So what is the alternative? There are actually two alternatives to purchasing a hair steamer.
1. The easy way is to jump in the shower! Allow the water to get warm, and allow the steam to work its magic on your hair (which will either be out or underneath a shower cap*). The only issue with this is that there’s a possibility that you could totally lose your hair shape.
2. The second alternative requires a hooded dryer*, 2 plastic bags/caps, and two towels. After washing and applying deep conditioner*, place a plastic cap on your head.
Wet a towel, wring it out, and place in the microwave until it’s warm but not scalding. Place that over the plastic cap, then place a larger cap or plastic bag over the towel. Afterwards, sit under a hooded dryer* for at least a half hour.
Being a person that pretty much steams her hair everyday just by taking a long, hot shower, I weighed all of my options and it seems like purchasing a steamer* is a good investment.
There are added benefits that can’t be achieved through stay at home methods, and a steamer* is something that can be used for ages. Steamers also don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Many of them just need to be plugged in to operate, and they hold enough water for three to four uses. They’re handheld, not bulky, and can travel with you (major plus).
It’s advised to only put water inside of these steamers to ensure they continue working correctly, but they play nice with other hair products that are already applied to our hair.
Hair steamers seem especially beneficial for damaged, color treated, or dry hair. While they won’t alter the hair shape, they help provide the added moisture that us curly girls need to achieve healthy hair.
Just make sure not to over moisturize hair to the point where it’s too limp or too soft. Adding steam to a weekly hair regimen seems worth it!
While they don’t alter curl patterns, they help with curl clumping, and ultimately definition. If your hair seems frizzy when you first use a hair steamer, notice that over time your hair will be less prone to frizz due to the addition of more water and moisture. This addition to our regimen can lead to visible results if used correctly. I think I need to go buy one!
What are your thoughts on steaming hair? Have you purchased a steamer before?
Phoenix McGee says
Cool article. Are there any consistent users out there that have seen a difference?
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
I helped my hair when I had cuticle damage but now that it’s healthier, dry heat work better.
Mera Anderson says
Right! Who has seen a difference ?
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
I love my steamer but lately, I’m getting better results with dry heat.
Soraya Miller says
It helps my low porosity hair,the heat helps open my hair shaft so products are absorbed far more better then it sitting on the top of my hair.
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
Great for lo-po hair!
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
I love my steamer but it’s not required. You can actually steam without a steamer as I show in this post: http://bit.ly/1cA6g7a
Ajah says
I just put deep conditioner in and put the cap on sit under the dryer. I don’t do the wet towel thing. At least not at home. At the salon my hairdresser takes a steamed towel and wraps it around my head and I’m just laying back for about 5 minutes then he comes back and either rinses me out or if he thinks I need a little more moisture he put a cap on and it’s under the dryer. I always have great results, no matter which one is used. I’ve wanted to try a steamer, but I’m on the fence and I’m sure my hubby doesn’t want another gadget in the house. lol
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
I’d say keep doing what you’re doing since it’s working great!
Brenda Davis says
I was wondering the same question. What does this do different from a conditioning cap?
Jay Jay says
I have this exact model – hair & face steamer – and I love it
Black Independence Day says
Worlds biggest fan right here
Brenda Marshall says
They are wonderful for rod sets and twist outs,hair conditioning,color set
Jay Jay says
I got this exact model – hair and face steamer – love it