When natural hair is crying for moisture in between washes, steam therapy is a quick and easy moisturizing alternative to co-washing or using extra products. It’s important to keep curls moisturized throughout the hair style cycle to avoid breakage. During winter months, incorporating a steam treatment helps open hair cuticles absorb deep conditioners and moisturizers better than dry hair.
Steam treatments can also be a transformative part of a hair care regimen depending on whether curls are low-, medium- or high-porosity—which is a category of hair typing that is different from curl pattern. According to Carol’s Daughter hair care tips, “porosity is your hair’s ability to soak up and hold in moisture and products.”
Most hair educators and naturals know it’s important to open cuticles with heat and lock the moisturizer in by using a sealant, such as oil. However, how effective natural hair is at receiving moisture varies based on how wide the shingles on the hair cuticle open and close. Porosity can also change due to certain styling practices.
Low-porosity hair is not easily penetrated by moisture, some may even notice water or products sitting on top of their hair. On the other hand, although high-porosity hair can receive moisture it does not retain it, oftentimes leaving it dry.
Using steamers can solve both problems by helping low-porosity hair open up to moisture and keeping high-porosity hair moisturized. Aside from hydration, steamers also have other benefits such as stimulating hair growth and providing a deeper clean.
Investing in a steamer is almost synonymous with investing in healthy curls, regardless of curl type. Naturals looking for a new addition to their hair tool arsenal can check out the below three steamers worth every penny.
Q-Redew Hair Steamer
Original natural hair influencers who took over the Youtube space in the early aughts were using the Q-Redew Hair Steamer. According to the Q-Redew website, this handheld steamer can help naturals hydrate, reshape, detangle, stretch, deep condition and add volume to their curls or coils. Refreshing natural hair with a Q-Redew can be done in under 10 minutes. After heating the water in the Q-Redew water reservoir for roughly 30 seconds, detangle as needed while passing through sections to warm, soften and steam natural hair for optimal moisture retention.
Pattern Beauty Hair Steamer
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Pattern Hair Steamer is worth every penny. Naturals who use the Pattern Hair Steamer for hair therapy can expect 2 main benefits: expanded cuticles that allow for products to deeply penetrate curls and revitalized natural hair from the scalp down to the ends. Those loyal to the Pattern brand can use this steamer alongside the Pattern Breakage Barrier Hair Mask for an at home steam and repair treatment. The steamer comes with a prong attachment, diffuser attachment and cleaning kit.
Nano Ionic Face Steamer
Amazon’s budget-friendly trendy face steamer also equals as a hair steamer if used right. This steamer creates a warm powerful mist that promotes the absorption of skin care products while synonymously promoting the absorption of hair care products. Although it isn’t handheld, naturals on the go can bring their compact Nano Ionic Face Steamer almost anywhere. This steamer also comes with a 5 piece Blackhead extractor for an all-in-one hair and skin spa treatment.
Whether your curls are low-porosity, high-porosity, tight or loose, any natural whose been thinking of investing in a steamer doesn’t need to think any longer. Adding a steam treatment into a natural hair care regimen is another step forward in a healthy hair journey.
