5 Best Portable Hair Steamers for Black Hair
As a long-time natural, hair steaming is still a regular practice of mine for the many benefits it brings. It’s a benefit to the different natural hair types whether you’re a 4b/4c natural like my daughter or a 3c like myself.
There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a hair steamer. However, when it comes to choosing the best portable hair steamer for black hair, there are some specific things to look for.
The best portable hair steamers for black hair should have a large water reservoir, as this will allow you to steam for longer periods of time without having to refill the tank. Additionally, it is important to find a hair steamer that emits a lot of steam. This will help to loosen the dirt, buildup, and sebum on your scalp, which can lead to healthier hair and increase the penetration of your natural hair care products.
Finally, it is important to find a hair steamer that is designed specifically for black hair. This will ensure that the steamer is effective at combating the unique challenges that black hair faces, like dryness and frizziness.
Low-porosity hair benefits greatly from hair steaming since your products tend to simply sit on top of the hair without penetrating the follicle. If you have low-porosity hair, you may not need to steam as often as your hair will hold onto the moisture longer than someone with high porosity.
If you have high porosity hair like me and suffer from dry hair, then a portable hair steamer can be a great way to add moisture and shine to your curly locks often.
When choosing a portable hair steamer for black hair, be sure to read the reviews carefully. This will help you to find the best steamer that meets your specific needs.
In this post you'll find:
Best Portable Hair Steamers for Black Hair
How can I steam my hair at home? The following are the five best tools to help you do just this. I’ll offer some options below if you’re not able to purchase a portable hair steamer or find yourself traveling without your trusty hair steamer.
If you are looking for a quality portable hair steamer for black hair, the following five models are some of the best options available.
Q-Redew Handheld Hair Steamer
The Q-Redew hair steamer is designed to combat the unique challenges that black hair faces, like dryness and frizziness. It is a handheld steamer that can be used in-between wash days to stretch and reshape your hair and infuse deep moisture. There are some things to consider if you decide to go this route:
Pros and Cons of Steaming Hair with Q-Redew
- It’s highly portable and works well when it works
- It’s only available in 120v and cannot be converted as that may affect its lifespan
- It can be costly for some, consider it an investment
The Q-Redew hair steamer also offers a variety of additional accessories making it an ideal choice for those who want to achieve healthy, moisturized hair while on the go.
3 in 1 Ozone Hair and Facial Table Top Steamer
This is a powerful table top steamer that also steams the face and has humidifier functionality. It’s highly rated on Amazon and more affordable than the handheld option. It’s a great multi-function tool to have in your home.
Vicarko Hair Steamer Thermal Heat Cap
This thermal cap is not necessarily a steam cap as it provides no moisture itself. Instead, it provides heat, so once you add your deep conditioning treatment to your hair, you can put this on to warm it up, open your hair follicles and get that deep penetration you’re hoping for.
TASALON Standing Hair Steamer
If there’s no table available where you want to use your steamer, this professional hair steam machine is for you. This ozone hair steamer releases a mist that helps your strands absorb more moisture and nutrients from your hair moisturizers and treatments, leading to softer and silkier hair.
Cordless Deep Conditioning Heat Cap
This might be my favorite portable hair steamer since it’s cordless and facilitates me to run errands or travel. It has a gel in the cap that heats up when you microwave it so you can deep treat your hair without being stationary.
Different Types of Natural Hair Steamers
The three most common types of hair steamers available are tabletop steamers, handheld steamers, and microwaveable heat caps.
Tabletop steamers are the largest and most powerful type of hair steamer that is common for home use. They are designed to be used at a fixed location, like a bathroom vanity, bedroom table, or countertop, but are small and portable enough to move to another location if you choose. They just wouldn’t be suitable for travel, for instance.
Handheld steamers are smaller and more portable than tabletop steamers. They are ideal for those who travel often and like to steam their hair regularly. They can be used to stretch the time between wash days, extending the life of your wash and go.
Microwaveable heat caps are the smallest and most portable type of hair steamer. They are designed to be placed in the microwave for a few minutes, which will heat up the cap and produce steam when placed over hair that has been saturated with moisturizing treatments.
Alternative Ways to Steam Natural Hair
If you find yourself without a hair steamer on hand, you can use a warm damp towel over your hair. You might want to place a plastic wrap over your hair first to enhance the steaming capabilities of the towel.
I also like to simply stick a warm hat like a thick beanie over my hair, especially when I’m in the middle of a deep treatment and find myself needing to run outside.
What is hair steaming?
Hair steaming is a process that uses steam to cleanse and condition the hair. It is a popular alternative to shampooing, as it does not strip the hair of its natural oils.
Hair steamers can be used to treat a variety of hair problems, like dryness, frizziness, and dry flakes or dandruff. They are also effective at removing product build-up and sebum from the scalp.
How do I use a hair steamer?
Using a hair steamer is simple. First, fill the water reservoir with hot water. Then, wait for the machine to heat up. Once it has reached the desired temperature, carefully put your head over the steamer and let the steam penetrate your scalp for a few minutes. Finally, rinse your hair with cold water to close the pores.
Benefits of a Hair Steamer
There are some great benefits to using a hair steamer, including the following:
Reduces frizziness and dryness
Steaming your hair once or twice per month can help to reduce frizziness and dryness, which are common problems for black hair. The steam will help to moisturize the hair and scalp, which will help to tame frizz and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Cleanses the scalp and removes impurities
The moist heat from a hair steamer is a great way to deep-cleanse the scalp and remove any impurities. This can help to get rid of product buildup, oil, dirt, and other environmental pollutants from the hair cuticles that can clog the pores and cause scalp irritation. A deep-cleansing session with a hair steamer can leave your scalp feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Helps to improve blood circulation
The increase in blood flow that is caused by steaming can help to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. This can help to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. In addition, the increase in circulation can also help to reduce inflammation and scalp pain.
Reduces styling time
If you are looking for a way to reduce your styling time, using a hair steamer is a great option. The steam will help to soften the hair, which will make it easier to style and manage. As a result, you will be able to achieve your desired look with less effort.
Reduces the need for excessive product use
The use of a hair steamer can also help to reduce the need for harsh chemicals and other products that can be damaging to the hair. When the hair is properly moisturized, it will be less likely to become dry and brittle. As a result, you may find that you need to use fewer products when you steam your hair, which can be beneficial for those who are looking to reduce the number of chemicals to which they are exposing their hair.
Prevents scalp diseases
The hot steam from a hair steamer can help to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause scalp diseases. This can help to keep the scalp healthy and free of infection.
Reduces scalp inflammation
The increase in blood flow that is caused by steaming can also help to reduce inflammation and scalp pain. In addition, the hot steam can help to soothe irritated skin and provide relief from itching.
Promotes hair growth
The increase in circulation that is caused by steaming can help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. In addition, the hot steam can help to open up the pores and dislodge any buildup that may be clogging the hair follicles. This can help to ensure that the follicles are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients and oxygen, which is essential for healthy hair growth. Pro tip: use rosemary oil in your deep treatment as it has been known to promote hair growth.
Promotes deeper conditioning of the hair shaft
Using a hair steamer can also help to promote deeper conditioning of the hair shaft. This is because the steam will help to soften the hair, which will make it easier for the conditioner to penetrate the hair follicles. As a result, your hair will be able to better absorb the beneficial ingredients in your natural hair care products, which can leave your hair looking and feeling healthier.
Reduces split ends
The use of a hair steamer can also help to reduce split ends, which are a common problem for black hair. The hot steam will help to seal the cuticles and prevent them from splitting further up the shaft. As a result, you will be less likely to experience breakage and other damage caused by split ends.
How often should you steam your hair?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the number of steam hair sessions that are needed will vary from person to person. However, most people find that steaming their hair once a week or every other week is enough to achieve the desired results. If you have particularly dry or damaged hair, you may need to steam your hair more often to gain maximum hair steamer benefits.
Adding hair steaming to your wash day routine and coupling it with a deep treatment or hot oil pre-poo is a great way to achieve soft, healthy natural hair.
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