While there are many wonderful things about having curly or coily hair — so many fun hairstyles, so little time — many of those with textured hair cite the same concern at the top of their “cons” list: Dryness. While deep conditioning treatments and hair masks can help, in order to get the most out of them, coily girls should consider adding one of the best hair steamers to their wash day regimen. Since the scalp’s natural oils have a tougher time traveling down curly and coily strands, these hair types are more prone to dryness and breakage, making fortifying deep conditioning treatments a must.
And one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your deep conditioners is by using a steamer: A hairstyling tool that uses hot, vaporized water to penetrate your strands. If you’re new to steamers, heads up that there are a ton of tools to choose from.. Handheld devices, hooded machines, and heated caps offer very different delivery methods, but they all essentially do the same thing: Infuse your strands with “moist heat, to help water pass through the cuticle for maximum hydration and moisture,” says James.
We consulted with hair professionals and put some of the highest-rated options to the test to simplify the process for you. Read on for the standout picks, including a buzzy steamer that has a celeb seal of approval, a microwave-friendly cap, a hooded steamer that gives your hands a rest, and more. Best Overall: Pattern Beauty The Hair Steamer, $169 Best Handheld: Conair Infiniti Pro Steam Therapy Hair Steamer, $87 Best Cap: The Steam Bar Deep Conditioning Heat Cap, $58 Best Hooded Steamer: Kingsteam 2 in 1 Hair Steamer, $80 Best for When You’re in a Hurry: SisWow Hair Steamer, $30 What we love: What could improve: Easy to use No temperature control Sleek design Comes with multiple attachments Works quickly In the past, steaming was a bit of a niche practice, primarily reserved for the salon.
At-home options did exist, but they left us wanting with bulky devices and leaky tanks that made the whole process feel less like pampering and more like a chore. Then came Pattern Beauty’s Hair Steamer. We’re big fans of what Tracee Ellis Ross’ brand has done for the natural hair community, and this device is just the latest entry to our personal curly hair hall of fame.
Much of what makes it the best steamer we’ve tried is how easy it is to use: It has just one heat setting—reaching about ~250 degrees Fahrenheit at the vapor holes, where the steam first comes out, and cools down to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit at the prong tips—and heats up in about a minute. (The brand recommends using it for 5-12 minutes total, depending on the length of your hair; it automatically stops at 16 minutes.) Lightweight and handheld, it comes with a prong attachment for lifting and separating and a diffuser attachment for creating what the brand refers to as “a halo of vapor.” Use it once a month or weekly with a treatment (think deep conditioner or hair mask) depending on just how parched your strands are; you can also use it on dry hair to refresh your curls. Just make sure to fill the water chamber with distilled water to avoid potential mineral build-up. What we love: What could improve: Easy to use Might be a bit heavy for some users Heats up fast Works quickly Conair’s Infiniti Pro Steam Therapy Hair Steamer is a trusty, portable steamer that is easy to use, compact for traveling, and never gets too hot.
It also works fast, heating up in about 30 seconds and running for 10 minutes. (It has no heat settings; just a simple on/off button.) “I think that makes it really practical for a curl refresh, adding moisture back into the hair, or giving a conditioner or mask a quick boost without committing to a longer hooded treatment,” says Heiress Darby, a professional hairstylist based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Along with the attached prongs for lifting and separating, this one comes with a diffuser attachment for scrunching longer curls and waves. What we love: What could improve: Lightweight Cap format means no temperature control Easy to use Convenient Darby recommends The Steam Bar’s Deep Conditioning Cap for folks looking to maximize their treatment routine in the lowest-lift—and most budget-friendly—way possible.
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