Frequently Asked Questions
Is steaming good for your hair?
“Steaming is extremely good for your hair and should be regularly included as part of your wash day routine!” James says. “Steaming softens the hair, which increases its elasticity.” It is especially ideal for those with curly and frizzy hair, which is more prone to dryness and breakage due to lack of natural oil. “Elasticity eliminates breakage and allows the strands to spring back instead of breaking,” says James.
Speaking of dryness, James says, “Steaming also promotes moisture retention.” “It’s like osmosis for hair: The cuticle layer, known as the protective barrier, opens up and allows water to pass through and penetrate deeper into the structure of the strand.”
Does steaming benefit a particular hair type more than others?
According to Dallas Trichologist Kerry YatesWhile anyone can benefit from a hair steamer, curly hair types and textures like 4C hair can benefit the most from their hair care routine. “It is used sparingly on extremely curly hair to ensure the treatment is effective from root to tip; twists in curly hair can make even distribution of the treatment product difficult,” she says. So if your hair is naturally oily or sticky, you may not get as much benefit from steaming your hair treatments. (And yes, anyone with an active skin condition may want to check with a dermatologist before steaming.)
Additionally, “for people with dry, damaged, overprocessed, brittle, low and high porosity levels, steaming is an unattainable thing,” says James. This is because “moist heat encourages deep hydration to hair that is thirsty due to chemical treatments, excessive manipulation, dehydration and environmental factors.” In other words, steaming can help grow stronger, more elastic, healthier strands.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hair steamers?
Yates says hair steamers can improve hair health by “improving product efficacy,” helping you get even more moisturizing and hydrating benefits from your hair products. “Hair steamers are a great option for people with dry hair, as they increase product penetration and support deep hydration during conditioning treatments,” says Bellemare.
That said, misuse can cause irritation or even damaged hair, Yates warns, so always be sure to read the directions. And steamers can be expensive, Bellemare says, and “it may not always be possible to find 15 minutes to steam your hair.” If you’re short on time (or cash), you can use deep conditioner in the shower.
Is steam better than heat?
Both can benefit your hair, but James gives the edge to steaming. “Steaming is moist heat, and this process helps water pass through the cuticle for maximum hydration and moisture,” James explains. While deep conditioning with dry heat, such as from a hooded dryer, is certainly effective, “the process takes more time and becomes more beneficial with consistency,” says James.
Yates says that when using the right equipment, it can be slightly easier and better to use a steamer on hair than simple heat because the temperature of the steam and how well the steam is distributed through the hair is controlled.
How should one choose a good hair steamer?
With steaming come potential risks (including burning yourself or your hair), so it’s important to choose a model you find easy to use with straightforward instructions; Bellemare highly recommends following those instructions carefully and using the steamer in combination with high quality hair products tailored to your needs. And if you’re stingy, you can always book a salon appointment instead; In fact, Yates recommends leaving this step to the professionals.
Do you steam wet or dry hair?
“I recommend steaming immediately after shampooing,” says James. “Deep conditioners and treatments are best absorbed on clean, wet hair without oil, dirt, debris, and product buildup.” Most treatments are best distributed on wet or damp hair, from root to tip, she says, and many formulas are even water-activated.
That said, it’s important to read the instructions for your specific treatment. “Some product formulas may not suggest applying heat depending on the technology,” says James.
How we rated hair steamers
To compile our list of the best hair steamers, we considered ease of use, settings and features (think timers and temperature controls), and cost. We also contacted a professional hair stylist for her recommendations.