Frequently asked questions
Is steaming good for your hair?
“Steaming is extremely good for your hair and should be incorporated regularly as part of your wash day routine!” says James. “Steaming makes the hair supple, which increases elasticity in the strands.” This is especially ideal for those with curly and coily hair types, which are more likely to experience dryness and breakage due to a lack of natural oil. “Elasticity eliminates breakage and allows the strands to spring back rather than snap,” says James.
Speaking of dryness, “steaming also promotes moisture retention,” says James. “It’s like osmosis for the hair: The cuticle layer, known as the protective barrier, opens up and allows water to pass through and penetrate deeper into the strand's structure.”
Does steaming benefit a particular hair type more than others?
According to Dallas-based trichologist Kerry Yates, while anyone can benefit from a hair steamer, curlier hair types and textures like 4C hair might reap the most rewards in their hair-care routine. “It’s used quite a bit on super-curly hair to ensure a treatment is effective from root to tip; the bends in the curly hair can make equal distribution of a treatment product difficult,” she says. So, if your hair is naturally oily or greasy, you might not find all that much benefit from steaming your hair treatments. (And of course, anyone with an active skin condition will want to check with a derm before steaming.)
Additionally, for “those with dry, damaged, over-processed, brittle, low, and high porosity levels, steaming is a non-negotiable,” says James. This is because “the moist heat encourages deep hydration for thirsty strands caused by chemical treatments, over-manipulation, dehydration, [and] environmental factors.” AKA: Steaming can help cultivate stronger, more elastic, healthier strands.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hair steamer?
Hair steamers can improve hair health by “improving product efficacy,” says Yates (AKA, help you reap even more moisturizing and hydrating benefits from your hair products). “Hair steamers are a good option for those with dry hair, as they enhance product penetration and support deep hydration during conditioning treatments,” adds Bellemare.
That said, misuse can cause burns or even hair damage, says Yates, so always make sure to read the instructions. As Bellemare notes, steamers can also be expensive, and “finding 15 minutes to steam your hair might not always be feasible.” If you’re strapped for time (or cash), you can use a deep conditioner in the shower
Is steam better than heat?
Both can benefit your hair, but James gives steam the edge. “Steaming is moist heat, and the process helps water pass through the cuticle for maximum hydration and moisture,” James explains. While deep conditioning with dry heat — like that from a hooded dryer — is certainly effective, “the process takes longer and becomes more beneficial with consistency,” says James.
Yates explains that when using the right tool, opting for a steamer can be a little easier and better to use on the hair than plain heat because of how well the temperature of the steam and the steam’s distribution through the hair is controlled.
How should someone choose a good hair steamer?
Steaming comes with potential risks (including burning yourself or your hair), so it’s important to choose a model you find easy to use with straightforward instructions; Bellemare highly recommends following those instructions carefully and using the steamer in combination with high-quality hair products that suit your needs. And if you’re skittish, you can always just book a salon appointment instead; indeed, Yates recommends leaving this step for the pros.
While there seem to be improvements to hair steamers that can be used at home, there still needs to be caution around using these tools. Bellemare highly recommends that people follow instructions carefully and use the steamer in combination with high-quality hair care products suited to your specific needs to ensure safety and efficacy. However, as a professional trichologist, Yates firmly believes in leaving this step to the pros.
Do you steam on wet or dry hair?
“I recommend steaming immediately after shampooing,” says James. “Deep conditioners and treatments absorb best on clean, wet hair sans oils, dirt, debris, and product build-up.” Most treatments distribute best on wet or damp hair, from root to tip, she says, and many formulas are even water-activated.
That said, it’s important to read the instructions on your specific treatment. “Some product formulas may not suggest applying heat depending on the technology,” says James.
How we evaluated hair steamers
To compile our list of the best hair steamers, we considered ease of use, settings and specs (think timers and temperature controls), and cost. We also tapped a professional hairstylist for her recommendations.
Meet the Experts
- Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective.
- Christine Bellemare, cofounder, owner, and lead hair stylist at Maven A Collect
- Heiress Darby, professional hairstylist based in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Cataanda James, professional hairstylist and curly hair expert based in New York City