subsections and use some clips to hold them in place. This will help the curls stay put as they form.

Do you steam your hair dry or wet?

You should steam your hair while it is wet. When you’re done, rinse with cool water to seal in the moisture. However, if you’re using the steamer for a hot oil treatment, you can do it on dry hair

Does steaming stop hair breakage?

It depends on the cause of your hair breakage. If your hair breakage is due to a poor diet, medication, then steaming may not be able to help.

If your hair breakage is due to mechanical damage (e.g. using too much heat styling), not enough hydration, or using the wrong type of products, then steaming can help to reduce breakage.

Can a steamer cause heat damage?

Yes, if you use a hair steamer incorrectly it can cause heat damage. Over-steaming can offset your moisture levels and lead to damage. This can cause limp and weak-looking strands to become a reality. Too much exposure to high-temperature steam can damage your hair.

Make sure to read the directions that came with your hair steamer carefully.

These are just a few of the most commonly asked questions about hair steamers. Be sure to do your own research to find out more about this helpful tool.

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