If you experience extreme hair dryness, contrary to popular opinion hair steaming might be what you need. Hair steaming adds moisture in the form of moist heat (steam) to the hair strands giving it vigour and shine. It 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. These are reasons to consider hair steaming:
1. Reduces breakage
Hair steaming helps to add moisture and thus can make dry, brittle and thirsty hair supple, hydrated and healthy.
2. Lifts hair curticle
It allows the 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 or products to be fully absorbed by the hair.
3. Allows hair stretching
Hair steaming causes less shrinkage and tangles: because the hair is hydrated, it usually means that there is less shrinkage which in turn means less tangles and knots. This makes it easier to detangle and can also lead to less breakage.
4. Refreshed curls
No need to start curls over again. Just 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. Helps clean the scalp
Hair steaming promotes 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.