How To Get Healthier Natural Hair in 1 Easy Step

Healthier Natural Hair in 1 Simple Step and  Why You Need to Start Hair Steaming for Healthier Natural Hair

If you are dealing with extremely dry, damaged or brittle hair, you are in the right place. Does it feel like whatever you do to your hair, it just winds up dry again? I’ve been there, and trust me when I say I understand. I have highly kinky and extremely coily hair that just loves to stay dry, in fact, it’s the nature of naturally textured hair to be dryer than any other hair type! Those beautiful curls and coils that you love so much can sometimes be part of the reason why your hair might be feeling extra dry. 

Think of a pencil. Now think of a spring, or a slinky(If you’re old enough to remember them.) Now which one of those two do you think it’s easier for oil to travel from top to bottom? The pencil! This is because it’s a straight shot with no barriers blocking the oil from flowing from the follicle(root) to the end of the hair strand. Just think of all the bends, loops, and turns the oil would have to navigate to get from the top to the bottom, not to mention the amount of oil that does make it to the bottom would be less. This is why if you’re naturally straight haired person you might experience oilier scalp/hair more and if you’re a naturally curly haired person, you’d experience a dryer scalp and ends. What should you do about it?  Well, this is where hair steaming can come into place. 

Although all hair types and textures can benefit from steaming,  low porosity hair types that might struggle to absorb moisture, color treated hair and hair that’s transitioning from being chemically relaxed to natural have the most to gain from hair steaming. This is because of how hair steaming helps soften and hydrate hair that is very dry, damaged, over-processed or chemically treated. 

Hair Steaming can elevate the health of your natural hair and scalp. 

What is Hair Steaming? 

Hair steaming is the process of using moist heat to help open up the hair follicles and pores on your scalp to allow better absorption of moisture. Hair is constantly exposed to the natural elements like sun, heat, cold, fabric, pollutants, etc, and that can often lead to dry and brittle hair. Two things that are left untreated will eventually increase your chance for hair breakage.  By steaming your hair, it will help moisture to deeply penetrate each hair follicle alongside any product that you add.

I’ve said it so many times but your hair is a plant, and what do plants need? Water! Especially on your roots and scalp. Since hair is dead keratin, your scalp is your last chance to ensure that what grows out is at its healthiest.  By steaming your hair you are  using a moist heat that creates an effect similar to the greenhouse effect but on your hair. Steaming the hair creates a humid environment that is optimal for the absorption of moisture and conditioning or oil products.

Why Should I Steam My Hair?

Along with helping the moisture to deeply penetrate your hair/hair strands, steaming increases your hair softness and the moist heat from steaming encourages blood flow which can stimulate growth to repair damaged, dry and or brittle hair. Steaming your hair also provides your scalp with a deep clean and steaming can calm your scalp from skin irritations and dryness. Steaming your hair can also help to unclog your pores as well which also encourages hair growth. While steaming will not exactly make your hair grow, the process of steaming is what can help your hair reach its fullest potential because it targets the scalp and the moist heat will encourage blood flow at the source of healthy hair growth. (Because your hair is a plant!)

Deep penetration of moisture into the hair shaft enhances its elasticity which means your hair can stretch and relax easily. Increased elasticity makes it easier to style your hair with minimum tangles and breakage.

When should I steam my hair?

How should I steam my hair?

How Long Should You Steam Your Hair?

Your hair condition is the biggest factor to determine the duration of steaming your hair needs. You should allow enough time for the cuticles to open up and the conditioning products to penetrate the hair. In general for straight, relaxed hair, a session of around 15 to 20 minutes under the steamer should be good enough. You might want a session of 30 minutes in case you have frizzy hair that looks thirsty.

Can Steaming Damage Your Hair?

If you are steaming your hair the right way, you do not need to worry about damage. It's good practice though to be mindful that excessively high heat could damage your hair cuticles and also the protein that your hair is made of. If your hair feels like it has lost elasticity and is breaking off easily than what seems normal for your hair, chances are that you might have overdone it. The condition of your hair and the steaming equipment you are using can play a significant role in helping or hurting your hair. Consult an expert or visit a beauty salon in case you are unsure about hair steaming.

The chances of damaging your hair from steaming are very low and shouldn't stop you from trying this amazing and incredibly easy way to increase your hair hydration and overall scalp and hair health.