Is your natural or relaxed hair extremely dry? Hair steaming may just be the solution to get healthy, moisturized coils and curls. Hair steaming basically means adding moisture in the form of moist heat (steam) to the hair strands. This can be done in a number of different ways such as using a handheld hair steamer, a standing steamer, or even enjoying the steam after a long warm shower. The following are valid reasons to consider steaming your hair:
1. Hair steaming helps reduce breakage: the steam helps to add moisture and thus can make dry, brittle and thirsty hair supple, hydrated and healthy.
2. It lifts the cuticle to allow product/ingredient absorption: the warmth from the steam helps to raise the cuticle of our hair, which means that products/ingredients are more easily absorbed into the core. This can be particularly helpful for low porosity naturals that find it hard to get moisture deep into the core of the hair.
3. It enables hair stretching, less shrinkage and tangles because the hair is hydrated, which usually means that there is less shrinkage. This in turn means fewer tangles and knots. This makes it easier to detangle and can also lead to less breakage.
4. It refreshes curls without having to start over. You get to add moisture without having to soak your hair with water. This can be especially beneficial for those that suffer from dry brittle hair during winter and do not want to add water in the morning/night and perhaps risk getting a cold.
5. It helps clean the scalp and promote hair growth. The warmth from the steam can actually help fight through some product build-up/dirt on the scalp, making it easier to keep your scalp clean. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp and a healthy scalp means healthy growth. The warmth also helps stimulate blood flow in the scalp which again helps with hair growth.