THE STEAMER DID NOT DESTROY YOUR HAIR. AGAIN I REPEAT THE STEAMER DID NOT DESTROY YOUR NATURAL HAIR. I listened all the way through. I believe that you just went overboard on your steaming session. It was excessive-I AGREE-which I have experienced when I ended up sleeping with my deep conditioner because I had been doing everyone else's hair and I never got a chance to rinse out my own hair. Based on all things considered including your hair type perhaps 30mins was your ideal level. Listening to you it sounded like you were content at first with your results with the 30mins session but ya got too happy and increased to 1 hour which was a big No No. So it was not how often (1 month no biggie) but 1 hour was too much --You know that a lot of those masks and conditioners suggests 2mins to15 minutes-- 30mins would BE the MAXIMUM. YES IT WAS HYDROFATIGUE because your steam and conditioning session were TRIPLED to 1 hour. WHAT TIME DID YOUR DEEP CONDITIONER DIRECTIONS SAY? (NOT yelling btw just want to bring attention to the essential points--you are adorable btw!) AND SO , IT WAS NOT THE STEAMER ..AGAIN I REPEAT IT WAS NOT THE HAIR STEAMER. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I really like to fully examine the science of things before I accept anyone else's theory. For facials, it is common practice to use steamers on clients (with no issues, most cosmo were trained to do so) to open up the pores to get impurities out and to help us penetrate effective skin enhancing products in..don't forget that Hair is considered to be part of integumentary system. Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin. So helping to penetrate great things into your hair is good, done carefully, in moderation and strictly following the allotted time for deep masks/ conditioners, monitoring and adjusting based on each treatment outcomes would garner great results! HERE ARE MY SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFELY USING THE HAIR STEAMER: READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CONDITIONING TREATMENTS THEY USUALLY NEVER GO BEYOND 15MINS- I HAVE SEEN 2MIN, 3MINS, 5MINS,10 MINS RARELY EVER SEEN 30MINS TREATMENT DIRECTIONS ON HAIR CONDITIONERS OR MASKS. LET THE CONDITIONER DIRECTIONS BE YOUR GUIDE FOR STEAMING TIME, MONITOR YOUR HAIR OUTCOME AND RESULTS --MAYBE YOUR ENDS NEED TO BE TUCK IN OR BASED WITH A HEAVIER CREAM OR OIL or YOU JUST NEED TO CUT YOUR STEAMING TIME IN HALF,BY 15 MIN, 5 MINS... STEAMERS ARE YOUR FRIEND JUST BE CAREFUL JUST LIKE YOU HAVE TO BE WITH CONDITIONERS!! THANK YOU AFRIKANHAIRGOD for sharing your experience and giving us the full story so that we could properly conclude! God Bless you!
With steaming I should stick to 2 mins tops 30. But I normally use a shower cap to cover and let the natural heat do it's thing and I keep or for long nothing happens guess because you aren't adding direct heat
I agree simple protein moisture balance and porosity. My hair is fine individual strands with high porosity. I use the whole aphogee range as per the recommended instructions (2-step every 4 weeks followed by a deep moisture treatment, 2minute every 2 weeks and green tea spray daily or every styling session.) My hair used to flat iron and relax very quickly due to having less protein bonds to break down/alter. With the Hydral fatigue, if I never use protein my hair will break. When my hair was relaxed my hair was moisturized daily and steamed every two weeks but never any protein was added. It was too limp. I had to go natural to learn how to look after my relaxed hair. Lol! My hair eats protein for breakfast. The Ahoghee 2 step makes my hair feel strong and not hard. Obviously if your hair won't soften after a strong protein treatment(protein sensitive) then best to use less. Silk protein seems to be effective for most people. Obviously if your hair is highly porous it is easy for the steam/hot water to penetrate and if you have fine hair even easier. With my combination of hair type, not using protein in various strengths regularly is asking for trouble is asking for trouble. I also notice that over- manipulation can alter the shape of my curls with tiny mid shaft splits. But a good point. Thanks for sharing. Hair is not one size fits all.
6 years later after you making this video, here I am making sure I do not make this mistake. Narada, please continue your great service of hair education. The more I watch you, the more I learn of my (unintentional) malpractices and are able to correct! Whether the videos are older or current, each are gems. You are so appreciated. ❤
Sorry to hear about the damage. Such a bummer. It was the length of time that could have caused the damage. It is recommended that you do not use steam on any one section of hair for longer than 2-30 continuous minutes or you risk breaking the disulfide bonds thus the damage. This can be the problem with hooded steamers. Sitting too long waiting for the steam to penetrate. This is another excellent reason to use hand held steam like the Q-Redew, because you are continuously moving the steam throughout the hair. No area receives more than a few minutes of steam. And trust me a minute or two per section does the job. Steam is fabulous when used for short periods of time. ~Heidi, Q-Redew
Oh wow, never expected to see you guys watch or comment on my video. But thank for taking the time to watch and sharing your expertise on the dangers of steaming for long periods of time. I never thought prolonged steam could permanently sever the disulfide bonds in the hair. But thanks to you and others I now know how to properly use steamers to cater to my clients.
I'm so glad you made this video. I had started steaming my hair every week for 20 minutes. During one of my wash days, my husband looked at me and told me that my hair looked extremely frizzy. He is by no means into hair at all and for him to say that made me think. I thought I just needed a trim. So I trimmed my ends and I kept steaming like I was before. My hair was still frizzy. Like puff ball frizzy. It never did that before. Well, one day I got too busy to steam and I needed to do some chores around the house. I used my Hot Headz cap that day and every week after that. Well I noticed that my hair stopped being frizzy and returned to it's normal curl pattern. I had no idea what was going on, but I see now. I think I'll just stick to deep conditioning using my Hot Headz and grocery bags like I've been doing...lol. I'll use the steamer once a month or everyother month from now on. Maybe just when I really need some moisture. Thanks for the video.
I've used my steamer regularly for both my hair and my daughter's hair. We have had positive experiences. But our steamer cuts off automatically after about 15-20 minutes. We also do it with a deep conditioner. We will continue and use your video as a caution for not overdoing it.
Salon centric is the worst the moment you walk into that store you get sick from the smell how can someone put stuff in there hair that smells like that
Being natural is a never ending learning experience as I am 4+ years and still learning about my hair; what it likes, what it doesn't, what works, what's too much, to less.
Oh, yeah. I started realizing I was going down that road when I was deep conditioning over night every week. My hair started to feel mushy. Stopped doing it and my hair came back to itself. I only deep condition now for the most 30 min or the recommended time on the packaging. You learned your "Too much of anything....." (in devil voice) lesson. :-)
:) I'm of the 3 month regimen. Even when I was relaxed, I got relaxers every 3 months. So now, if it's a protein treatment, heat or anything extra I'm gonna put my hair through... I don't have a steamer and never planned on getting one anyway. You done cooked up your hair. You see what happens when you steam up some vegetables or rice?? lol :)
have been using the Huetiful steamer weekly, for about 4 months. I only steam for about 15-20 minutes. It will give a loud beep and turn off after 20 minutes anyway. It has really helped my damaged spots. Two of my cousins use theirs once or twice a month with great results as well.
I agree. Hair steamers can be dangerous to our hair. I will not steam my hair at all. I will deep condition with olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. The only store bought product I will use is design essentials, but every thing else is all natural stuff. When you do less to your hair, I found more growth and health. Don't obsess over hair and it will grow. Doing too much can lead to having years of growth destroyed.
Brenner Stiles I haven't been in the Industry long but I am constantly continuing my education when it comes to the study of all types of hair. what I have found is that with the diversity in hair types it all boils down to what prescription that particular hair strand needs. All hair types are composed different and will need different treatments. I've learned that Hydration and Moisture and not the same in this industry. When one mentions all sorts of ways to obtain moisture it usually will consist of oils, where when the other mentions hydrating it consist mainly of water which is one of the main components our body strives off of, being our hair is an appendage of our skin and our skin need to stay hydrated in order to obtain moisture. The same is with the hair , but at the same time we want to make sure of not over doing it with PRODUCT especially product that contains protein because we all know what too much protein over an extended amount of time can do to the hair even in small doses. Protien (Keratin ) strengthens (hardens) the hair strand to make it stronger in order to with stand what we do to it, a build up of Protien on the hair can cause breakage as well as just plain old product build up. Steaming/Hydrating the hair once every 2 weeks and allowing the hair to dry properly with the appropriate protecting or leave in product is healthy for the hair. Just like you have to hydrate the body itself in moderation so as well as the hair strand. I personally love my steamer as so do my clients. They all have their personal hair prescription when it comes to hydrating to have healthy hair.
Brenner Stiles Hair steamers are not dangerous.... that's like saying chocolate is dangerous because it can give because of the sugar content.... it can become dangerous to your health if you eat 20 bars off chocolate a day.... The danger is it could end up giving you diabetes.... But treating your self to two chocolate bars a month ain't going to hurt you.... To much off a good thing remember.... same rules apply with steaming hair.... hell with life in general my dear....But hay if something is not for you and you don't think it personally is benefiting you well it's simply don't do it.... But It could be that same thing is beneficial to alot of people.... nobody has died so it's not dangerous is it.
you steamed your hair for top long in a sitting. you're only supposed to stream for a MAX of 30 min and that is kind of pushing it. plus you have to account for your hair's porosity. if you have highly porous hair you don't need to stream for 30 minutes more like 10 or 15 max
Wow very informative. Thanks for opening my eyes about the potential damage that can occur from a steamer. I don't steam my hair regularly but this just makes me think about how simple one needs to keep their regimen.
I came on here because I was told my high porosity hair needs a steam treatment. Now I'm a bit afraid to try it because my hair will not hold or retain any moisture even if I twist it.
Hmm, seeing as moister can easily get in and get out just as fast, not so sure about that. But then again, what do I know, I'm no hair professional. Go with your gut instincts.
Hi from Brazil! Yes, you said it all! You need to have a low porosity hair. I've been using steam fo-re-ver and my natural curly 3c low porosity hair loved it! It took me long time to figure out why I could not habe the same results on DC as my natural hair friends. Once I found out I have low porosity I started to steam and I got tell you IT IS SOFT, HEALTHY, GROWS CRAZILY AND SHINE and I have 50 years old but my hair look 20's. I hope I helped..
Very interesting....I'm relaxed and was steaming religiously every 2 weeks. Then my hair broke and I couldn't understand why as I thought i was doing everything right. After steaming my hair was soft but quite flat which I thought was good as it helped me keep my relaxer longer but it lost all body so I cut it. Now I'm not going to steam it at all and see how it goes. Will stick with deep conditioning. Thanks for sharing!
I've seen other you tubers say the same thing abut steamers so this makes sense. I'll stick to deep conditioning under a hooded dryer . Sometimes it's best to keep it simple
I bought a steamer years ago and used it what? Maybe 5 times. Too much work (pulling it out, setting it up, etc.) for not enough benefit FOR ME. That's the advantage of vlogging you were able to pinpoint exactly what and when it happened. I love your personality so you can wear anything and I'd listen.
I used a handheld steamer. It was marketed for curly hair...helping to detangle as well. After I finished using it I would instantly feel cool air hit my hair and then the softness I got with it disappeared. Also, the next day when my hair dried it became a lot dryer and a bit harder than usual. It's true the quick opening and closing of the cuticles is a major culprit. I experienced this with a blow dryer with wash n wear styles on the regular and the same thing. I air dry now. I also think it's the regular use of such items. Thnx for the video ^_^
My idea of steaming is once a a week wearing a shower cap for 20 minutes or sitting in a sauna/steam room for 10 minutes whilst I chat with a friend. The only things I use in my hair is a little oil and DIY fruit hair masks. No shampoos no conditioners, no gels, creams or hair stylers, too many allergies. The hair is almost waist length.
Yep I read an article that over steaming can cause a a perm affect and loosen your curl pattern. Like you said I think its best to just used your own body heat. I simply just take a microfiber headwrap over my plastic cap and let the conditioner sit for about 15-20min.
He simply over processed his hair. Point blank overprocessing. Human error happens more often then admitted. Too much of a good thing is not actually good. I remember my hairstylist never kept me under the steamer for too long. I always thought the session was too short. He (my hairstylist) explained it the science of hair steaming to me. I completely understood after that. I did a steam treatment no more than 4 times annually. Less...but no more. I have had absolutely no problems at all.
Thank you from sharing this! I have a QRedew hand held steamer and I have been wondering rather or not it was causing damage to my hair. This video is confirming that I need to take a closer look.
I agree. usually steamers are for people with a low porosity like me who's strands need a little more heat to open the follicles to absorb moisture. looking at your texture while its wet, you have a high or medium porosity so the steamer was probably too much on your hair.
Wow... and the only person who's been dealing with my natural hair has been pushing me to do this 3-4 times per month ! No bueno Thanks for all the useful info (:
I only steamed once at the salon and I hated it. It's too damn hot under there lol. People make it seem like you just HAVE TO HAVE A STEAMER trying to low key sell them. I only use my dryer to deep condition like twice a month and the other two times its plastic cap to the rescue!!!!
I have been deep conditioning my hair with a steamer, every 2 weeks for the past 3 years. I haven't gotten any heat damage, and I only sit under it for a maximum of 20 minutes.
I've never had any issues. My curl pattern has remained the same for the most part, but it has gotten curlier in the areas where the curls were looser. Everyone's different, but thankfully mine has gone from meh to yay 💁🏽♀️
I forgot to add that I had hygral fatigue a while back. I don't think you need to stop steaming, just maybe not as long (15-20 minutes). Prepooing with coconut oil or another penetrating oil helps with hygral fatigue as well.
I have low porosity hair and a handheld steamer. I noticed the first two times I used it, my hair did not feel or look the way others who steam their hair describe. The steamer make my hair look and feel lightly blow dried. This scared me because I felt this would ultimately lead to damage if I kept it going. So I put my handheld steamer away for awhile but then recently decided to try again. I had the same results so I was done. At first I thought I was crazy as I could find no one else who could relay that this happened to their hair with a steamer until I found your video. Now I feel validated; no more steaming for my hair ever!
I've seen the same thing happened to my hair, a while back... I was steaming everyday; all day and sometimes 3x a day. Now I'm newly natural again and I only use my hooded dryer for a maximum of 30mins to an hour
People went hard in the paint against me but I still stand by this damage to this day and won't use a steamer. As great as everyone said it was, everyone stopped using it
this is so interesting I had no! idea that this could be a problem I've been wanting to get and start using a hair steamer glad you shared this video before I did purchase one thanks for sharing I love your videos
hair steamer work really well he miss used it 20 mins is the maximum amount of time to sit under it anything over 30 minutes will evenly cause damage which he sat under it for an hour.. just do your research I have one nd I love it my hair never been so soft
I love your channel! I just discovered you and it's so sad that it took me this long. Keep making good quality videos and thank you for your amazing content!
I steam my hair weekly at the gym (sometimes twice in a week). My hair LOVES it. Perhaps it works so well because the steam is so diffused in the large room, versus holding a device to my head.
I'm getting a steamer pretty soon, but thank you for the other side of the debate. I wash twice (rarely 3 times/month) and I figured I add a 20 minute steamer routine ONLY on wash day. I'll see how that works out for a few months. I also like how you pinpointed about not having a defined curl pattern. Some people will argue that we do and I'm just like, "Bruh, I know my damn hair."
Just to be on the safe side, I'll only steam once a month now that I've finished the video. My curls are already partly defined. I can't take that risk lol.
So sorry for your mishap. Unfortunately many of us learn certain practices because the "hair gurus" tell us we should be doing it. It's not until someone as yourself educates the hair community, that we become a little more knowledgeable. The question in this case (if anything) would be, "how often should we steam and for how long?" What you taught us in this video makes perfectly good sense. I've gone through so many changes with my hair that I've decided to go old skool. meaning, practicing the same techniques that my mother and grandmother used on me as a little girl that kept my hair thriving (pre-chemical). Simple and minimalistic while maintaining moisture. Thank you so much for this educational video. Stay blessed.
I've had the Huetiful hair steamer for years now. I haven't used it that much. It was either a hit or miss with me. Most of the times it didn't do much or anything at all and I didn't have the patience to try steaming with different deep conditioners, sit underneath it, clean it afterwards and put it back into the box. It was a whole process lol
from listing to what you were saying about the time frame of sitting under the steamer, you were not experiencing hair damage until you started sitting under the steamer for an hour. I feel that if you are going to sit under the steamer for an hour you should steam your hair every two months opposed to a month, Or go back to using the steamer for a month at thirty minutes oppose to an hour.
I know exactly what you are talking about it took me awhile to figure out why my hair changed as well then I realized it was my steamer, haven't used it since and my hair is thriving once more.
I am very sorry that you had to experience this with your hair. I love watching your hair tutorials. I guess you are one of those people who can wear any hair style because you look awesome with your hair cut short. Your hair will grow back in no time. Good luck to you.
I steam my hair every two weeks but for no more than 10-15 minutes. I learned that it helps of course with moisture, but also with elasticity. Also, when I steam my hair I usually do a hot oil treatment as a pre-poo and wash and deep condition the next day. I then will style my hair in a protective style the following day. I keep in my protective style for two weeks and repeat the process. However, your video is very informative and I will keep in mind the knowledge you shared. Thank you.
So sorry to hear of your bad experience. I have been steaming weekly for 2 years now. My hair is doing well. I only steam the required 20 mins then it automatically shuts off. Also you have to know your hair. A few times, the steam was getting to my scalp and it was super hot. I determined that my hair was moisturized and I ended the steam treatment. I love steaming and it has been great for my thick, coarse, kinky hair.
Honestly Iv never used one but after watching your vid fully and looking at the comparisons I kind of feel it was the steamer. I also did a little research on it and many people are saying it's not all that. I enjoyed this video and definitely learned a few things from it .
My first time being steamed my sides were looser. This video just sold me on what I thought .... That steamer was the culprit. I'm like you, I'll keep on using the shower and hooded dryer.
I steam every wash but only for about 15 minutes. my steamer doesn't go longer than that, at first I was complaining because I wanted to steam for like an hour but after watching this I'm glad it has that 15 minute time limit. I really love the steamer. Do you think it's possible to reverse hydral fatigue?
I'm sorry my comment was sent before I could add the correction that I recently added pre pooing and oil rinse to my regiment. I want to be careful not to over due it by trying everything that I learn is good for natural hair. I'm new at this so I want to thank you again for your video. Please know that if no one else is taking heed to your warning this 64 year old natural newbie is. May the Lord Bless you real good.
Omg I always believe that to be true about my own hair it never had a defined curl or curl pattern I even see that in my daughter and my sister’s hair as well
Let me tell you how hard-headed I am..... I too thought hygral fatigue was BS. I got my steamer in November, and was steaming the hell outta my hair, (I won't even embarrass myself by telling how long and often) I saw this video after you uploaded and wrote it off, because no one was gonna tell me nothin bad bout steaming. LSS, I have hygral fatigue like a mug. I'm like you, I'm just gonna DC like I always had, occasionally under the dryer, but no more over-the-top techniques for me. Manfactureres directions from here on out.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think everyone kinda brushed off this video by saying I just over steamed, which I'm not denying but the point of this was to make it known that steamers definitely do have the potential to severely damage your hair if not used properly.
I pass...I am to lazy to do anything to my hair but wash and condition weekly. I hate twisting and braiding too. lol. Thanks for sharing for others. Have a good day.
I haven't gone through this with my steamer at all. i normally steam with a deep conditioner once every month to two months and i'm only under there for 10-15 minutes. I usually rinse the conditioner out with cool water so the cuticles are then lying flat and the water isn't leaving my hair too quickly, and any leave in or moisturizer i put on top is just there to act as a backup for moisture as the days go on. I also have low porosity hair as well so i think that helps as well.
I've never used that machine. I wanted one, but cuz my best friend, I've been no heat, deep conditioner and masques. my hair is mostly healthy one thing I've have is split ends. sorry that happened, but I thank you cuz my crazy ass was dying to try it out.
I stopped over night deep conditioning LONG time ago! Tried it and hated how my forehead and scalp would be white when I took the bag off in the morning. That's was enough for me to say something's not right.
That's too bad! I've always felt a certain way about those steamers. I've never used one, but something about them never sat right with me. I steam while I'm in the shower and it works just fine. If it's not #washday, I dampen my hair and hop into the shower and just wash my body with no shower cap and my hair feels great that was with the hot steam. And when it IS wash day, I feel like my hair is getting steamed regardless because I let my conditioner sit for 5-7 minutes in all that hot shower steam and it feels soft when I wash it out. I don't even own shower caps anymore. Waste of time for me. Natural steaming is best! LOL ;)
OMG!!!! this hit home for me! after I got my hair colored last year, my stylist recommended steam treatments monthly. OMG! let me tell u, I saw my hair change tremendously! and this has been the case for the past 5 years or so. I will notice that my curl pattern changes, my hair would shed/break and it seemed like there was not a product in sight to form a twist out. right now, I am trying to find a way to strengthen my hair back. I was very close to cutting it all off or just wearing units until my hair became healthier again. I will never steam my hair again! Steamers are the devil!
I'm sure it was the dye. Dyed hair requires a lot more attention than natural hair. Ask around. Stop dying your hair if you're not up for the extra maintenance it requires. Dyed and relaxed hair is totally different from dyed and natural hair.
Dyed hair is more porous that normal hair. fine strands = easy penetration; high porosity = easier penetration; hair that has been relaxed, dyed or overstyled = easiest penetration. Combine it all and the hair won't hold a curl and is limp aka damaged.
I haven't had a problem. I do an hot oil treatment, cover with plastic cap and sit under steamer no more than 20min once a week or every other week. I love it
Great post! I agree, I get questioned do I offer steam treatments... I can't grasp the purpose, since your body heat plus a plastic cap on your head creates body heat naturally, enough to gently swell the cuticle for absorption of product and moisture. Over swelling the cuticle will definitely cause weakness in the hair. Balanced Porosity has everything to do with moisture retention... forcing the cuticle open helps some conditioner and semi colors penetrate cuticle, but it has to be closed down. Over swelling will reduce elasticity and weaken the hair. Protein can begin to tighten it but you have to be careful using and choosing a protein at home. I'm still not sold on steaming... I will continue watching a few videos... thanks for sharing your experience.
I have low porosity hair and I steam with my Huetiful weekly but it's automatic shutoff at 20 mins so that could be why I have not had any issues. Something I will keep in the back of my mind though because the steamer is hot damn near burn your forehead skin off! 😂
OMG!! I agree with you! I quit using my hair steamer because my hair did not flourish and also I noticed more breaking and shedding after using the hair steamer!
I watched your protein/moisture video and I thought you down played the benefits of products with protein. I'm 4c and I use a light protein conditioner every other wash. First, it decreased my shedding drastically. Second, my hair was getting too much moisture.
Agreed I saw a video of blakizbeautiful aka Jenell where she explains the benefit of incorporating some protein treatment (gentle ones) into your regiment
+Jobentab S I never downplayed protein, however, people need to understand the difference between a conditioner with protein vs a protein treatment. Natural hair has more strength and resilience to it than our Caucasian counterparts would like you to think because of it natural tendency to be dry, and fragile. However, our hair is so amazing in that it has more elasticity bonds in the in it's chemical make up than any other hair type. Because of this, virgin natural hair doesn't require an excessive amount of protein as someone else would. I have never stated that you never need to incorporate protein in your hair but you should do so in moderation as it is rather easy to acquire protein overload as opposed to moisture overload.
+AfrikanHairGod Point noted. FYI... I love your hair cut. I know it must hurt to start the journey over, wow. what an opportunity. Also, I'm still so impressed by your skating. I only use light protein condioners. in the past it was ORS Replenishing Conditioner. very good. smells OK. now I use Pantene Repair and Restore line. keratin is in it. It smells GREAT! my husband loves it.
You can boil/melt the hair in many ways, prolonged exposure to high heat with flat iron, Blowdry, hot steam.... the hair can boil like this over 250 degrees over and past 10 minutes. So the steamer very well may have damaged your hair.
That's why i listen to my hair; I steam 30 mins then air dry 80% and blow dry with no combs or manipulation just passing the blow drier on my hair; that way less time for swelling strands, I'm not experiencing no breakage really just thicker better hair. Thanks for sharing your story with us; good luck on your journey 👌
+NatuRealistic87 VeryKinkyCurl lol Yeah if you even noticed how your hair gets bigger or fuller when wet vs dry. The water (7) due to the ph being more alkaline than the hair itself (4.5-5.5) causes the hair to soften and swell. You notice this to a greater degree when relaxers or bleach is applied to the hair.
+NatuRealistic87 VeryKinkyCurl well what I mean is as the bleach is actually processing on the hair you can see how the hair expands and softens. Bleach actually eats through hair which causes it to become thinner and weaker. But when the bleach is actually on the hair the pH is raised which causes the difference in how the hair feels. Your hair drops back to normal pH when it is neutralized and dried.
Im so glad you made this because I had a steam treatment one time at a popular natural hair salon in ATL and my hair was soooooo mushy afterward. And this was the"recommendation" homegirl gave me after my hair evaluation. $100 later my hair was in worse shape than it was when I got there. People rave about them but after that experience I know its not for me
+AfrikanHairGod yass-$100 for my hair to look like a pot of turnip greens! Its been a few years but I dont think it was all that long either. Maybe 30 mins?
WOW we should really follow our instincts, i was going to buy a hair steamer too, but something kept telling me to go with the hooded dryer instead, then i came across this video now i know why it wasn't meant for me THANKS for the video very helpful.
ooo wow dag yea i use a steamer once a month or every other month or every now and again but i only stay under therrre for like 14 or 20 minutes because it shuts off....i havent had a problem yea an hr i think was a lil too long lol but you learn from your experience which is cool...that steamer be getting hot to me i couldnt stay under that long lol thats why i dont like the regular dryer either be burning my neck lol...but yea you learned now you know your hair will be back and healthy again in no time thankz for sharing your experience with the steamer :)
+marquita83 Yeah We had the professional that stays on for a whole hour... I'm pretty sure that is to get multiple clients under there during services now that I think about it.... lol I'm sure using it in moderation could be beneficial for my hair but I'm officially traumatized from the steamer lol
I only used it once but after that one time my hair felt COMPLETELY different, VERY dry. After awhile I noticed breakage in different areas of my hair. I originally thought it was because I had my hair straightened but I had my hair straighten before and this never happened, plus I am not one to use heat often. I tried clarifying but nothing work. Now I have just been wearing buns, trying to get it back to normal. Hopefully that work😕😕
He's telling y'all why his hair changed yet y'all are still telling him what he already said in the video 🙃 He knows okay. But thank you for your thorough analysis of why your hair changed.
I had a similar experience. Not with the steamer thougj but with my HTW so basically using heat. This combined with the use of conditioner meant to be left in for a couple of minute.
***** Yeah. Since us natural have the tendency to deep condition for a long time ( i don't go over 45 min) tho. I was deep conditioning with heat for 20-35min ecery week and at some point my hair felt over moisturized and lacked consistency
Thank you for sharing. My hair doesn't like the steamer as well(It's the devil,LOL) You are giving very good information to those who doesn't know. Your hair is growing back so beautifully. Keep the videos coming boo :-)
Hi, yes. My Steamer has a twenty-minute timer. I steam/deep condition once a week, with a steamer or with natural body heat. Sometimes with a plastic cap on hair, sometimes without.
Blow drying is detrimental to my hair, especially using a brush, that shredded my hair after just one time. My hair was never the same after the first blow out. But I went and got it done 3 more times in the course of 2 years and each time I realized it was the blow out that stretched my hair beyond repair. The steamer works for me and my daughter now because "I say no" to blow outs after me big chopping again. I think it's a combination of things that will ruin hair, mainly, for me, manipulation.
+sylviassuccess Blowdrying is definitely damaging to hair whether it be slowly over time or quickly for some. That's why at our salon TheGriynThumb Salon, we twist, braid, and style natural hair without blow drying the hair when possible.
+AfrikanHairGod that is awesome, I love the fact that you are getting to know hair in it's natural state unlike so many stylist that have no clue what to do except straighten. We need more stylist like you
I haven't read through all of the comments, so forgive me if someone has already made this suggestion or recommendation... I would suggest first assessing the porosity of your hair. Myself, I had heard of this may times as a way to establish a "baseline" understanding of your hair. Sadly, I thought that if I read enough forums and viewed enough pictures, I could diagnose my hair type, porosity, etc... By doing the hair porosity test, I determined my hair has low porosity. According to all the literature I read, I was "supposed" to have high porosity hair, simply because I have "curls." With my hair, my cuticles are closed, so steam help open those pores, allowing me to receive moisture that I can seal in. If your hair is already high porosity, perhaps adding steam to make it more porous (and possibly not sealing) would compromise the integrity of your hair's structure and/or health. Undoubtedly, many variables should be considered in treating your hair, but this may help on a fundamental level. Good luck!
I use the Q-Redew once in a while. But I do watch Traycee Simmons' videos (from KISS) and she steams everyday but only for a short time to loosen her hair after sleeping in a pineapple. Her hair is gorgeous, so steaming may be beneficial if you use it sparingly like she does.
I've had my steamer for a few months now and use it with no issues. i use it once a week for min max. every other week i do a hard protein treatment before my moisturizing dc and steaming. I've also read you really shouldn't steam longer than 30 min because of the hydral fatigue. hope that helps
THE STEAMER
DID NOT DESTROY YOUR HAIR. AGAIN I REPEAT THE STEAMER DID NOT DESTROY YOUR
NATURAL HAIR. I listened all the way through. I believe that you just went
overboard on your steaming session. It was excessive-I AGREE-which I have
experienced when I ended up sleeping with my deep conditioner because I had
been doing everyone else's hair and I never got a chance to rinse out my own
hair. Based on all things considered including your hair type perhaps 30mins
was your ideal level. Listening to you it sounded like you were content at
first with your results with the 30mins session but ya got too happy and
increased to 1 hour which was a big No No. So it was not how often (1 month no
biggie) but
1 hour was too much --You know that a lot of those masks and conditioners
suggests
2mins to15
minutes-- 30mins would BE the MAXIMUM. YES IT WAS HYDROFATIGUE because your
steam and conditioning session were TRIPLED to 1 hour. WHAT TIME DID YOUR DEEP
CONDITIONER DIRECTIONS SAY? (NOT yelling btw just want to bring attention to
the essential points--you are adorable btw!)
AND SO , IT WAS NOT THE STEAMER ..AGAIN
I REPEAT IT WAS NOT THE HAIR STEAMER. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I
really like to fully examine the science of things before I accept anyone
else's theory. For facials, it is common practice to use steamers on clients
(with no issues, most cosmo were trained to do so) to open up the pores to get
impurities out and to help us penetrate effective skin enhancing products
in..don't forget that Hair is considered to be part of integumentary system.
Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin. So helping to penetrate
great things into your hair is good, done carefully, in moderation and strictly
following the allotted time for deep masks/ conditioners, monitoring and
adjusting based on each treatment outcomes would garner great results! HERE ARE MY SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFELY USING THE HAIR STEAMER: READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CONDITIONING TREATMENTS
THEY USUALLY NEVER GO BEYOND 15MINS- I HAVE SEEN 2MIN, 3MINS, 5MINS,10 MINS RARELY EVER SEEN 30MINS
TREATMENT DIRECTIONS ON HAIR CONDITIONERS OR MASKS. LET THE CONDITIONER DIRECTIONS BE YOUR GUIDE FOR STEAMING TIME, MONITOR YOUR HAIR OUTCOME AND RESULTS --MAYBE
YOUR ENDS NEED TO BE TUCK IN OR BASED
WITH A HEAVIER CREAM OR OIL or YOU JUST NEED TO CUT YOUR STEAMING TIME IN HALF,BY 15 MIN, 5 MINS... STEAMERS ARE YOUR FRIEND JUST BE CAREFUL JUST LIKE YOU HAVE TO BE WITH CONDITIONERS!!
THANK YOU AFRIKANHAIRGOD for sharing
your experience and giving us the full story so that we could properly conclude! God Bless you!
With steaming I should stick to 2 mins tops 30. But I normally use a shower cap to cover and let the natural heat do it's thing and I keep or for long nothing happens guess because you aren't adding direct heat
BelwillCoily..I was? I don't remember doing that but then again it was a few years ago I'm grown now ;)
i m agree with you. over steaming is like over heat on hair. over steaming = heat damaging
You're soooo on point with this.
I agree simple protein moisture balance and porosity. My hair is fine individual strands with high porosity. I use the whole aphogee range as per the recommended instructions (2-step every 4 weeks followed by a deep moisture treatment, 2minute every 2 weeks and green tea spray daily or every styling session.) My hair used to flat iron and relax very quickly due to having less protein bonds to break down/alter. With the Hydral fatigue, if I never use protein my hair will break. When my hair was relaxed my hair was moisturized daily and steamed every two weeks but never any protein was added. It was too limp. I had to go natural to learn how to look after my relaxed hair. Lol! My hair eats protein for breakfast. The Ahoghee 2 step makes my hair feel strong and not hard. Obviously if your hair won't soften after a strong protein treatment(protein sensitive) then best to use less. Silk protein seems to be effective for most people. Obviously if your hair is highly porous it is easy for the steam/hot water to penetrate and if you have fine hair even easier. With my combination of hair type, not using protein in various strengths regularly is asking for trouble is asking for trouble. I also notice that over- manipulation can alter the shape of my curls with tiny mid shaft splits. But a good point. Thanks for sharing. Hair is not one size fits all.
6 years later after you making this video, here I am making sure I do not make this mistake. Narada, please continue your great service of hair education. The more I watch you, the more I learn of my (unintentional) malpractices and are able to correct! Whether the videos are older or current, each are gems. You are so appreciated. ❤
Sorry to hear about the damage. Such a bummer. It was the length of time that could have caused the damage. It is recommended that you do not use steam on any one section of hair for longer than 2-30 continuous minutes or you risk breaking the disulfide bonds thus the damage. This can be the problem with hooded steamers. Sitting too long waiting for the steam to penetrate. This is another excellent reason to use hand held steam like the Q-Redew, because you are continuously moving the steam throughout the hair. No area receives more than a few minutes of steam. And trust me a minute or two per section does the job. Steam is fabulous when used for short periods of time. ~Heidi, Q-Redew
Oh wow, never expected to see you guys watch or comment on my video. But thank for taking the time to watch and sharing your expertise on the dangers of steaming for long periods of time. I never thought prolonged steam could permanently sever the disulfide bonds in the hair. But thanks to you and others I now know how to properly use steamers to cater to my clients.
I'm so glad you made this video. I had started steaming my hair every week for 20 minutes. During one of my wash days, my husband looked at me and told me that my hair looked extremely frizzy. He is by no means into hair at all and for him to say that made me think. I thought I just needed a trim. So I trimmed my ends and I kept steaming like I was before. My hair was still frizzy. Like puff ball frizzy. It never did that before. Well, one day I got too busy to steam and I needed to do some chores around the house. I used my Hot Headz cap that day and every week after that. Well I noticed that my hair stopped being frizzy and returned to it's normal curl pattern. I had no idea what was going on, but I see now. I think I'll just stick to deep conditioning using my Hot Headz and grocery bags like I've been doing...lol. I'll use the steamer once a month or everyother month from now on. Maybe just when I really need some moisture. Thanks for the video.
Right when I'm about to make a purchase. Now I'm nervous. Damn! Damn! Damn! **Throws punch bowl down!**
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lol try a handheld steamer so you can have better control of the stream
+Asriel Asitgets trust me I was considering getting me a cheap linen steamer from Bedbath&Beyond or Walmart!
Ahh Lawd lmao try the Qredew that's the one I have
Lol!!!
I've used my steamer regularly for both my hair and my daughter's hair. We have had positive experiences. But our steamer cuts off automatically after about 15-20 minutes. We also do it with a deep conditioner. We will continue and use your video as a caution for not overdoing it.
so how often do you use once a month ,weekly ?
+Natasha Frye ... A couple times a month.
His hair is being destroyed with products he is putting in his hair
Salon centric is the worst the moment you walk into that store you get sick from the smell how can someone put stuff in there hair that smells like that
The best natural hair steamer: your shower
Exactly! ✋✊👏
lol
@@thecure3982 no, I've never felt the need to ever since.
Being natural is a never ending learning experience as I am 4+ years and still learning about my hair; what it likes, what it doesn't, what works, what's too much, to less.
My cheap ass, shit my hair get steamed every time I shower....That's good enough & I'm 4b, hair 2 inches from touching my booty.
+joneslr25 Exactly! Showers work just fine. I haven't owned a shower cap in 2 years.
joneslr25 Exactly! Lol
Lol
Oh, yeah. I started realizing I was going down that road when I was deep conditioning over night every week. My hair started to feel mushy. Stopped doing it and my hair came back to itself. I only deep condition now for the most 30 min or the recommended time on the packaging. You learned your "Too much of anything....." (in devil voice) lesson. :-)
+Betty Boop LMAO!
:) I'm of the 3 month regimen. Even when I was relaxed, I got relaxers every 3 months. So now, if it's a protein treatment, heat or anything extra I'm gonna put my hair through... I don't have a steamer and never planned on getting one anyway. You done cooked up your hair. You see what happens when you steam up some vegetables or rice?? lol :)
+Betty Boop that is a point if you steam veggies for too long you got MUSH
I like that analogy
have been using the Huetiful steamer weekly, for about 4 months. I only steam for about 15-20 minutes. It will give a loud beep and turn off after 20 minutes anyway. It has really helped my damaged spots. Two of my cousins use theirs once or twice a month with great results as well.
I have had a great experience with steaming as well!
I agree. Hair steamers can be dangerous to our hair. I will not steam my hair at all. I will deep condition with olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. The only store bought product I will use is design essentials, but every thing else is all natural stuff. When you do less to your hair, I found more growth and health. Don't obsess over hair and it will grow. Doing too much can lead to having years of growth destroyed.
Brenner Stiles yep well said!
Brenner Stiles I haven't been in the Industry long but I am constantly continuing my education when it comes to the study of all types of hair. what I have found is that with the diversity in hair types it all boils down to what prescription that particular hair strand needs. All hair types are composed different and will need different treatments. I've learned that Hydration and Moisture and not the same in this industry. When one mentions all sorts of ways to obtain moisture it usually will consist of oils, where when the other mentions hydrating it consist mainly of water which is one of the main components our body strives off of, being our hair is an appendage of our skin and our skin need to stay hydrated in order to obtain moisture. The same is with the hair , but at the same time we want to make sure of not over doing it with PRODUCT especially product that contains protein because we all know what too much protein over an extended amount of time can do to the hair even in small doses. Protien (Keratin ) strengthens (hardens) the hair strand to make it stronger in order to with stand what we do to it, a build up of Protien on the hair can cause breakage as well as just plain old product build up. Steaming/Hydrating the hair once every 2 weeks and allowing the hair to dry properly with the appropriate protecting or leave in product is healthy for the hair. Just like you have to hydrate the body itself in moderation so as well as the hair strand. I personally love my steamer as so do my clients. They all have their personal hair prescription when it comes to hydrating to have healthy hair.
Brenner Stiles Hair steamers are not dangerous.... that's like saying chocolate is dangerous because it can give because of the sugar content.... it can become dangerous to your health if you eat 20 bars off chocolate a day.... The danger is it could end up giving you diabetes.... But treating your self to two chocolate bars a month ain't going to hurt you.... To much off a good thing remember.... same rules apply with steaming hair.... hell with life in general my dear....But hay if something is not for you and you don't think it personally is benefiting you well it's simply don't do it.... But It could be that same thing is beneficial to alot of people.... nobody has died so it's not dangerous is it.
Browndigs69 I totally agreee
@@stephanieanderson7670 Thank you so much for this information!! It has helped me immensely.
you steamed your hair for top long in a sitting. you're only supposed to stream for a MAX of 30 min and that is kind of pushing it. plus you have to account for your hair's porosity. if you have highly porous hair you don't need to stream for 30 minutes more like 10 or 15 max
Virgo8270 If you have highly porous hair you don’t need to steam at all.
Is it okay to use a fabric steamer w/ high porosity hair ?
Wow very informative. Thanks for opening my eyes about the potential damage that can occur from a steamer. I don't steam my hair regularly but this just makes me think about how simple one needs to keep their regimen.
I love the way you express yourself !!! ❤️
what porosity is your hair? i feel like steamers may be best for low porosity hair since they have so much difficulty with opening up the cuticle.
but for normal or high porosity a steamer may be unnecessary
I came on here because I was told my high porosity hair needs a steam treatment.
Now I'm a bit afraid to try it because my hair will not hold or retain any moisture even if I twist it.
I'm low porosity so a hair steamer is the best thing for me. High density hair and "type" 3.
Hmm, seeing as moister can easily get in and get out just as fast, not so sure about that. But then again, what do I know, I'm no hair professional. Go with your gut instincts.
Hi from Brazil! Yes, you said it all! You need to have a low porosity hair. I've been using steam fo-re-ver and my natural curly 3c low porosity hair loved it! It took me long time to figure out why I could not habe the same results on DC as my natural hair friends. Once I found out I have low porosity I started to steam and I got tell you IT IS SOFT, HEALTHY, GROWS CRAZILY AND SHINE and I have 50 years old but my hair look 20's. I hope I helped..
Very interesting....I'm relaxed and was steaming religiously every 2 weeks. Then my hair broke and I couldn't understand why as I thought i was doing everything right. After steaming my hair was soft but quite flat which I thought was good as it helped me keep my relaxer longer but it lost all body so I cut it. Now I'm not going to steam it at all and see how it goes. Will stick with deep conditioning. Thanks for sharing!
I've seen other you tubers say the same thing abut steamers so this makes sense. I'll stick to deep conditioning under a hooded dryer . Sometimes it's best to keep it simple
Destinie ugh you're so pretty
Thank you so much!
i don't use steamer...i get enough moisture from my hott steamy 🚿 lol. thanks for sharing
I agree lol
meeeeee tooooooo
I bought a steamer years ago and used it what? Maybe 5 times. Too much work (pulling it out, setting it up, etc.) for not enough benefit FOR ME. That's the advantage of vlogging you were able to pinpoint exactly what and when it happened. I love your personality so you can wear anything and I'd listen.
I agree I wanted to do it once a month but was just too much. And I'm not sure it's better than using a cap and heating cap.
+Monique downinmn Same here. I bought a steamer and maybe used it twice. It was way too much work. Im a lazy natural...aint nobody got time for that!!
I used a handheld steamer. It was marketed for curly hair...helping to detangle as well. After I finished using it I would instantly feel cool air hit my hair and then the softness I got with it disappeared. Also, the next day when my hair dried it became a lot dryer and a bit harder than usual. It's true the quick opening and closing of the cuticles is a major culprit. I experienced this with a blow dryer with wash n wear styles on the regular and the same thing. I air dry now. I also think it's the regular use of such items. Thnx for the video ^_^
My idea of steaming is once a a week wearing a shower cap for 20 minutes or sitting in a sauna/steam room for 10 minutes whilst I chat with a friend. The only things I use in my hair is a little oil and DIY fruit hair masks. No shampoos no conditioners, no gels, creams or hair stylers, too many allergies. The hair is almost waist length.
Yep I read an article that over steaming can cause a a perm affect and loosen your curl pattern. Like you said I think its best to just used your own body heat. I simply just take a microfiber headwrap over my plastic cap and let the conditioner sit for about 15-20min.
You're not alone. I experienced the same thing with my hair steamer.
He simply over processed his hair. Point blank overprocessing. Human error happens more often then admitted. Too much of a good thing is not actually good. I remember my hairstylist never kept me under the steamer for too long. I always thought the session was too short. He (my hairstylist) explained it the science of hair steaming to me. I completely understood after that. I did a steam treatment no more than 4 times annually. Less...but no more. I have had absolutely no problems at all.
Thank you from sharing this! I have a QRedew hand held steamer and I have been wondering rather or not it was causing damage to my hair. This video is confirming that I need to take a closer look.
I'm glad I watched this because I just bought a hair steamer, so what I've learned is not to steam it too much. Thank you.
Yep limit it to the directions on your conditioner
Finally! I have found another natural with my hair texture. I just found your videos this morning and they are so helpful!
I agree. usually steamers are for people with a low porosity like me who's strands need a little more heat to open the follicles to absorb moisture. looking at your texture while its wet, you have a high or medium porosity so the steamer was probably too much on your hair.
I stopped using my hair steamer because I suspected that it was causing midsjaft splits. now that I don't use it my hair grows faster and thicker.
You and this jug of water though lol
Wow... and the only person who's been dealing with my natural hair has been pushing me to do this 3-4 times per month !
No bueno
Thanks for all the useful info (:
I only steamed once at the salon and I hated it. It's too damn hot under there lol. People make it seem like you just HAVE TO HAVE A STEAMER trying to low key sell them. I only use my dryer to deep condition like twice a month and the other two times its plastic cap to the rescue!!!!
That's exactly what is happening to my hair. I understand. Thank you for this video!!!!
I have been deep conditioning my hair with a steamer, every 2 weeks for the past 3 years. I haven't gotten any heat damage, and I only sit under it for a maximum of 20 minutes.
I've never had any issues. My curl pattern has remained the same for the most part, but it has gotten curlier in the areas where the curls were looser. Everyone's different, but thankfully mine has gone from meh to yay 💁🏽♀️
I forgot to add that I had hygral fatigue a while back. I don't think you need to stop steaming, just maybe not as long (15-20 minutes). Prepooing with coconut oil or another penetrating oil helps with hygral fatigue as well.
I heard nothing over 30 mins, and definitely not every day.
I live in Phoenix and they do use steamers here HOWEVER for no more than 15 mins..that is it. So sorry you lost your hair hon.
I have low porosity hair and a handheld steamer. I noticed the first two times I used it, my hair did not feel or look the way others who steam their hair describe. The steamer make my hair look and feel lightly blow dried. This scared me because I felt this would ultimately lead to damage if I kept it going. So I put my handheld steamer away for awhile but then recently decided to try again. I had the same results so I was done. At first I thought I was crazy as I could find no one else who could relay that this happened to their hair with a steamer until I found your video. Now I feel validated; no more steaming for my hair ever!
I've seen the same thing happened to my hair, a while back... I was steaming everyday; all day and sometimes 3x a day. Now I'm newly natural again and I only use my hooded dryer for a maximum of 30mins to an hour
Watching this 8 years later and thank you thank you thank you 😩🤗🙏🏿
People went hard in the paint against me but I still stand by this damage to this day and won't use a steamer. As great as everyone said it was, everyone stopped using it
this is so interesting I had no! idea that this could be a problem I've been wanting to get and start using a hair steamer glad you shared this video before I did purchase one thanks for sharing I love your videos
hair steamer work really well he miss used it 20 mins is the maximum amount of time to sit under it anything over 30 minutes will evenly cause damage which he sat under it for an hour.. just do your research I have one nd I love it my hair never been so soft
Thanks so much for the info
I love your channel! I just discovered you and it's so sad that it took me this long. Keep making good quality videos and thank you for your amazing content!
I steam my hair weekly at the gym (sometimes twice in a week). My hair LOVES it. Perhaps it works so well because the steam is so diffused in the large room, versus holding a device to my head.
I'm getting a steamer pretty soon, but thank you for the other side of the debate. I wash twice (rarely 3 times/month) and I figured I add a 20 minute steamer routine ONLY on wash day. I'll see how that works out for a few months. I also like how you pinpointed about not having a defined curl pattern. Some people will argue that we do and I'm just like, "Bruh, I know my damn hair."
Just to be on the safe side, I'll only steam once a month now that I've finished the video. My curls are already partly defined. I can't take that risk lol.
So sorry for your mishap. Unfortunately many of us learn certain practices because the "hair gurus" tell us we should be doing it.
It's not until someone as yourself educates the hair community, that we become a little more knowledgeable. The question in this case (if anything) would be, "how often should we steam and for how long?"
What you taught us in this video makes perfectly good sense.
I've gone through so many changes with my hair that I've decided to go old skool. meaning, practicing the same techniques that my mother and grandmother used on me as a little girl that kept my hair thriving (pre-chemical).
Simple and minimalistic while maintaining moisture.
Thank you so much for this educational video. Stay blessed.
I've had the Huetiful hair steamer for years now. I haven't used it that much. It was either a hit or miss with me. Most of the times it didn't do much or anything at all and I didn't have the patience to try steaming with different deep conditioners, sit underneath it, clean it afterwards and put it back into the box. It was a whole process lol
from listing to what you were saying about the time frame of sitting under the steamer, you were not experiencing hair damage until you started sitting under the steamer for an hour. I feel that if you are going to sit under the steamer for an hour you should steam your hair every two months opposed to a month, Or go back to using the steamer for a month at thirty minutes oppose to an hour.
I know exactly what you are talking about it took me awhile to figure out why my hair changed as well then I realized it was my steamer, haven't used it since and my hair is thriving once more.
I am very sorry that you had to experience this with your hair. I love watching your hair tutorials. I guess you are one of those people who can wear any hair style because you look awesome with your hair cut short. Your hair will grow back in no time. Good luck to you.
+Cha Cur Thank you and no worries I just don't want anyone else to have to go thru it as well.
I steam my hair every two weeks but for no more than 10-15 minutes. I learned that it helps of course with moisture, but also with elasticity. Also, when I steam my hair I usually do a hot oil treatment as a pre-poo and wash and deep condition the next day. I then will style my hair in a protective style the following day. I keep in my protective style for two weeks and repeat the process. However, your video is very informative and I will keep in mind the knowledge you shared. Thank you.
You are welcome thank you for watching and sharing your experience!
So sorry to hear of your bad experience. I have been steaming weekly for 2 years now. My hair is doing well. I only steam the required 20 mins then it automatically shuts off. Also you have to know your hair. A few times, the steam was getting to my scalp and it was super hot. I determined that my hair was moisturized and I ended the steam treatment. I love steaming and it has been great for my thick, coarse, kinky hair.
That's great im glad you have had a positive experience with steaming your hair. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!
Honestly Iv never used one but after watching your vid fully and looking at the comparisons I kind of feel it was the steamer. I also did a little research on it and many people are saying it's not all that.
I enjoyed this video and definitely learned a few things from it .
My first time being steamed my sides were looser. This video just sold me on what I thought .... That steamer was the culprit. I'm like you, I'll keep on using the shower and hooded dryer.
I steam every wash but only for about 15 minutes. my steamer doesn't go longer than that, at first I was complaining because I wanted to steam for like an hour but after watching this I'm glad it has that 15 minute time limit. I really love the steamer. Do you think it's possible to reverse hydral fatigue?
You look really nice with the short hair, and I like the background setting. You can present educational videos from that background.
+Elita Ali Thank you! I like it too. I wonder why I never thought to use it before.
***** You can inform new naturals from that lovely setting.
I'm sorry my comment was sent before I could add the correction that I recently added pre pooing and oil rinse to my regiment. I want to be careful not to over due it by trying everything that I learn is good for natural hair. I'm new at this so I want to thank you again for your video. Please know that if no one else is taking heed to your warning this 64 year old natural newbie is. May the Lord Bless you real good.
I was taught that you're only supposed to steam your hair for 15 to 20 mins. at a time. Anything more than that can cause damage.
Got it was about to buy a hair steamer from Amazon. I will keep my hooded dryer. Thank you❤
Omg I always believe that to be true about my own hair it never had a defined curl or curl pattern I even see that in my daughter and my sister’s hair as well
Let me tell you how hard-headed I am.....
I too thought hygral fatigue was BS.
I got my steamer in November, and was steaming the hell outta my hair, (I won't even embarrass myself by telling how long and often)
I saw this video after you uploaded and wrote it off, because no one was gonna tell me nothin bad bout steaming.
LSS, I have hygral fatigue like a mug.
I'm like you, I'm just gonna DC like I always had, occasionally under the dryer, but no more over-the-top techniques for me.
Manfactureres directions from here on out.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think everyone kinda brushed off this video by saying I just over steamed, which I'm not denying but the point of this was to make it known that steamers definitely do have the potential to severely damage your hair if not used properly.
+AfrikanHairGod True that, it's a needed video, because I certainly didn't think overdoing it was possible, so thank you for sharing.
I pass...I am to lazy to do anything to my hair but wash and condition weekly. I hate twisting and braiding too. lol. Thanks for sharing for others. Have a good day.
I haven't gone through this with my steamer at all. i normally steam with a deep conditioner once every month to two months and i'm only under there for 10-15 minutes. I usually rinse the conditioner out with cool water so the cuticles are then lying flat and the water isn't leaving my hair too quickly, and any leave in or moisturizer i put on top is just there to act as a backup for moisture as the days go on. I also have low porosity hair as well so i think that helps as well.
Thanks for sharing this with us! I never thought about the cons of excessive hair steaming. I will definitely keep this in mind!
+Tierra Conyers You and me both.
Great information. I've always debated getting a steamer but I will stick with body heat/hooded dryer.
I've never used that machine. I wanted one, but cuz my best friend, I've been no heat, deep conditioner and masques. my hair is mostly healthy one thing I've have is split ends. sorry that happened, but I thank you cuz my crazy ass was dying to try it out.
I stopped over night deep conditioning LONG time ago! Tried it and hated how my forehead and scalp would be white when I took the bag off in the morning. That's was enough for me to say something's not right.
That's too bad! I've always felt a certain way about those steamers. I've never used one, but something about them never sat right with me. I steam while I'm in the shower and it works just fine. If it's not #washday, I dampen my hair and hop into the shower and just wash my body with no shower cap and my hair feels great that was with the hot steam. And when it IS wash day, I feel like my hair is getting steamed regardless because I let my conditioner sit for 5-7 minutes in all that hot shower steam and it feels soft when I wash it out. I don't even own shower caps anymore. Waste of time for me. Natural steaming is best! LOL ;)
Thank you for this information. I was thinking about buying a steamer but not anymore.
OMG!!!! this hit home for me! after I got my hair colored last year, my stylist recommended steam treatments monthly. OMG! let me tell u, I saw my hair change tremendously! and this has been the case for the past 5 years or so. I will notice that my curl pattern changes, my hair would shed/break and it seemed like there was not a product in sight to form a twist out. right now, I am trying to find a way to strengthen my hair back. I was very close to cutting it all off or just wearing units until my hair became healthier again. I will never steam my hair again! Steamers are the devil!
I'm sure it was the dye. Dyed hair requires a lot more attention than natural hair. Ask around. Stop dying your hair if you're not up for the extra maintenance it requires. Dyed and relaxed hair is totally different from dyed and natural hair.
Dyed hair is more porous that normal hair. fine strands = easy penetration; high porosity = easier penetration; hair that has been relaxed, dyed or overstyled = easiest penetration. Combine it all and the hair won't hold a curl and is limp aka damaged.
Wow thank you for the advice. I was going to drop $160 for a steamer but nope I’ll keep my money in my pocket
I haven't had a problem. I do an hot oil treatment, cover with plastic cap and sit under steamer no more than 20min once a week or every other week. I love it
Great post! I agree, I get questioned do I offer steam treatments... I can't grasp the purpose, since your body heat plus a plastic cap on your head creates body heat naturally, enough to gently swell the cuticle for absorption of product and moisture. Over swelling the cuticle will definitely cause weakness in the hair. Balanced Porosity has everything to do with moisture retention... forcing the cuticle open helps some conditioner and semi colors penetrate cuticle, but it has to be closed down. Over swelling will reduce elasticity and weaken the hair. Protein can begin to tighten it but you have to be careful using and choosing a protein at home. I'm still not sold on steaming... I will continue watching a few videos... thanks for sharing your experience.
I have low porosity hair and I steam with my Huetiful weekly but it's automatic shutoff at 20 mins so that could be why I have not had any issues. Something I will keep in the back of my mind though because the steamer is hot damn near burn your forehead skin off! 😂
OMG!! I agree with you! I quit using my hair steamer because my hair did not flourish and also I noticed more breaking and shedding after using the hair steamer!
I watched your protein/moisture video and I thought you down played the benefits of products with protein. I'm 4c and I use a light protein conditioner every other wash. First, it decreased my shedding drastically. Second, my hair was getting too much moisture.
Agreed I saw a video of blakizbeautiful aka Jenell where she explains the benefit of incorporating some protein treatment (gentle ones) into your regiment
+Jobentab S I never downplayed protein, however, people need to understand the difference between a conditioner with protein vs a protein treatment. Natural hair has more strength and resilience to it than our Caucasian counterparts would like you to think because of it natural tendency to be dry, and fragile. However, our hair is so amazing in that it has more elasticity bonds in the in it's chemical make up than any other hair type. Because of this, virgin natural hair doesn't require an excessive amount of protein as someone else would. I have never stated that you never need to incorporate protein in your hair but you should do so in moderation as it is rather easy to acquire protein overload as opposed to moisture overload.
+AfrikanHairGod Point noted. FYI... I love your hair cut. I know it must hurt to start the journey over, wow. what an opportunity. Also, I'm still so impressed by your skating. I only use light protein condioners. in the past it was ORS Replenishing Conditioner. very good. smells OK. now I use Pantene Repair and Restore line. keratin is in it. It smells GREAT! my husband loves it.
Oh wow I never knew that this could happen.
+J. Joelle Me either...
You can boil/melt the hair in many ways, prolonged exposure to high heat with flat iron, Blowdry, hot steam.... the hair can boil like this over 250 degrees over and past 10 minutes. So the steamer very well may have damaged your hair.
That's why i listen to my hair; I steam 30 mins then air dry 80% and blow dry with no combs or manipulation just passing the blow drier on my hair; that way less time for swelling strands, I'm not experiencing no breakage really just thicker better hair. Thanks for sharing your story with us; good luck on your journey 👌
+NatuRealistic87 VeryKinkyCurl lol Yeah if you even noticed how your hair gets bigger or fuller when wet vs dry. The water (7) due to the ph being more alkaline than the hair itself (4.5-5.5) causes the hair to soften and swell. You notice this to a greater degree when relaxers or bleach is applied to the hair.
+AfrikanHairGod my hair is relaxed that's probably why I picked up on it before anything could really happen..
+NatuRealistic87 VeryKinkyCurl well what I mean is as the bleach is actually processing on the hair you can see how the hair expands and softens. Bleach actually eats through hair which causes it to become thinner and weaker. But when the bleach is actually on the hair the pH is raised which causes the difference in how the hair feels. Your hair drops back to normal pH when it is neutralized and dried.
Im so glad you made this because I had a steam treatment one time at a popular natural hair salon in ATL and my hair was soooooo mushy afterward. And this was the"recommendation" homegirl gave me after my hair evaluation. $100 later my hair was in worse shape than it was when I got there. People rave about them but after that experience I know its not for me
+NuDiva14 How long were you under there? and $100 SHEESH!!!
+AfrikanHairGod yass-$100 for my hair to look like a pot of turnip greens! Its been a few years but I dont think it was all that long either. Maybe 30 mins?
I agree. You did great finding out your problem.
WOW we should really follow our instincts, i was going to buy a hair steamer too, but something kept telling me to go with the hooded dryer instead, then i came across this video now i know why it wasn't meant for me THANKS for the video very helpful.
African Hair Doctor should be your name. You broke that down!
+Donielle Hasty Thank you. I try to be thorough as possible.
ooo wow dag yea i use a steamer once a month or every other month or every now and again but i only stay under therrre for like 14 or 20 minutes because it shuts off....i havent had a problem yea an hr i think was a lil too long lol but you learn from your experience which is cool...that steamer be getting hot to me i couldnt stay under that long lol thats why i dont like the regular dryer either be burning my neck lol...but yea you learned now you know your hair will be back and healthy again in no time thankz for sharing your experience with the steamer :)
+marquita83 Yeah We had the professional that stays on for a whole hour... I'm pretty sure that is to get multiple clients under there during services now that I think about it.... lol I'm sure using it in moderation could be beneficial for my hair but I'm officially traumatized from the steamer lol
Beautiful I'm looking into buying a hair steamer for myself as well .Thank you for the video it is so informative.
I was going to buy one but something told me not to. So glad I saw this. Thank you
I over steamed my edges and know I am paying for it as well. So I understand. As always thanks for sharing your story I love watching!
same thing happened to my natural hair when I kept doing the greenhouse effect
I only used it once but after that one time my hair felt COMPLETELY different, VERY dry. After awhile I noticed breakage in different areas of my hair. I originally thought it was because I had my hair straightened but I had my hair straighten before and this never happened, plus I am not one to use heat often. I tried clarifying but nothing work. Now I have just been wearing buns, trying to get it back to normal. Hopefully that work😕😕
He's telling y'all why his hair changed yet y'all are still telling him what he already said in the video 🙃 He knows okay. But thank you for your thorough analysis of why your hair changed.
Lol thank you! 😁
Tatyana Smith lol
I had a similar experience. Not with the steamer thougj but with my HTW so basically using heat. This combined with the use of conditioner meant to be left in for a couple of minute.
Whats HTW?
***** Hait Therapy Wrap. And i was only usiny it weekly
+Dudegrowing NapsBlog interesting...
***** Yeah. Since us natural have the tendency to deep condition for a long time ( i don't go over 45 min) tho. I was deep conditioning with heat for 20-35min ecery week and at some point my hair felt over moisturized and lacked consistency
Wow! Just learned something new. Be careful with them steamers
I never have used a steamer and now I really don't wanna use one.
Thank you for sharing. My hair doesn't like the steamer as well(It's the devil,LOL) You are giving very good information to those who doesn't know. Your hair is growing back so beautifully. Keep the videos coming boo :-)
+shellputgodfirstjackson Thank you!
You welcome love
Hi, yes. My Steamer has a twenty-minute timer. I steam/deep condition once a week, with a steamer or with natural body heat. Sometimes with a plastic cap on hair, sometimes without.
I heard 15-20 minutes is enough. That's all I do and about every ten days. Blowing it out monthly may be too much too! Sorry for your loss.
Blow drying is detrimental to my hair, especially using a brush, that shredded my hair after just one time. My hair was never the same after the first blow out. But I went and got it done 3 more times in the course of 2 years and each time I realized it was the blow out that stretched my hair beyond repair. The steamer works for me and my daughter now because "I say no" to blow outs after me big chopping again. I think it's a combination of things that will ruin hair, mainly, for me, manipulation.
+sylviassuccess Blowdrying is definitely damaging to hair whether it be slowly over time or quickly for some. That's why at our salon TheGriynThumb Salon, we twist, braid, and style natural hair without blow drying the hair when possible.
+AfrikanHairGod that is awesome, I love the fact that you are getting to know hair in it's natural state unlike so many stylist that have no clue what to do except straighten. We need more stylist like you
I haven't read through all of the comments, so forgive me if someone has already made this suggestion or recommendation... I would suggest first assessing the porosity of your hair. Myself, I had heard of this may times as a way to establish a "baseline" understanding of your hair. Sadly, I thought that if I read enough forums and viewed enough pictures, I could diagnose my hair type, porosity, etc... By doing the hair porosity test, I determined my hair has low porosity. According to all the literature I read, I was "supposed" to have high porosity hair, simply because I have "curls." With my hair, my cuticles are closed, so steam help open those pores, allowing me to receive moisture that I can seal in. If your hair is already high porosity, perhaps adding steam to make it more porous (and possibly not sealing) would compromise the integrity of your hair's structure and/or health. Undoubtedly, many variables should be considered in treating your hair, but this may help on a fundamental level. Good luck!
I use the Q-Redew once in a while. But I do watch Traycee Simmons' videos (from KISS) and she steams everyday but only for a short time to loosen her hair after sleeping in a pineapple. Her hair is gorgeous, so steaming may be beneficial if you use it sparingly like she does.
Yes so true. He is a fine brother with or without hair
I've had my steamer for a few months now and use it with no issues. i use it once a week for min max. every other week i do a hard protein treatment before my moisturizing dc and steaming. I've also read you really shouldn't steam longer than 30 min because of the hydral fatigue. hope that helps
20 min max*