Steam, also known as steam baths, is not only used for the skin, whether for the face or body, but it can also be used for hair care. In beauty salons, the hairdresser applies a special cream to the hair and then uses a special device that is placed on the head for a certain period without touching the hair. Steam can also be used for hair at home in simple ways or by using various devices available in the markets for home use. In this article, we will review  Dalili Medical, how to use steam baths for hair at home, in addition to the benefits and harms of steam for hair, and the ingredients that can be used with steam to enhance its effectiveness.

Is steam harmful to the scalp?

 

Steam treatments are effective for all hair types, but they have been an essential part of black hair salons for a long time, as the natural oils of the scalp have difficulty reaching the shaft of curly or coiled hair. Steam also has benefits for the scalp.

***Can steam burn hair***?

 

Steam is considered gentler on hair than direct heat from plates. However, steam may remain on the hair and increase its temperature, which may damage fine and soft hair.

What are the benefits of a steam session for hair?

 

A steam session contributes to promoting hair growth, as steam stimulates and activates hair follicles, which increases its density and reduces hair loss. It also helps reduce the problem of hair tangling, which leads to breakage and split ends. Therefore, it is preferable for people with long hair to expose their hair to steam after showering, by wrapping a hot towel around the hair until it cools.

How long should I leave the steam on my hair?

 

You can leave your hair under the steam for 30 minutes. If you want deep moisturizing, you can leave it exposed to the steam for two hours, making sure to reheat the face towel 2-3 times during the steam session.

**Can hair be steamed daily**?

 

If your hair is very dry and seems to be suffering, you can increase the number of sessions slightly. However, it is preferable not to use steam more than once a week.

**Are hair steam sessions for specific hair types?**

 

Hair steam sessions are suitable for all hair types, but they are most beneficial for those with dry, damaged, dull, low porosity, frizzy or brittle hair. Steam helps maintain hair moisture, softness and health. Women who have problems with hair growth can also benefit from steam sessions to boost their hair growth rate. However, it is preferable to consult a hairdresser or dermatologist before starting steam sessions, especially if you have dyed hair, a sensitive scalp, if you have recently undergone hair treatment, or if your scalp is itchy.

**Hair steam session ingredients:**

To prepare a nourishing and effective hair steam treatment, you can add one of the following ingredients:

- **Herbs:** Choose herbs such as rosemary or lavender (or their essential oils) for their soothing and aromatic properties, in addition to promoting hair growth.

- **Aloe Vera Gel:** It has moisturizing properties that reduce hair dryness and help control frizz and flyaway hair.

- **Honey:** It is a natural moisturizer that helps lock moisture inside the hair and reduces dandruff.

- **Banana:** It is rich in potassium and natural oils, which improves hair elasticity, reduces breakage and promotes hair growth.

- **Lemon Juice:** It purifies the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.

**Tea Tree Oil**: It is characterized by its effective properties in fighting fungi, which helps reduce scalp irritation and dandruff.

**Avocado**: It contains a high percentage of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, which provides deep nourishment and hydration to the hair by closing the hair pores.

***How ​​often can a hair steam session be done?***

It is recommended to do a hair steam session once or twice a month, depending on your hair type, as part of your hair care routine. If your hair is curly or low porosity, you can have a steam session once a week, as regular sessions help treat dry and damaged hair. However, if your hair is of another type, having a steam session once a month is enough to maintain the health of your hair. Remember that it is important not to overuse hair steam, as it may soften the hair roots and cause hair loss.

Hair steaming tips and instructions:

- Steam your hair for 15 to 20 minutes.

- Massage your hair with oil before and after the steaming process.

- Make sure that the steam reaches the hair roots.

- Use a moisturizing cream to moisturize your hair.

- Cover your hair with a cap or towel after finishing steaming.

- Let your hair cool before washing it.

- Avoid over-steaming your hair.

**Benefits of steam for hair treatment**

Steam stimulates hair growth and improves its quality, as it enhances blood circulation in the scalp and opens the hair pores.

Steam helps revive dry hair by moisturizing and softening it.

Prevents hair breakage and enhances its health.

Contributes to the even distribution of natural oils secreted by the scalp on all hair strands.

Cleanses the scalp and removes build-up resulting from excessive use of various hair products.

Enhances the effectiveness of masks used on the hair.

Helps open the pores of the scalp and increases blood flow in it, which improves the quality of the hair and stimulates its growth.

Increases the softness and moisturizes the hair, and gives it a beautiful shine, especially when using a moisturizing cream or when wetting a towel with hot water mixed with natural herbs.

Enhances the effectiveness of oils used on the hair, making the hair benefit from them better.

Helps remove deposits and build-up resulting from hair products, which leads to a clean scalp and rids hair follicles of sebum secretions, which facilitates the absorption of oils more effectively.

Contributes to the balanced distribution of natural oils produced by the scalp.

**Benefits of steam for men's hair**

While many women care about taking care of their hair, there are also men who consider taking care of their hair a priority. Some of them resort to using steam in barbershops to get healthy hair. The most prominent benefits of steam for men's hair are:

- Opens the pores of the scalp.

- Nourishes hair follicles.

- Enhances blood circulation in the scalp.

- Increases hair growth.

- Gives hair extra softness.

- Increases hair shine.

- Deeply moisturizes hair.

- Treats dry hair.

- Removes oils and deposits accumulated in the scalp.

- Cleanses hair follicles from excess oils.

- Distributes natural oils in the scalp evenly.

- Reduces the appearance of dandruff.

- Cleanses the scalp and protects it from infections.

**Hair Steam Bath Method**

**Hair and scalp massage with oil**The hair steam bath process begins with massaging the hair and scalp with oil, which helps nourish the hair and stimulate blood flow to the scalp. You can use any type of oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, as these options are ideal for their many benefits. All you have to do is gently massage the oil, which will help you relax and reduce stress.

**Hair Steam**The next step is to steam the hair to ensure that the nutrients from the oil penetrate effectively. You can use a steamer or dip a towel in a bowl of hot water, then squeeze out the excess and wrap the hot towel around your head. Repeat this process when the towel cools. Allow the steam to penetrate the hair for 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

**Hair Washing from Oil**Now it's time to wash the hair. It is preferable to use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse the hair. Make sure to wash the hair well to completely remove dirt and oils.

**Cream Bath**The step of applying a cream or deep conditioner to the hair is one of the most important stages of the hair steam bath. If you don't have a ready-made hair mask, you can prepare a hair mask at home using natural ingredients.

**Rinse your hair** The last step is to rinse your hair to remove any remaining hair mask. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel or using a dryer, and instead, let it dry naturally. You can do a hair steam bath at home once a week to restore your hair health.

**Duration of the hair steam bath** The duration of hair exposure to steam is determined by its condition. If your hair suffers from slight dryness, you can use it for only 10 minutes. However, if it suffers from severe dryness and breakage, you can use it for 20 to 30 minutes. If your hair is in good condition, you can benefit from a steam bath once a month. If your hair is damaged, it is preferable to use it once a week.

**Benefits of a steam bath with oil to strengthen hair**

 

You cannot determine the type of oil suitable for a steam bath without knowing your hair type well. Therefore, choose the oil that suits your hair needs to enhance its health and achieve multiple benefits, including:

- A steam bath with oil treats various hair problems in general.

- Steam bath with oil opens the pores of the scalp.

- Nourishes hair follicles during home quarantine periods.

- Helps get rid of split ends and breakage during home quarantine.

- Stimulates hair growth naturally during quarantine.

- Contributes to distributing the natural oils produced by the scalp throughout the hair.

- Increases hair length and density during home quarantine.

- Gives hair permanent softness and smoothness.

- Moisturizes hair and gives it shine and vitality during quarantine.

**How ​​to use a steam bath with oil to strengthen hair**

Here are some steps to benefit from a steam bath with oil to strengthen hair during home quarantine:

1. Heat your favorite oil over low heat, avoiding boiling.

2. Distribute the oil on the scalp using circular motions, then distribute it throughout the hair.

3. Before exposure to steam, make sure to comb your hair well using wooden combing tools.

**How ​​to Steam Your Hair at Home**

 

You can steam your hair at home using two methods, as follows:

**Method 1: Using a Towel** This method involves heating a face towel in the microwave for 30 seconds. Next, place a shower cap on your head - make sure your hair is clean and freshly washed - and then place the hot towel to retain the heat. You can add another shower cap over the towel, and make sure to place an extra towel around your neck to protect your skin from dripping water. The towel will remain warm for about 10 minutes. For better results, you can wrap another bath towel over the second cap. Leave all of these caps on your head for half an hour, then rinse your hair with cold water.

**Method 2: Using Cling Film** Start by applying conditioner to clean hair, then put on a shower cap. Next, wrap three layers of cling film over the cap. Meanwhile, boil two cups of water and leave them for 15 minutes. Next, pour the water into a non-heat-conducting container such as ceramic or glass. Wear dishwashing gloves to protect your hands from the heat, then wash the towel in hot water and wring it out. Let it cool for a minute before placing it on your head.

**How ​​to make a hair steam bath at home**

 

1. Massage the hair using one of the natural oils.

2. Expose the hair to hot steam for half an hour.

3. Wait for the hair to cool before washing it with cold water to maintain the moisture it gained from the steam bath.

4. Repeat the hair steam bath once a week.

In addition, here are some recipes for steam baths using natural oils.

**Steam bath with almond oil for hair** Almond oil is rich in proteins and fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 9, in addition to containing large amounts of vitamin E and magnesium, which helps moisturize and soften the hair and treat dandruff and hair loss.

**Method:**

1. Place an appropriate amount of almond oil in a hot water bath (using the methodBain Marie) or in the microwave for 10 seconds until warm.

2. Distribute warm almond oil on the hair from roots to ends, then comb using a wide-toothed comb.

3. Expose the hair to hot steam and leave for half an hour.

4. Wash the hair with warm water with the appropriate shampoo, then rinse with cold water.

**Steam with coconut oil for hair**Coconut oil steam helps reduce the loss of proteins in the hair necessary to maintain its healthy appearance, thanks to its lauric acid content, which is one of the fatty acids that hair roots absorb easily. This helps repair hair damage, reduces the severity of dandruff and the itching associated with it, which protects the hair from falling out and promotes its growth.

**Method**

1. Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil in a hot water bath.

2. Mix coconut oil with a tablespoon of olive oil or jojoba oil.

3. Distribute the oil mixture on the hair starting from the roots to the ends, then massage the scalp for a few minutes.

4. Expose the hair to hot steam for half an hour, then wash it with warm water and shampoo.

**Method 1**

1. Wrap the hair with one of your favorite natural oils before starting the treatment.

2. Soak a towel in water and squeeze it well.

3. Place the towel in the electric dryer or microwave for two minutes or until it becomes hot.

4. Wrap the towel around your head.

5. Cover the towel with a nylon bag or plastic cap.

6. Direct the hair dryer at the head from all sides for 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Wash the hair afterwards.

**Method 2**

Heat the towel in the electric dryer or in the microwave for two minutes or until it becomes warm.

Before starting, wash your hair well.

Then, bring some boiling water and leave it for five minutes in a bowl.

Start by submerging the towel in the bowl and leave it for a few minutes, then place it on your head.

Make sure to place another towel over it to retain the water vapor, and if you do, the towel will retain the steam for about half an hour.

Repeat this process twice.

**- Banana and castor oil: ** Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals and natural oils, which help moisturize the hair. While castor oil, which contains fatty acids, nourishes dry and damaged hair.

**Method: **

Mix three tablespoons of castor oil with two mashed bananas, then apply this mixture to your hair and leave it for 20 minutes.

** Mayonnaise and aloe vera ** Aloe vera is rich in water, which makes it known for its moisturizing properties. While mayonnaise contains ingredients that are beneficial for hair such as eggs, oil and vinegar.

**Method:**

Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera with two tablespoons of mayonnaise. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse it with a mild shampoo. It is preferable to use a steam bath while applying these masks to open the pores and ensure that the nutrients reach the depth of the hair.

**Olive Oil Recipe**Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and massage it into the scalp. After that, use a steamer or wrap your hair with a hot towel for 30 minutes. You can repeat this recipe twice a week until you get the desired results, as olive oil moisturizes the hair thanks to its richness in antioxidants, and it is a recipe that suits all hair types.

**Egg Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

- Egg

- Two tablespoons of coconut oil

**Method of preparation:**

1. Mix the egg with coconut oil well.

2. Wash your hair with water and then dry it with a towel.

3. Apply the mixture to your hair starting from the roots to the ends.

4. Use a steamer or wrap your hair with a hot towel for 30 minutes.

5. Wash your hair with cold water and a chemical-free shampoo.

You can repeat this recipe once a week until you get the desired results. Eggs are a good source of proteins that promote hair growth, while coconut oil helps moisturize the hair.

**Milk and honey recipe**

**Ingredients:**

- A cup of milk

- A spoonful of honey

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Mix a cup of milk with a spoonful of honey until the honey dissolves completely.

2. Apply the mixture to wet hair starting from the roots to the ends, massaging the scalp well.

3. Use a steamer or wrap your hair with a hot towel for 25 minutes.

4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and a chemical-free shampoo.

You can repeat this recipe once a week. Honey and milk will help moisturize and nourish your hair for healthy, shiny hair.

**Steam damage to hair**

• Excessive use of steam can damage hair, so hair care experts recommend limiting this step to once a week. It is also preferable that the duration of the hair steam bath does not exceed half an hour.

• A common habit when using a steam bath is to cover the hair with a nylon shower cap or a hot towel. However, this method may be harmful to the health of the hair, as the focus should be on exposing the hair to moist steam instead of suffocating it under a hot cover.

**Tips for using a steam bath for your hair**

When using a steam bath for your hair, there are some points to consider:

1. It is preferable to have a steam session for your hair once a week. This weekly dose of steam adds additional moisture, and over time, helps improve hair elasticity and retain moisture. But be careful not to overdo it, as increased moisture can lead to hair weakness and breakage.

2. Because steam generates high heat, moisture may fall on your face or shoulders. So, it is advisable to use a towel to wipe your face or wear a bandana to absorb moisture and prevent dripping.

3. The session should last between 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stay under the steam for this period to get maximum hydration. You can use this time to read a magazine or your favorite book.

4. Tie your hair up, as it is important that all of your hair is under the steamA, including the ends. The ends are the oldest and need the most care, and if the hair is tied down, the ends may be neglected and not benefit from the conditioner.