7 Hair Steaming Benefits and How You Can Do It

What Is Hair Steaming?

Hair steaming is a beneficial way to cleanse and open up the pores and help get rid of dirt and built-up product on the scalp. Steaming helps add much-needed moisture to the hair shaft while improving blood circulation and increasing perspiration to revive dry and damaged hair.

Is Steaming of Hair Good for You?

Yes! Hair steaming is super beneficial as it hydrates dry tresses that have been stripped of moisture due to exposure to UV rays, pollution, heat styling, and chemical products.

High temperature has been shown to accelerate water penetration. (1) Applying oil or hydrating products is an excellent idea for effective steaming as it adds much-needed moisture to the scalp.

Steaming the hair is a great hair ritual as it lifts the hair cuticle to let products seep deep into the hair shaft to help repair hair damage and promote hair growth.

Benefits of Regular Hair Steaming

Taking care of your scalp and hair through regular steaming offers the following benefits:

1. Moisturizes the hair

Hair steaming aids in adding much-needed moisture to dry and damaged hair. Extreme hair dryness leads to split ends and hair breakage, which can be avoided through regular steaming and using a high-quality oil or serum.

Hydration of the hair works better when the temperature of the steam is increased. Moreover, the keratin in the hair has a special affinity for water, and its water-absorbing capacity is increased after steaming, resulting in well-moisturized hair. (2)

2. Nourishes the scalp

While steaming the hair, the scalp’s pores are opened, leading to better absorption of the nourishing ingredients in hair serums and oils.

3. Improves blood circulation

Hair steaming improves the blood circulation in the scalp. When heat is applied to the scalp, the blood vessels are dilated, resulting in a boost in moisture and blood circulation. Your hair follicles will benefit from this process and remain strong and healthy.

It is a general observation that a healthy scalp produces more hair.

4. Allows better product absorption

Having porous and brittle hair strands can make you lose hope, but don’t worry because steaming and the use of moisture-rich products can improve your mane.

When you steam your hair, you’re opening the cuticle layer, resulting in better product absorption in the hair.

5. Improves hair elasticity

The hair can stretch and shrink without breaking or getting damaged, but it’s not the case for dry and porous hair.

Hair steaming allows your hair to absorb more moisture and become more elastic without any problem. (3) It has been observed that moisturization of the hair occurs at a higher temperature, which can lead to an increase in hair elasticity and shine.

6. Promotes a healthy scalp

Regular hair and scalp steaming helps unclog the pores in your scalp, leading to improved hair growth. It also helps drain harmful toxins from the scalp and causes increased collagen production and blood flow to the scalp.

Research indicates that a healthy scalp results in better hair growth. So if you spend time properly cleaning and steaming your hair and scalp once a month, you will help cut down the excessive sebum production and thus avoid scalp buildup that leads to scalp disease. (4)

7. Detoxifies and removes product buildup on the scalp

Hair steaming enables easy removal of product buildup on the scalp. It aids in keeping your scalp clean, leading to healthy hair and optimum hair growth. It also helps you feel calm and relieved from stress, which is one of the causes of hair fall. (4)

For How Long Should You Steam Your Hair and What Should the Ideal Temperature Be?

A hair steaming session should last for at least 30 minutes to an hour and a half. The scalp should be able to bear the temperature (ensure that it does not burn your scalp) (5) and not feel uncomfortable.

What Hair Products Should You Use When Steaming Your Hair?

When you use substandard oils, you miss out on a genuinely beneficial hair steaming session. Use moisture-rich products infused with avocado, shea butter, or castor oil to get lustrous shiny locks.

How Should You Care for Your Hair After Steaming It?

To care for hair after steaming, you must nourish the ends of your hair with a moisture-rich product. Shampoo your hair less frequently as compared to before.

Applying coconut oil that contains the goodness of onion will be more beneficial than just coconut oil. Onions are rich in sulfur, which helps in the regeneration of hair follicles on the scalp.

Who Should Avoid Hair Steaming?

If you have psoriasis, eczema, folliculitis, and dermatitis, you should consult a dermatologist or hair and scalp expert. Steaming the sores or scabs on your hair scalp that are healing underneath could stop the recovery process.

After the treatment is complete, you can start hair steaming once a month to keep your scalp clean and to avoid any kind of scalp infection.

When Should You Steam Your Hair: Before or After Washing It?

Hair steaming works optimally on clean washed hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly and make sure that your scalp does not have any leftover shampoo or conditioner.

How Frequently Should You Wash Your Hair?

If you have healthy hair, you can steam your hair once a month, but if your hair is dry, then steam it every 10 days. Regular steaming restores lost moisture to the hair and ensures elasticity and bounce.

Can You Steam Your Hair at Home?

You can steam your hair with a hot towel or steam in the shower at home. Massage your hair well with a hydrating oil or lotion before you put on the hot towel on your hair.

How to Steam Your Hair

Hair steaming can be done in two ways:

Using a handheld steamer

1. Apply a high-quality oil/serum to your scalp and hair.
2. Set the temperature of the hair steamer to low heat that your scalp can bear.
3. Hold the handheld steamer close to your scalp and keep moving it to cover all areas of your hair and scalp.
4. Allow your hair to absorb all the moisture for up to 20 minutes.
5. After the steaming is done, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water.
6. Dry your hair naturally.

Using a towel

1. Oil your damp hair well.
2. Wear a shower cap and ensure all the hair is inside it.
3. Soak a cotton towel in hot water or microwave a wet cotton towel for 2 minutes.
4. Squeeze out any excess water from it.
5. Check that the towel heat is comfortable for your hair and scalp, and then wrap the warm towel over the shower cap.
6. Cover your entire head with a plastic bag and leave it for 20-30 minutes.

General Queries Related to Hair Steaming

Final Word

Once hair steaming transforms your hair into the hair of your dreams, you will want to continue it as part of your hair care regime. Give your hair a regular boost with hair steaming once a month, and with this pampering routine, your hair is bound to become your crowning glory.

Moreover, hair steaming helps in getting rid of microbes and dirt, which is important as a healthy scalp is needed for healthy hair. Regular sessions of hair steaming provide great benefits for porous hair as hydration is favored by temperature increases, leading to smooth hair fibers.