How to Do a Steam Treatment for Hair (2025)

Struggling with hair that’s dry, dull and damaged? Steam treatments might be the solution you’ve been searching for. This simple, yet effective technique can transform your hair’s health for shinier, softer strands and a healthier scalp. We spoke with top hair professionals to get the inside scoop on how a steam treatment for hair can benefit you and how to do it yourself at home. Keep scrolling to learn more about the hair-beautifying technique.

What is a steam treatment for hair?

A steam treatment involves applying moist heat to your hair and scalp, typically after cleansing and slathering on a deep conditioner. “This process opens the hair cuticles, allowing deeper absorption of moisture and proteins,” explains Kimberly Vaughn, certified trichologist and CEO of HPIHair. Plus, the scalp also reaps deep penetration benefits from stimulation to moisture.

The treatment can be done at a salon, which uses machines that look like overhead hair dryers but instead mist concentrated bursts of water onto the hair, says Darrius Peace, owner, master barber and natural haircare expert who offers steam treatments at his salon, Hayah Beauty hair salon in Birmingham, AL. But you can give yourself a treatment at home using portable steamers or easy DIY methods.

Is a steam treatment right for your hair?

While steam treatments offer benefits for most hair types, they are particularly helpful for women with textured and natural hair as well as:

• Curly/coily hair: Tight curls and coils often struggle with dryness, says Vaughn. “Steam provides deep hydration and enhances curl definition.”
• Low porosity hair: This hair type has tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture absorption. Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, notes that low-porosity hair often struggles with dryness and product buildup because treatments tend to sit on top of the hair. Steam treatments help lift these cuticles, improving the penetration of conditioners and oils.
• Dry or damaged hair: A steam treatment for hair restores hydration to brittle strands, reducing breakage and split ends.
• Chemically treated hair (with caution): Steam can help retain moisture in color-treated or relaxed hair, says Vaughn, but should be used sparingly to avoid cuticle stress and color fading.

The benefits of a steam treatment for hair

“Steam treatments can be a game-changer for hair health,” says Dr. Kopelman. “I often recommend them to patients dealing with dryness, damage or scalp issues. It’s particularly beneficial for those with dry, brittle or curly hair, as it helps restore hydration, softness and elasticity.”

Results from doing steam therapy for hair can include:

• Reduced breakage: Improved hydration leads to increased elasticity, making hair less prone to snapping, says Vaughn.
• Increased product efficacy: It’s especially beneficial for low-porosity hair where cuticles are tightly packed together, which makes moisture penetration difficult. But steam allows conditioners and masks to penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits.
• Defined curls: Enhanced moisture retention results in bouncier, more defined curls with reduced frizz.
• Improved scalp health: The increased heat and humidity can boost circulation, supporting overall scalp health and even promoting hair growth, says Dr. Kopelman.
• Strengthened strands: Steam treatments penetrate moisture deep into hair stands, making them stronger and more elastic for easier brushing, combing and styling, adds Peace.

How to do a steam treatment for hair at home

Step 1: Cleanse hair

Start with freshly washed, detangled hair.

Step 2: Apply treatment

Use a deep conditioner, mask or oil tailored to your hair needs.

Step 3: Steam

Vaughn suggests microwaving a damp towel, then wrapping it around a shower cap and placing on your head. Or, see below for steamers you can buy to use at home. Then, steam for anywhere from 10–30 minutes. “Just be mindful not to overdo it,” warns Dr. Kopelman. “Too much steaming can weaken the hair over time.”

Portable streamers to try:

For a Handheld steamer, we like Pattern The Hair Steamer. This TikTok from user @isimemeedeko shows how to use it and how well it works.

@isimemeedeko

#NATURALHAIR GAME CHANGER!!! @PATTERN Beauty did their BIG ONE with this #hairsteamer 🤯😱🤩… best $$$ I’ve spent all 2024!!! #type4hair

♬ original sound – Isimeme Edeko

For a hooded steamer, try Red by Kiss 2-in-1 Hair & Facial Salon Steamer. To see it in action watch the below video from @MoKnowsHair on YouTube.

Step 4: Rinse

Begin with a warm or tepid water temperature to remove product then finish with cool water sealing the cuticles to lock in moisture, says Vaughn.

To learn more ways to DIY a steam treatment for hair without a steamer, watch this video from YouTuber @VayBabe:

How often should you do a steam treatment for hair?

The frequency of steam treatments depends on your hair type. Vaughn recommends weekly treatments for coarse, curly/coily hair and bi-monthly treatments for medium to fine hair. But for best results, she suggests incorporating steaming every two to four weeks, adjusting based on hair dryness and texture.

The do’s and don’ts of steam treatment for hair

Don’t overdo it

Too much steaming can lead to excess moisture retention so experts advise limiting steam treatments to once a week or every other week, depending on your hair type.

Do know your porosity

You can test your hair’s porosity at home, says Dr. Kopelman, by placing a strand of clean hair in a glass of water. If it floats, you likely have low porosity.

Do listen to your hair

Pay attention to how your hair responds to steam treatments and adjust the frequency and products accordingly.