via Nappy Naturally
By now we’ve all read about the benefits of using hair steamers
for natural hair care. We’ve seen all the beautiful natural haired
divas whose hair has grown down their backs. They rave about their
natural hair absorbing all the goodness of whatever deep conditioning
treatment was done…and we look in our wallets to decide if we’re going
to get a steamer or pay our car note.
for natural hair care. We’ve seen all the beautiful natural haired
divas whose hair has grown down their backs. They rave about their
natural hair absorbing all the goodness of whatever deep conditioning
treatment was done…and we look in our wallets to decide if we’re going
to get a steamer or pay our car note.
The truth is that hair steamers
offer a great way to open up the hair follicles to receive all the
benefits of deep conditioning treatments. The reality is that everybody
does not want to fork out the loot to get a steamer. The solution is found right under your nose: work with what you’ve got for the exact same results.
Why Steam?
We want our natural hair to be healthy. We want to stop split ends. We
want to repair damaged hair. Steaming treatments can do that. We need
our hair to be moisturized. We need our hair to be strengthened. We need
our hair to be soft. Do you have to have a steamer to do achieve these results? Absolutely not!
The reason that steamers have become so popular is that you can fill a machine with water, plug it in and deliver a steady stream of steam with ease. Steamers work
to saturate natural hair with moisture by using heat and water.
Honestly, this can be accomplished with a few household items. Gather
these supplies together…and deliver fabulous results to your hair!
How to Steam Natural Hair
Start with freshly washed hair that has been detangled. Grab your
favorite condish. Feel free to add some essential oils – yeah, go all
out! Saturate your hair with your conditioning concoction and follow
steps below.
- Don a run of the mill processing cap.
- Grab an absorbent towel from the linen closet. If you’re fancy – huh – grab your turban towel.
- Soak towel or turban towel in water.
- Place towel of choice in microwave for 2 minutes or until very warm.
- Wring loosely; wrap towel/turban towel around head.
- Cover towel wrapped head with random plastic bag big enough to hold steam.
- Sit under hooded or bonnet dryer for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Make sure that you rinse hair with the coolest water you can stand. This
seals hair cuticles and locks in all the goodness that your steaming
treatment has infused into your hair. Like always, I recommend rinsing
with diluted ACV – lay those cuticles flat!
seals hair cuticles and locks in all the goodness that your steaming
treatment has infused into your hair. Like always, I recommend rinsing
with diluted ACV – lay those cuticles flat!
Steam on, steamers!
Have you tried steaming without a steamer?
This article was originally published in August 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
How can I do it if I don't have a dryer?
Now I need a hooded dryer
apple cider vinegar
I thought I had a great routine and my hair was getting special treatment but after reading your forum for 6 hours today I feel like I've been neglecting my hair. I thought that since my 4b/4c hair was so rough & kinky (it seemed that no matter what care I did to keep it moistured and unruly it continued to be what it wanted to be) I would not see the same results everyone had. But now – I've been enlightened!!!!! I will steam my hair this week, use henna, and follow the seasonal routines Nikki finds to be a success for her hair. Thank you!!!!
After my workout at the gym, I use the steam room.
They have really inexpensive attachments for handheld dryers. Check Amazon for a bonnet dryer.
nope- I've been doing this method for years & it works!
Love this!! Thanks
I need to get a hooded dryer
This is a great idea
Thanks for the great info, I'm going to try this asap. Btw, can some tell me what's "ACV"?
Is dilute ACV apple cider vinegar?
Definitely and innovative way to steam hair. I will definitely try this very soon, because I can't afford a Huetiful steamer, unless I win one. 🙂
Okay serious question…The bag won't melt??? I don't want to ruin my head or my dryer. Has anyone tried this??
I thought that I was the only one doing this!
Cool. Thanks for sharing. I'd hate to shell out the money for a steamer when I can do this without one. Now, if I only had a hooded dryer…
+1
Interesting! Thanks for sharing 'cause buying an actual steamer is a 'no go' for me.
I will try this.
I don't believe that this will give you the same results since you have to sit under the dryer for 30 mins to 2 hours. The steamer claims that all you need is 20mins.
I do not have a hooded dryer at all. I use the random plastic bag( shopping bag) to deep condition when I run out of the plastic caps and I just put on my knitted hat to create heat. I will try this when I get a bonnet dryer.
If you use the wet-towel-in-the-microwave method, be sure to put the towel in a bowl.
It definitely works!
I usually just let the steam get super hot while I'm I'm the shower, but this will certainly work as well. Thank you! 🙂
I've never done a steam treatment before, but now that I know I can do it without spending any money I'm all in to try this method. Thanks for sharing.
I always just use a plastic conditioning cap. Works for me.
Umm, yes! I've definitely sat under the dryer with a wet towel on my head!