If you aren’t already using a hair steamer on your curly or coily hair, you’re missing out on so many hydrating benefits. Seriously, the right hair steamer can level up your hydrating treatments, cleansers, deep conditioners, you name it—not to mention, they feel ultra relaxing too. That’s why we reached out to curl wizard Anthony Dickey, hairstylist and founder of Hair Rules, to learn everything there is to know about hair steamers on natural hair (including, yes, the best tips and tricks for using ’em correctly—and, you know, not burning your hair off in the process). Keep reading for the ultimate guide, plus the best steamers to shop RN.
Are Hair steamers good for your Hair?
If you ask the experts (and anyone who has tried them), the answer is a thousand times yes. When you stick your head under a steamer, the moist heat helps hydrate strands, promote scalp circulation, and open the hair cuticle (which can help amp up the effects of your hair and scalp products, especially if you have low-porosity hair). Oh, and they’re also relaxing as f*ck. According to Dickey, hair steamers are great for four things in particular: hydrating dry hair, soothing your scalp, pre-cleansing on wash day, and deep conditioning.
“Steamers can do a lot for anyone who’s trying to get their natural, dry texture to be softer,” says Dickey. “It just makes the hair more manageable so you have more styling options.” He also adds that wavy and straight hair textures can benefit from steamers, too—particularly those with longer lengths or color-treated hair. “Everyone—regardless of their hair texture and hair type—is looking for their hair to be more manageable and shiny,” he says. And that’s where steaming can help.
How do you use a hair steamer?
If you’re hung up on exactly how to use a hair steamer the “right” way, don’t freak: “There really aren’t any real rules for using a hair steamer,” he says, especially if you’re working with a hair texture that’s naturally dry (but, hey, I like tutorials too, so if you need a visual, check out this tutorial on how to steam type 3 curls, and this tutorial on steaming type 4 hair).
There is one thing you’ll want to keep in mind though: Your steaming sessions shouldn’t last any longer than 30 minutes (in fact, most experts say 20 minutes is the sweet spot). You actually run the risk of damaging your hair bonds when you over-expose your hair to steam, so even though you might be tempted to sit under your steamer for hours on end, it’s best to set an alarm for 20 or 30 minutes max.
Once you’ve got the feeling of steaming down, though, here are Dickey’s favorite ways to use a steamer:
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