If you’re anything like us, an image of your mom reading a glossy magazine underneath a hooded hair steamer comes to mind when you tap into your sweetest memories of childhood. Back in the day, this ritual wasn’t just your mom’s way to chill: Hair steaming was considered an essential way to achieve hydrated hair & all the confidence that comes with rocking gorgeous, natural locks.
Hair steamers have held onto their fame—& then some. For a good reason too: Hair steaming has been linked to a bunch of benefits for natural textures & beyond, from enhanced hair elasticity to shinier, softer strands. Even better? Today, steaming has gone from an art strictly practiced in salons to a self-care practice that can be savored at home.
If you’re new to the technique, welcome, we’ve been waiting for you. Keep reading to learn the basics of hair steaming, how to steam your hair at home & why it’s crucial for luscious, curly locks.
What is Hair Steaming?
First things first: What is hair steaming, anyway?
Hair steaming is the process of applying vaporized water to hair. The goal? To open up the hair follicle & drive moisture into the hair’s fiber. This allows hair care products to penetrate on a deeper, more beneficial level.
That's why hair steaming has remained a beauty parlor essential for years. In fact, hair stylists far & wide claim that hair steaming is the secret to length retention & revitalizing thirsty strands.
But these days, you don’t have to rely on the salon. The PATTERN Hair Steamer is a first-of-its-kind product that allows you to experience the benefits of hair steaming from the comfort & convenience of home.
What are the Leading Benefits of Hair Steaming?
Avoiding excessive heat is essential to keeping our natural curls bouncy & beautiful. But “excessive” is the key word here. When a moderate amount of heat is applied to the hair through hair steaming, you can unlock incredible benefits. In fact, hair steaming can help:
Experts are wild about hair steaming, particularly for those of us with natural curls & coils. Did you know that some natural hair grows from an oval follicle in an elliptical, coiled shape that makes hair fragile & vulnerable to breakage?
That said, every curl type stands to benefit from heat steaming, particularly if your at-home or in-salon treatment is coupled with a super-nourishing product. Here’s one to try: the PATTERN Treatment Mask, a softening mask that boasts powerhouse ingredients, leaving hair soft & fortified.
How to Steam Hair at Home: 4 Steps to Healthy & Hydrated Natural Hair
Hair steaming may be offered at salons around the country & world, but there’s something undeniably alluring about setting yourself up in the comfort of your home, where you can truly relax into the treatment.
So, grab that glossy magazine you’ve been meaning to read or fire up your favorite streaming platform. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to use a hair steamer at home with the self-assurance of a stylist:
Step One: Give Your Hair a Good Wash
Washing your hair before applying moisture & heat may seem counterintuitive, especially since hair steaming helps remove dirt, oil, products & all other impurities. But washing your locks before steaming actually helps better prepare your hair for the deep conditioning process.
Opt for a gentle cleanser that’s packed with ultra-moisturizing ingredients, like:
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Honey
The PATTERN Hydration Shampoo features these ingredients (& more) to give you clean hair that’s silky to the touch—all without stripping your hair of its oh-so-necessary natural moisture.
Pressed for time? A nurturing dry shampoo might just do the trick.
Step Two: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture
For the most effective hair steaming—the kind that will give your natural texture that oomph that stops traffic—you’ll want your tresses damp, but not sopping wet.
After shampooing, reach for a clean microfiber towel to gently wring out extra moisture. Remember, if your hair is dripping wet, the products you’ll apply in the following steps will slide right off your strands. Slightly damp hair gives products something to cling to.
During this step, you might want to use a detangler. The PATTERN Detangling Nectar brims with lush, hydrating ingredients, such as:
- Aloe Vera
- Sea Moss
- Grapeseed Oil
Apply from roots to ends for the added slip we all crave.
Step Three: Pamper Your Hair with Best-in-Class Products
Hair steaming is often used alongside deep conditioning treatments because it fosters that enhanced absorption we talked about earlier. The specific conditioning product (or products) you choose completely depends on your curly hair care goals.
We recommend a luxe, moisturizing, restorative conditioner like the PATTERN Intensive Conditioner. Rich in several ingredients famous for their hydrating properties—including Safflower Oil, Shea Butter & Avocado Oil—this thick, fabulous formula amplifies volume & encourages soft, defined curls.
To take this part of the hair steaming process a step further, you might instead opt for a nutrient-dense treatment mask that:
- Decreases shedding
- Curbs hair breakage
- Revitalizes hair strength
- Boosts moisture
The PATTERN Breakage Barrier Hair Mask accomplishes this & more. Crafted with White Tea & Manuka Honey, it’s an especially good choice if you’re transitioning from chemical treatments, straightened hair & protective styles—& eager to embrace your natural (& extraordinary) curl pattern.
Step Four: Steam Away
Now, the fun part: the actual steaming!
For this, we recommend The PATTERN Hair Steamer. It’s a truly unique (as in, first of its kind) hand-held hair steamer designed with natural beauties like you in mind. Lightweight & easy to use, this crafty tool opens the cuticles of coils, curls & tight textures to deliver conditioners & masks deep into your tresses.
Unlike hooded steamers, this customized hair steamer even allows for detangling & stretching—which, for some, is the golden ticket to truly juicy & joyful curls.
Alternatively, if you deem yourself an avid DIYer, simply cover your hair with a shower cap & wrap a hot towel around it. Enjoy the warmth as you read or watch TV, & slip it off once it begins to get cold. Rinse with a gentle hand & proceed to your usual styling routine, whether that’s applying one of your favorite hair treatments for curly hair &/or turning to one of PATTERN’s top-tier heat hair tools.
Then, revel in the brilliance & luxurious feel of your beautifully nourished natural hair.
How to Steam Your Hair: FAQs
Still have questions about hair steaming? Don’t worry—we got you. Here are a few common FAQs & their answers.
How Often Should You Steam Your Hair?
It ultimately depends on a number of factors, such as:
- Your hair care goals (i.e. less breakage, longer locks)
- The amount of TLC your hair needs (maybe you’ve only recently stopped chemical treatments & want to reinvigorate dry hair)
- Your hair type (Type 2, Type 3 or Type 4)
- The type of steamer you use
Hair care experts suggest starting off slowly with one hair steaming treatment per month. You can dial this up or down, depending on how your hair responds to it.
Lastly, skip steaming altogether if the health of your scalp has been compromised (for instance, if you have scabs or sores).
How Long Should You Steam Your Hair For?
This depends on your hair type & the type of steamer you use. If you’re not going the DIY route, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, as over-steaming may result in thermal damage.
Generally speaking, though, hair can be safely steamed for 15-30 minutes. For those who need deeper hydration, you may be able to steam your hair for as long as 45 minutes (but you may want to consult with your trusted stylist first).
How Can You Preserve Your Curls’ Health After Steaming?
Healthy, beautiful hair is hair that’s loved & nurtured on the daily. This means:
- Shielding your curls from excess sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
- Washing your hair only when needed
- Maintaining your hair’s moisture
- Caring for your hair while you sleep, such as by wearing a protective bonnet
Above all? Remember that how you treat yourself is directly reflected in your hair. Balanced nutrition, adequate exercise, sufficient sleep & smart, stress-busting activities can go a long way in protecting your natural hair’s beauty.
Amplify Your Hair Steaming Routine with PATTERN
There’s a reason your mother looked forward to those hair-steaming days at her local salon: The practice of hair-steaming has the potential to deliver striking & lasting results. Not only does steaming rejuvenate dry strands but it also helps seal in moisture, giving you hair that’s ready to turn heads.
The PATTERN Hair Steamer is the perfect option for naturals who want a salon experience at home. Built to provide 650W of steam power (& a steam flow rate of 9 grams per minute), it’s one of the speediest routes to serious shine. Pair your hair steamer of choice with our carefully curated suite of hair-nourishing products & tools, & you’re guaranteed to feel & look your very best.
Turn up the heat in your life with PATTERN.
Sources:
Textured Talk. 6 amazing benefits of steam treatments for hair.
https://www.texturedtalk.com/benefits-of-hair-steaming/
Cosmopolitan. 7 best hair steamers for natural hair of 2024, according to hair stylists.
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g33248454/hair-steamers-for-natural-hair/
The Kit. I tried a professional steam treatment on my natural hair–hello, defined curls.
https://thekit.ca/beauty/hair/steam-treatment-for-natural-hair/
Glamour. I tried hair steaming and it transformed my hair. Here’s everything you need to know…
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/what-is-hair-steaming
Healthline. How to stop hair breakage.
https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-breakage
Refinery29. I skipped steaming my natural hair for years & my hair paid the price.
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/natural-hair-steaming-benefits
Hair.com. Try the trend: hair steaming.
https://www.hair.com/hair-steaming.html
American Academy of Dermatology Association. 6 curly hair tips from dermatologists.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/curly-hair-care
