How to Steam Your Hair

Steaming your hair is an excellent way to add moisture and nourishment. No matter which method you choose, always wash your hair first, as the process works best on clean hair. Begin by applying your favorite conditioner to your hair. Then, use a warm towel along with a shower cap or a hair steamer to kickstart the steaming process. This allows the conditioner to deeply penetrate your hair. Once done, you'll have shiny, healthy-looking hair!

Apply 2 tablespoons (30ml) of conditioner to your hair. Pour the required amount of conditioner into your palm and rub your hands together. Use your fingers to work the conditioner from the roots to the tips of your hair. Make sure your hair is evenly coated with conditioner. Add more conditioner if necessary to cover the ends of your hair.

• If you prefer, you can substitute your regular conditioner with your favorite hair oil. Coconut oil and olive oil are both popular moisturizing options.

Wear a Shower Cap. If you have long hair, it's best to tie it into a low bun first. Then, put on the shower cap and tuck any loose strands of hair inside the cap.

• You can purchase shower caps at stores like Guardian or Medicare, or at the hair care section in supermarkets.

Moisten the Washcloth and Wring It Out. Wring out the cloth until no water drips down. This step is crucial, as hot water dripping during the steaming process could burn the skin on your neck. Shake the cloth to ensure it is properly dried off.

• If you have a turban towel, you can use it instead of a washcloth.
• The washcloth is effective due to its small size. If you don’t have one, you can use a similarly sized towel.

Heat the Washcloth in the Microwave for About 2 Minutes. Set the microwave to the highest heat setting and press start. This is the method to warm the damp cloth for the hair steaming process. Don't worry if you see smoke coming from the towel in the microwave — this is completely normal.

• If the microwave plate is dirty, place the washcloth in a microwave-safe bowl to keep it clean.

Place the Washcloth on the Shower Cap. You should position the washcloth in the center of the shower cap. If you feel the cloth slipping down, adjust it to ensure it stays centered on your head.

• Wear gloves when placing the hot cloth on your head to avoid burns. Alternatively, you can use an oven mitt to take the washcloth out of the microwave.

Put on Another Shower Cap. This will help to trap the heat and increase the amount of steam. Don’t worry if the second shower cap doesn’t cover your entire head, simply adjust it so that it covers the washcloth completely.

• If you don’t have an additional shower cap, you can use a plastic bag over the washcloth.

Steam your hair for about 30 minutes. This helps the steam penetrate into the hair strands. Try to stay still so the towel doesn’t slide off. You can read a book, watch TV, or just relax during this process.

• For a more intense moisturizing treatment, you can steam your hair for about 2 hours. However, don’t forget to heat the towel 2-3 times during the steaming process.
• If the towel falls off, simply put it back in place and cover it with a shower cap. Be sure to reheat the towel before placing it back on your head if it’s already cooled down.

Rinse your hair with cold water. Remove the shower cap and towel from your hair, and untie your hair if it was previously tied up. Then, turn on the shower to the highest setting and rinse out the conditioner. Cold water helps close the hair cuticles and locks in moisture.

• Your hair will remain shiny and smooth for up to a week. Avoid steaming your hair more than once a week, as doing it too frequently can weaken your hair.
• Allow your hair to dry naturally to maximize moisture retention and minimize heat damage.

Apply a deep moisturizing conditioner to your hair. Use a sufficient amount of conditioner to apply evenly to your entire hair. Start from the roots and move down to the tips. You can use regular conditioner or opt for a specialized deep moisture treatment.

• If possible, choose a product with natural ingredients to help protect the natural oils in your hair.

Sit under a stand-up blow dryer for about an hour. Simply sit comfortably under the blow dryer and choose the steaming mode. The steam will be created inside the dryer, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeply into the hair.

• If your blow dryer doesn’t have a steaming mode, you can use the lowest heat setting. However, the steaming mode is still the best option.
• If you don’t have a stand-up blow dryer, you can visit a salon to steam your hair. This usually comes with a small fee. Alternatively, you can buy a hair steamer from hair accessory stores or online. This is a good option if you plan to steam your hair frequently.
• If your hair is longer than the blow dryer’s nozzle, it’s best to tie your hair up.

Rinse your hair with cold water. Cold water helps close the hair cuticles and lock in moisture, contributing to a shiny, smooth finish. Stand under the shower and let the water rinse away the conditioner.

• If necessary, you can use your hands to gently remove any remaining conditioner from your hair.

Allow your hair to air dry naturally. This helps prevent heat damage and keeps your hair in its best condition. The drying time will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. On average, it will take about 3-6 hours for your hair to fully dry.

• You should only steam your hair once a week, as doing so too often can weaken the hair.

• Only steam your hair once a week.
• Experiment with different moisturizing products to find the one that works best for your hair type.