Achieving silky smooth, Disney-animation-mirror-reflector hair in 2022 is a struggle. There are so many elements to a hair-care routine that can deteriorate and damage your hair follicles over time. Drying, styling, tight hair-dos, split ends, hair-dying. Not to mention stuff that's out of our control- like pollution and hard water in our pipes. But then- I heard of a magical thing called scalp steaming online, and all I can say is...thank the glossy gods above for the internet.
I would bet you've seen one of those TikTok videos online where people go and get a hair restoring treatment at a salon. If you haven't- we're about to bless you with the most relaxing content you've ever seen. A lot of the processes seen in these videos include scalp steaming, where equipment is used to steam the hair at the roots. But what are the benefits for curly or coily hair, and how can you achieve this in your own home without forking out salon prices?
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What is scalp steaming?
Scalp steaming, similar to facial steaming, is allowing your roots to sit under intense heat or steam. This can be under a heated cap, or under a hair steamer that projects steam outwards. Scalp steaming has been used for generations in the black community for afro hair and is now being discovered globally as a wonder for nourishing hair. Always remember to celebrate where beauty regimes come from historically.
Related: The best black-owned businesses to shop on Black Pound Day
Steaming scalp: benefits for hair
CENTRED. Founder Laura Tudor says, “Steaming your scalp has a multitude of benefits. The technique uses moist heat to open the hair cuticle and soften pores allowing your conditioning and scalp treatments to penetrate deeper and increase absorption. It really is a facial for your scalp!”
“Scalp steaming helps to deeply cleanse the pores on the scalp, stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow, intensely nourish hair and increase the elasticity and moisture retention of each individual hair strand. After just one treatment, hair is left super soft and glossy with a high sheen finish and your scalp will feel cleansed, calmed and balanced.”
By steaming the scalp, the moist heat swells the hair cuticle, which not only allows any treatment to penetrate but extra added hydration too. Overall, the benefits of steaming your scalp include...
Helps low porosity hair (if you have low porosity hair, heat can help products to penetrate and actually make a difference)
Unclogging the scalp (getting rid of any build-up, rinsing the scalp of dirt and dead skin cells)
Stimulating your curl pattern and overall volume (this is due to the surge of moisture)
Removing dandruff, oil residue, salt deposits and silicone build-up (this can come from the different shampoos, conditioners and products you put onto your hair)
Encourages hair growth (by cleaning out the scalp, this allows hair to grow at a faster pace)
How to steam your scalp at home in 2022
We've got a list of the best scalp steaming products to buy online, from steaming caps to scalp steamer machines, and everything in-between. But first, on our list, we've got a steamer cap tested by yours truly...
Hair steamer review: tried and tested
The best scalp steaming cap reviewed by the team
amazonTested by heat writer Ruby Barry: "I have very thick dry hair, which basically means my haircare routine is an absolute chore and a bore. It can get really tiring trying loads of different moisturising techniques for your hair, and not getting much payback. Therefore, I was intrigued by scalp steaming. After doing research for this article- I just had to try it for myself. I got the Funxim Hair Steamer, which is essentially a heated cap that warms up your scalp and allows products to really penetrate the hair follicle.
Prepare to look stupid. The heated cap comes in this slightly outdated cheetah print (it's giving me major Real Housewives vibes) and has a cord and plug coming out the back of the cap. Firstly, I shampooed my hair, and then applied my fav hair conditioning products. The CENTRED. En Root Scalp Treatment (£36) is a product I was sent recently and I think it's the most moisturising scalp oil I've ever tried- and trust me, I've tried many. I'm very particular about my scalp oils, because I've experienced one too many times where I've been promised a super conditioning oil, and I got basically water slopped on top of my head. However- CENTRED. passes the Ruby oil test- it's super thick and creamy and smells lush- very herbal.
On the ends of my hair, I put on my go-to hair mask which is the Love Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Treatment Mask (£8.99). Smells divine and gives my hair a strong pick-me-up from Dry-ville.
I placed the shower cap provided in the Funxim kit on, and then the heated cap went over. The cap fits snuggly on my Megamind head and is extended lower at the back to suit longer hair. I turned it on and sat reading a book for half an hour whilst the hair steamer did its work. It felt a little strange having a hot head, but it was never overwhelming. It became relaxing once I got over the initial weirdness.
After 30 minutes, I took the steamer off and rinsed my hair. I could tell straight away my hair was hella-nourished. It felt silky as heck, and after adding some Moroccan oil to my ends and letting my hair air-dry, it really felt as if I'd visited the spa for the day. My hair felt moisturised for the rest of the week. To be honest, I couldn't wait to don my naff cap again. Highly recommend!"
More of the best scalp steaming products to buy online
The best scalp steaming cap from Amazon
amazonWith a slightly more mellow print (no offence cheetah pattern), the VICARKO hair steamer is a raved-about hair product on Amazon. Working similarly to the Funxim cap above, it has two heat settings and a detachable interior so washing it out is easy as pie.
Review: "This steamer is awesome. I put my aloe vera and oils in my hair. Plastic bag and sit under this for 20 minutes. It has 2 settings hi and low. Hi gets pretty hot so I had to crank it to a low setting. This beats me carrying the big under hair dryer that's so loud to sit under. I'm relaxing watching football. From one curly girl to the next I recommend this!"
The best scalp steaming machine
amazonIf you want a truly steamy option, the Aphrodite 2 in 1 Beauty Steamer is a worthwhile investment. Similar to those seen in hair salons, the Aphrodite is compact and can sit on the edge of a table or counter, with you seated underneath. There's also a face steamer attachment, for a full self-care experience. This steaming machine also comes with "ozone treatment" which "helps clean the hair from harmful free radicals and other microorganisms, again promoting healthy hair growth."
Review: "Had this steamer for years and only really used maybe once or twice but during lockdown got it back out. I now wish I had used it more. It completely revived my dry hair and it seems to be growing again. It's easy to set up and creates a really good amount of steam may be too good as the last couple of times have found it a bit too hot. But very happy with the purchase. I've not used facial steamer, I just twist my head as I sit under the hide so my face gets the benefit to and that's been good enough for me. Great product and a must for 4b 4c curly coily hair."
The best microwavable scalp steaming cap
amazonThe microwave is a life-changing piece of equipment- and not only because it heats up takeaways at the click of a button when you can't be arsed to cook. This microwavable heat cap uses flaxseeds to retain heat and only takes two minutes to heat up, lasting for 15-30 mins. A quick and easy option if you want extra penetration for your hair mask.
Review: "This heat cap is just fabulous, easy to use, it really made my afro hair so soft I put it in the microwave a couple of times which was no trouble for me, it stayed warm for about 15 mins each time. It has some weight to it but not heavy. My granddaughter also used it and she rates it too. The addition of 10 plastic caps in the box is a nice bonus. The cap is a good size I think it will fit any size head. I just wish I had known about these heat caps earlier I found out about them on YouTube and opted for this one because of the excellent reviews. Go ahead and purchase you will not be disappointed, if you are looking for heat to boost your deep condition whilst you go about your everyday business in the home, this is the one for you. Enjoy!!"
Related:A DIY Flaxseed hair mask is going viral on TikTok for impressive hair growth
The best handheld scalp steamer
desert cartwww.desertcart.co.uk
This handheld steamer is raved about in the afro-hair TikTok community, and for good reason. The US steamer gadget ejects steam from the prongs so you can really push that scrummy moisture into your roots, and is perfect for a hair pick-me-up. "Unlike wetting your hair with spray bottle water, in which the water just sits on the surface and takes time to dry, the Q-Redew steam warms and softens the hair allowing you to manipulate the hair’s shape and style while leaving it dry to the touch." The cheeky Americans haven't released the Q-Redew Handheld Hair and Scalp Steamer in the UK officially, but you can buy the machine for £99 with free delivery to the UK from the US here!
The best scalp steaming hair mask
amazonIf you want a specially designed hair mask for scalp steaming, look no further than the Hair Sheep Steam Pack. This Korean product is amazing (I mean, it's a Korean beauty product, of course it's going to be incredible.) It contains goat milk, which is "rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which effectively moisturize the hair and enhance its elasticity." Although this mask heats up by itself (magic!) we recommend putting this mask on underneath your heated cap or under your steaming machine. With all the heated goodness going on, your roots will thank you.
Review: "Holy crap! I have pretty healthy hair to begin with, but in the winter it tends to get a bit dry ask the humidity drops in the house. I saw this as a lightning deal and decided to give it a whirl. Again, holy crap! It was NOT easy to do, at least for me. Partially because I'm clumsy, partially because I have too much hair but also due to the design of the cap. Basically, you wash your hair with your shampoo of choice, towel dry your hair and stick it in the cap for 10-15 minutes then rinse. Afterwards, I found myself telling all of my friends to feel my hair. It was AMAZING. So soft, so pretty! VERY healthy. Lasted about 3 weeks and multiple washes. I gave lots as gifts at Christmas and will continue to use this to give my hair an extra boost when it's dry."
FAQs
Here are some quick-fire answers to commonly asked questions on scalp steaming. Notepads at the ready...
When should I steam my hair?
After shampooing- you want a clean scalp for the best results. Clarifying shampoos are the best for a truly cleared and freshened scalp.
How often should I steam my hair?
For healthier hair, once every month. For hair that needs a bit more TLC, once every week.
How long should I steam my hair for?
It depends on how dry your hair is, but the max you should heat your scalp for is 30 minutes.
How to DIY scalp steaming at home
If you want to experiment with scalp steaming at home before you commit to buying any products- we've got you. Along with their En Root Scalp Treatment, CENTRED. also sent me directions for DIY scalp steaming, using items around the house. Of course, you can swap out their products for anything you have in your bathroom cabinet.
Directions to an at-home scalp steam
1. Apply your En Root Scalp Treatment (or any scalp oil) to your roots and take a few minutes to massage the oil into your scalp. Then apply the deeply moisturising Daily Calma Conditioner to your ends (or your go-to hair conditioner or hair mask).
2. Soak a towel in water, remove excess water, and then heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. Wrap the hot towel around your head and a second dry towel to help keep the heat in for longer.
3. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, before washing like normal, with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
4. Scalp steam once a month to deeply cleanse and intensely nourish hair. If you have particularly dry, thirsty hair then every 7 – 10 days will make a huge difference.
