Steaming Natural Hair: Five Reasons Why You Should Make it a Part of Your Hair Regime

Steaming is one of the best things that you can treat your hair to. Steaming is a process that exposes your hair and scalp to moist heat and is very different from dry heat from blow dryers. It creates a warm and moist atmosphere that is conducive for the opening of the pores on the scalp and hair strands, boosting the absorption of moisture. Good moisture content in the hair and scalp is the secret to good hair and lustrous tresses and steaming is the way to achieve it.

Steaming your hair once a week is enough, and works wonders especially after a hot oil deep conditioning treatment or just before your shampoo and conditioning routine. Here are five reasons for making steaming a regular hair care routine:

1. One of the easiest ways to add moisture to your hair – Women usually use deep conditioners or change hair styles to make their hair look and feel fresh and healthy. Overdoing this is not good for the hair in addition to being time consuming. Steaming mid-week or just when the natural elements like sun, dust and wind have gotten to it is the easiest way to add moisture to your hair. It sometimes even works better than a natural hair conditioner spray to freshen up your hair.

   
   
2. To boost elasticity and strength to your hair – Hair is balanced and healthy when there is has adequate hydration and moisture. This prevents hair strands from becoming brittle and hence reduces breakage. Steaming is one of the best things to prevent breakage at the demarcation line for women who are transitioning to natural hair.
3. Good curl definition – Afro-American women are learning to celebrate their natural curls. The key to great curl definition and bounce is moisture that can easily be added through steaming. It provides the hair with just the right amount of moisture that does not make the hair look limp or flat.

   
   
4. Better product and oil absorption – Since steam gently lifts the cuticles of the hair while opening the pores of the scalp, it is one of the best ways to enhance absorption of moisturizing products and oil. All you have to do is steam your scalp and hair after the application of the moisturizing agent.

   
   
5. Increased hair growth – Steaming increases blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn maximizes hair growth.

You do not necessarily need a steamer to steam your hair. The same effect can be achieved by wrapping you head in a warm wet towel.