This Is What You Need To Know About Hair Steamers

When it comes to giving your hair the TLC that it needs, there’s no harm in pulling out all of the stops to get the job done. If you make it a point to stay on top of the latest beauty trends, you may have heard about the hair steamer craze. Known to provide your strands with many benefits, this essential has become a hot commodity in the beauty world—especially the hair steamer cap. After all, natural hair bloggers and our BFFs alike have been sharing the wonders of this tool. If you’re not well-versed about this essential, we’re here to provide some clarity. Follow along as we share everything you need to know about this tool, including how to use a hair steamer in your hair-care routine.

WHAT ARE HAIR STEAMERS?

A hair steamer is a tool that is designed to provide your mane with a burst of steam that opens your hair cuticle. In turn, this allows your hair-care products to deeply penetrate your strands to achieve long-lasting moisture and strengthen hair. It also comes in handy to refresh your curls and remove impurities and scalp buildup for clean strands. Typically, you can find a hair steamer in a hooded or handheld offering to complement your needs. Not to mention, you can also use a hair steamer cap, similar to a heat deep conditioning cap, to reap the same benefits.

WHAT HAIR TYPES CAN THEY BE USED ON?

While using a hair steamer is a natural hair-care staple, anyone can get in on the fun. As we mentioned, one of the main reasons for using a hair steamer is to help your strands get and maintain moisture. For those dealing with low porosity hair or locks on the dry and damaged side, a round of steaming can do your mane justice.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A HAIR STEAMER?

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, kick things off with weekly usage. If you just want to shower your locks with an extra boost of moisture, a bi-weekly routine will come in handy.

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 20 to 30 minutes. Anything over this limit will be too much for your strands.

HOW TO USE A HAIR STEAMER IN YOUR ROUTINE

While there are a few ways you can hop on the steaming craze, you can keep things simple with your at-home routine and opt for a hair steamer cap. Follow our step-by-step routine below to get the ball rolling.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR STRANDS

To give your mane the TLC that it needs, it’s essential to set the stage with a washing session. Kick things off with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. This sulfate-free system works to replenish your strands with moisture, leaving you with soft and luminous strands.

STEP #2: APPLY YOUR DEEP CONDITIONER

Once your strands are washed, it’s time to saturate your locks with a deep conditioner. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, which is formulated with 20% conditioning serum and camellia and sunflower oil that hydrates each strand for silkier, softer hair. Apply a generous amount to damp hair from the lengths to ends. Then, cover your hair with a shower cap.

Editor’s note: You can also substitute a deep conditioner for a hot oil treatment. Visit our article, The Benefits of Hot Oil Treatments, for more information.

STEP #3: BRING ON THE STEAM

Following the instructions on the packaging of the product you’re using, toss the hair steamer cap into the microwave for the suggested amount of time. Place the tool over your shower cap and let the device do its thing. You can totally use this time to shave your legs or pop on a face mask for the ultimate self-care day.

STEP #4: RINSE YOUR STRANDS

Now that your steaming session is over, you’ll need to rinse out the product. Remove the cap before using lukewarm water to rinse your strands thoroughly.

STEP #5: APPLY A HAIR SERUM

Next, you’ll want to top it all off by locking in moisture. This is where the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment can pick up the slack. Rub two to three drops between your palms and apply it throughout the lengths of your hair and the ends. Once complete, style as desired.

CAN HAIR STEAMERS 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 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.

Next: Now that you’re a hair steamer expert, take your hair-care knowledge to new heights with another beauty essential. Check out our article, How To Use a Deep Conditioning Cap for some pointers.