Steam treatments are a great way to moisturize your hair. Whatever technique you use, be sure to wash your hair before steaming, as this treatment will give the best results on clean hair. Start by applying your favorite hair conditioner. After that, use a hot washcloth and a shower cap or hooded steamer to steam your hair to allow the conditioner to penetrate deep into each strand. Get fresh and shiny hair when you're done!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Hot Towel
Step 1. Spread 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of conditioner onto hair
Pour conditioner into the palm of the hand then smooth. After that, rub the conditioner into the hair shaft with your fingers from the roots to the tips. Make sure to apply the conditioner evenly. If your conditioner runs out before it reaches the ends of your hair, just add a little more.
If you like, you can use hair oil instead of conditioner. Coconut oil and olive oil are quite often used to moisturize hair
Step 2. Wear a shower cap to cover your head
If you have long hair, tie it in a short bun first. After that, put a shower cap on your head and tuck the hair that is still hanging in it.
Purchase a shower cap at the pharmacy or in the hair care area of a convenience store
Step 3. Wet the washcloth and then wring it out
Keep squeezing the washcloth until the water is no longer dripping. This is very important because hot water droplets have the potential to cause burns in the neck area. Shake the washcloth first to make sure the water doesn't drip again.
- If you have a headband like a turban, you can also use it instead of a washcloth.
- Face washcloths are suitable for use because of their small size. If you don't have a face wash, you can use a similar size cloth instead.
Step 4. Put the washcloth in the microwave for 2 minutes
Turn on the microwave to the highest temperature then press the start button. That way, the water in the washcloth will heat up so that it can vaporize the hair. Don't worry if you notice steam escaping from the washcloth as it heats up in the microwave as this is normal.
If your microwave dish gets dirty, use a microwave-safe bowl as a base to keep the washcloth clean
Step 5. Place a hot washcloth over the shower cap
Place this washcloth in the center of your head over a shower cap. If the washcloth feels like it's sliding down from your head, simply adjust it again toward the center of your head for more balance.
Wear gloves when transferring a hot washcloth to your head so you don't burn yourself. You can also use kitchen gloves to remove the washcloth from the microwave
Step 6. Put on the shower cap again to cover the washcloth
That way, the heat won't escape and steam can form. Don't worry if the shower cap doesn't cover your entire head, just stretch it over the washcloth.
If you don't have another shower cap, use a clean plastic bag to cover the washcloth
Step 7. Let the hair steam for 30 minutes
During this time, the steam will seep into the hair. Try not to move too much so the washcloth doesn't slide off your head. Read a book, watch TV, or just relax!
- Allow hair to steam for up to 2 hours if you really want to moisturize it. However, make sure to heat the washcloth 2-3 more times during the treatment.
- If the washcloth comes off, put it back in its original place and cover it again with a shower cap. If the washcloth has cooled, it's a good idea to reheat it before using it again.
Step 8. Rinse hair with cold water
Remove the shower cap and washcloth from your head and then untie your hair if necessary. After that, turn on the shower faucet with maximum pressure so that the water can push the conditioner out of the hair. Cold water will help seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture.
- Hair will feel soft and beautiful for about 1 week. Do not steam your hair more often because it can make it weak.
- Let the hair dry naturally. Drying your hair this way will maximize its moisture while minimizing heat damage.
Method 2 of 2: Steaming Hair with a Hooded Dryer
Step 1. Saturate hair with intensive conditioner
Apply a small amount of conditioner to the hair. Start from the roots to the ends. Use your regular conditioner or an intensive conditioning product.
If possible, use products that contain natural ingredients because they can protect the natural oils in your hair
Step 2. Sit under the hood of the hairdryer for 1 hour
Position your head under the dryer hood and turn on the steam or steam option. After that, steam will build up under the hood, helping to allow the conditioner to sink deep into the hair strands.
- If there is no steam option on the hooded dryer, you can try using it on a low temperature setting. Even so, you should still use steamer.
- If you do not have this tool, contact a local salon and ask for help. Usually you only need to pay a small fee to use this service. Or, consider buying the kit at a hair care store or ordering it online. This tool is a good investment if you plan to steam your hair regularly.
- If your hair is hanging over the hood on the appliance, try tying it up.
Step 3. Rinse hair with cold water in the shower
Cold water will close the hair cuticles and lock in the moisture, making hair look shiny. Stand under the running water and let the pressure of the water push the conditioner out of your hair.
If necessary, use your hands to help remove the conditioner from the strands
Step 4. Let the hair dry naturally
This is useful for preventing heat damage while maintaining the freshness of the hair. Drying time is determined by the length and thickness of the hair. On average, it takes about 3-6 hours for hair to dry completely.
Just steam your hair a maximum of once a week. Steaming your hair too often can actually make the stems weak
Tips
- Steam hair a maximum of once a week.
- Try different conditioner products so you can see which one works best for your hair.
