By now we’ve all heard about the many healthy hair benefits that steaming has to offer. Many jumped to purchase hair steamers while others are still on the fence. Although I love my steamer and wouldn’t trade it for anything, this article will help you save your coins because you will learn how to steam hair without a steamer!
4 Benefits to Steaming Your Hair
- Moist heat lifts the cuticle to allow product to deeply penetrate into the hair.
- Enhances the deep conditioner by adding water droplets to the hair which is an additional layer of hydration.
- Hydrated hair has better elasticity and experiences less breakage.
- Hydrated curls produce less friction as they pass across each other which lessens the opportunity for tangles.
Supplies You’ll Need to Steam Your Hair Without a Hair Steamer
To steam your hair without a hair steamer, you’ll need a few supplies that you probably have around the house already…
Moisturizing Conditioner
You will need a moisturizing deep conditioner. Any moisturizing conditioner will work as long as it works for your hair.
Related: Ultimate Hydration with Kera Minerals Deep Conditioner
Microwavable Bowl
You’ll need a microwave safe bowl because it will be placed in the microwave later on in this process. If you do not have a microwaveable bowl, locate a bowl that can withstand high heat.
Distilled Water
You can use any water of your choice but I prefer distilled water to ensure no hard water is being transferred to my hair in any way. This is just my preference but definitely not required.
Related: Hard Buildup Causing Dry Hair? Time to Use a Chelating Shampoo
Protective Gloves
You will need gloves to protect your hands while you handle hot water. You can use latex gloves
Absorbent Towel
You will need an absorbent towel of some kind. I prefer using the Turbie Twist
Processing Cap
The processing cap is used to cover your hair after applying deep conditioner.
Heat Source
You can use whatever heat source you have available – cordless heat cap, corded heat cap
How To Steam Hair Without a Steamer
- Pour distilled water into a microwave safe bowl
- Place absorbent towel in the bowl of water and leave it there
- Place bowl in the microwave and heat until absorbent towel is hot
- Apply deep conditioner to damp hair
- Place a processing cap over your hair
- Put protective gloves on your hands **this is a must or you will burn your hands!**
- Make sure the water is NOT too hot for you to retrieve the absorbent towel
- Once you’re able to SAFELY retrieve the absorbent towel WITHOUT getting burned, remove it from the water
- Wring hot absorbent towel loosely leaving it very damp but not dripping (dripping water WILL burn your neck)
- Place the hot absorbent towel on top of the processing cap
- Sit under your preferred heat source for 15 – 30 minutes or longer if you prefer
- When you’re done, you’ve officially steamed your hair without a hair steamer
If you do not own a microwave safe bowl, you can bring water to a boil and then pour the water in a bowl that can withstand high heat. Please be careful when handling hot water.
If you prefer to steam your hair for longer than 15 to 30 minutes, you can repeat the steps above. However, I find 15 to 30 minutes to be sufficient.
Be sure to let your hair cool after steaming and rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticle.
Have You Tried My DIY Steaming Method?
I use this method ALL the time. I am too lazy to pull out the dryer to sit under it. So, I find this to be a lot easier. I even use the turbie twist. However, I will try leaving it in the bowl and putting that in the microwave. Right now, I just wring out the towel and put the towel in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Thanks for Sharing
Try it and let me know how it works 🙂 Please report back.
Hey Jay, I loved the idea! This was really smart. This is perfect for hosting diy spa parties.
Ash @ ECS Liposuction Philippines recently posted…Hair Styling Tricks to Hide or Flaunt your Features
Yes indeed! Thanks for swinging by Ash.
Please keep me updated on all the current hair care trends…love your site..Juanita.
Please email me @HighlyFavoredNTrulyBlessed777@gmail.com….Thank You.
🙂 Will do and thank you for the love. If you have questions, drop me a note.
Try to update me also,tnks
Hello, thanks for stopping by.
Try to update me also,tnks
I have honestly never herd of hair steaming, got to try this out now
Your hair should love it!
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy recently posted…Grow Long Relaxed Hair Regimen & Transitioning Hair Regimen
I’ve never steamed my hair, but it sounds like something worth trying.
Hi Heidi, yes give it a try. Your hair and scalp will (or should) love it.
Yes, definitely!
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy recently posted…Grow Long Relaxed Hair Regimen & Transitioning Hair Regimen
just recently heard of steaming and was going to go buy a steamer. now i dont have to! thanks for the tips.
Sure thing! 🙂
This is so helpful, Jay! I used the same technique yesterday without even knowing what it was called. Happy New Year!
🙂 How cool! Did it work?
Started today on my dauthers relaxed hair wish me luck!
Hope it went well. So, what’s the verdict?
I love this pls keep up the good work, don’t forget to always update me on latest gist… see yaa at the top.
Muah!!! Thank you for the support.
Crept over here to see this post as well. I’m not even going to say what bootleg methods I’ve been using in Korea ^.^ this is MUCH better! Which I had found it sooner!
Keisha recently posted…Expat Travels: Australia-Part III
Lol, that made me laugh. I am a bootlegger too. Sometimes you just gotta. Ya know.
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been wanting to steam my hair for a while and don’t have a steamer and it’s not in the budget this month.
This is a perfect way to do it.
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy recently posted…Grow Long Relaxed Hair Regimen & Transitioning Hair Regimen
Wow I’ve never done this before but it sounds like a good idea. I have a problem with dry skin and hair and so anything that will help to hydrate sounds good to me!
I have a water filter on my shower head that helps with dry skin.
I’ve never steamed my hair before, but I’ve read about its benefits. I’m so lazy when it comes to my hair. Lol maybe I’ll try this method.
I wish I could be lazy and get away with it. It would be so much easier.
I’ve never tried this process at home. The way you explain it sounds simple enough that I could definitely consider it.
No, it’s not too hard or time consuming.
What a great idea!! I’ve always wanted to purchase a steamer. But I will try it out this way first.
You can spend that money elsewhere now.
I am taking notes, I’ve heard of steaming but didn’t know how and what it was exactly. I certainly didn’t know the benefit.
Oh cool. Glad to share the info.
I haven’t tried this method yet. I usually get a steam treatment at the salon, and I know 3 people who have the huetiful steamers if I really want to get a good steam. But for those days we I don’t have time for all that, I’ll remember this post.
Jonna recently posted…The Perfect Meal for a Football Party
The huetiful burned me badly so I don’t mess with that one any more. I do love my stand up steamer though.
I have actually never heard of this. I am always looking for ways to make my hair more healthier so I would may have to try this out.
Let me know if you try it.
This is dope sis, I’ve been wanting a steamer but this is so much easy. I usually use my hothead but this will add an extra boost. Love this idea
Kara (Kay’s Ways) recently posted…January Beauty Favorites [w/ Video, Swatches and Demos]
Muah! TY sis.
I haven’t tried this method myself but I know many persons who have. It’s definitely an easy, budget friendly way to show your hair some TLC.
Vashti (veepeejay.com) recently posted…Purpose is Beautiful | Thoughts on Finding Your Purpose
Exactly!
The article takes a look at the emerging field of neurolaw and how it "promises a more humane and just criminal justice system, yet there is ample reason to believe otherwise."The very presence of lawyers is ample reason to believe otherwise.
Dana:Very good questions … yes the bread needs to stay wrapped and refrigerated. I wrap in cellophane over the waxed paper and saran wrap. I have been using “Press’n Seal” in place of the saran wrap the last couple of years … easy product to work with.I hope you family enjoys and that they appreciate your efforts. By The Way …. The house smells awesome while the bread is baking. I don’t think the smell of any candle can equal the aroma of baking bread.Glenda