how to steam 4c hair at home
If there is one thing I’ve learned since starting my 4c natural hair journey, then it’s that there is always a new hair treatment to try. And this morning I want to talk about a steam treatment.
Until recently I thought that a steaming treatment was something you could only get in hair salons. Well, imagine my confusion when I found out about handheld steamers and tabletop steamers.
That’s when I decided it was time I figured out how to steam 4c hair at home and share it with you.
Does steaming 4c hair help it?
Yes, steaming 4C hair helps add moisture, soften, and define your hair. Which we all know is very beneficial to type 4c hair.
The heat and steam from the water open up the hair cuticle, which allows your hair products to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. This makes your hair strands more pliable, which makes detangling and styling easier and less damaging.
In addition, steaming can help reduce the appearance of frizz and leave your curly hair looking more defined and bouncy. It also encourages better blood circulation which in turn leads to a healthy scalp.
However, you don’t want to steam your 4c hair too often, as it can lead to hygral fatigue if overused.
For the best results, you want to steam your hair every two weeks, at the most weekly. I usually combine my steaming session with my bi-weekly deep conditioning routine. That helps you get the maximum amount of moisture and improves the health of your hair considerably.
Remember, that we all have different types of hair and will react to hair steaming differently. So, if you notice the condition of your hair worsening, listen to your hair and reduce the frequency or avoid it altogether.
What should I put on my hair before steaming?
Before steaming 4c hair, you want to apply a moisturizing treatment. This can be a deep conditioner, hot oil treatment, or hair mask for natural hair.
These products add deep moisture but also protect your 4c hair from breakage. When choosing a product, look for natural ingredients that provide moisture and hydration, such as aloe vera, honey, and castor oil.
When applying your product, avoid overloading your natural hair. This can cause build-up and affect the steaming process.
How do you steam 4c hair at home?
As mentioned in the beginning, steaming 4c hair is not only possible at the hairstylist.
You can very well do it from your own bathroom, using professional tools, such as a hooded steamer or a steamer cap. Or you can do it with everyday tools, using your shower or a heated towel.
Steam 4c hair at home without a steamer
- Shower steam: The first way to steam 4c hair at home is to do it while you are in the shower. First, you want to put a towel at the bottom of the bathroom door to keep the air inside the room. Then, turn on the shower and steam up the bathroom. Lastly, put on a shower cap and stay in the room for 10 minutes.
- Hot towel steam: Another easy steaming method is the hot towel method. To heat up the towel, you can either soak it in a bowl with hot water, microwave it for 2 minutes, or put it in the dryer for a few minutes. Once it’s warm, wrap the towel around your head for 10 minutes.
While both methods are very simple and easy, they are also the least effective. If you want to see better results however and upgrade your natural hair care routine, then I suggest the next two methods for your bi-weekly dose of steaming.
Steam your 4c hair at home with a steamer
- Heating cap: A great option for an affordable steamer are heating caps. Here you simply put on a shower cap after applying your deep conditioning product. Next, turn on the heat cap and let it heat up for a couple of minutes before placing it on top of your head. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bonnet Hair Dryer Attachment: Another great semi-professional tool for a steaming newbie is the bonnet attachment for your hair dryer. First, cover your hair with a plastic cap as always. Then attach the tube to your blow dryer and place the hooded bonnet onto your head. The air from the blow dryer is funneled through and distributed evenly onto your hair. Keep the blow dryer on the lowest setting for the entire duration of your steam session.
That’s it, four easy methods to incorporate your bi-weekly steam therapy into your natural hair regimen. Of course, if you want to go all professional, look into investing in a handheld steamer or even a hooded dryer.
How long should you steam 4c hair?
I suggest that you steam your 4c hair no longer than 30 minutes, depending on the condition of your hair. You don’t want to risk heat damage or skin irritations by steaming your hair for too long.
If your hair feels dry and brittle and is in need of some extra hydration, you want to opt for 20-30 minutes to give your hair cuticles time to open up and absorb as much moisture as possible.
If your hair has gotten a lot of TLC lately, then a quick 10-15 minutes should be enough.
Best hair steamer for 4c hair
As mentioned above, you don’t have to use a professional steamer to get started. You can use everyday tools such as hair dryers and towels. However, if you want to improve your natural hair growth using a steamer, then look for one with these key features:
- Look for a steamer that allows you to control the temperature. As we all know, 4c hair is more prone to heat damage than any other hair texture. Therefore you want to choose a steamer that gives you a number of different temperature options.
- Search for a steamer with a wide hood so that it can accommodate your hair, whether in its natural form or in a protective style. This will ensure that all of your hair fits under it.
- Invest in a steamer that is built to last and is made from high-quality materials. You want something that will take great care of your hair and last for a while.
Based on these features, the best hair steamer for 4c hair is the Hair Steamer EZBASICS. It’s extremely easy to use and conveniently sized, which makes it perfect for at-home use.
And an added bonus is its facial steamer option, which I would use just as much.