Steaming - how do you steam?

[coli]

I tried searching for a thread similar to this and I will apologize in advance for asking if already asked.

Alot of people speak about how easy their hair is easy to comb after steaming. Unfortunately, I am not getting the same results. So I have a few questions in hopes to figure out what I am doing wrong.

1. When you steam, what heat setting do you put the steamer on? My steamer says to put it on 250W. I've been putting it on 700W thinking it would be better (maybe that's my problem?)

2. How long do you sit under the steamer?

3. Do you rinse the conditioner out right away or do you let it sit for a while?

I want to like this steamer but, so far, it's not giving me the same results as it seems to be giving everyone else. It doesn't make me feel like my detangling/conditioning session any better than when I don't steam.

Thank you!

Oh ... I'm 4a/b relaxed with a year of new growth.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

1) I Steam on Freshly Co-Washed Hair

2) I Steam anywhere from 30-1 Hour

3) I Let my Hair "Cool" *You should always give your Hair a chance to cool prior to rinsing, because the Steam/Heat has lifted/raised your cuticle and you want to give it a chance to restrict/close

4) Once Cooled I rinse out in Cool/Tepid Water and follow up with Porosity Control or a final acidifying rinse to lock in the moisture and close the cuticle.

5) I am also relaxed with 4 a/b

 

[Solitude]

To search, you want to go to Search this forum ---> advanced search ---> change the option to "search titles only" ----> type in one or two terms you are looking for, and your results should be much more accurate. I think the first thread is the MacDaddy steaming thread....I think.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...icial-hair-steam-steaming-steamer-thread.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...-fall-steaming-challenge-sept-dec-2010-a.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...aming-why-arent-plastic-caps-good-enough.html
(I started this thread, but I need to update it because my doggone steamer is falling apart - I can no longer recommend that brand.)

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...ming-protect-natural-hair-humidity-frizz.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...scussion/502845-ladies-what-you-steaming.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...ssion/439498-how-often-everyone-steaming.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...ssion/440462-steaming-damp-dry-flat-ironning-[pictures].html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...8675-steaming-vs-traditional-dcing-dryer.html

I actually didn't learn about steaming on LHCF. I learned from my hair idol, who is no longer a member....unfortunately, I can't find her video on it. Maybe it was just for Healthy Textures members, I can't remember:

YouTube - Macheriehair's Channel

 

[Solitude]

I steam on wet hair with conditioner in my hair (a moisturizing one) on wet, freshly shampoo'd hair. I steam for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on my time & mood.

I let it cool before rinsing with cool water. I do not cover my hair with a plastic cap, I just pin it up.

I'm afraid you won't get many answers because this topic has been discussed so much...

 

[Poopiedo]

I don't know the heat setting. I just make sure both of the green lights are on. I think that is considered the highest level.

I steam for an hour. My steamer has a 30 min timer so I have to get up and refill the tank. I also put a towel over the hood of the steamer.

I sit for a while to let the conditioner cool. So during this time I'm storing my steamer away and putting up the 50-11 bottles I have on my bathroom counter.

After my hair cools, I rinse then apply Porosity control for about a minute.

 

[Mrs. Verde]

I tried searching for a thread similar to this and I will apologize in advance for asking if already asked.

Alot of people speak about how easy their hair is easy to comb after steaming. Unfortunately, I am not getting the same results. So I have a few questions in hopes to figure out what I am doing wrong.

1. When you steam, what heat setting do you put the steamer on? My steamer says to put it on 250W. I've been putting it on 700W thinking it would be better (maybe that's my problem?) I don't know the temperature I use, but it is the highest setting. I think the setting you are using is OK.

2. How long do you sit under the steamer? I steam for about an hour each session. My hair LOVES steam. I steam 2xs a week. The amount of steam you use really depends on the individual. Are you relaxed or natural? Relaxed hair tends to become mushy with too much moisture so you may not need to steam for very long.

3. Do you rinse the conditioner out right away or do you let it sit for a while? I usually do a few things before I rinse. I wait maybe 10 mins.

I want to like this steamer but, so far, it's not giving me the same results as it seems to be giving everyone else. It doesn't make me feel like my detangling/conditioning session any better than when I don't steam. There could be a few reasons why aren't having great results. What kind of conditioner are you using? Does it have protein? You may be using too much conditioner. When I first started steaming I was using WAY too much conditioner. You don't always have to steam with conditioner. You can steam with oils or with hair butter. Someone posted a thread about steaming not being that great for them. Let me see if I can find it.

Thank you!

Oh ... I'm 4a/b relaxed with a year of new growth.

See my comments above in blue.

ETA - I found the thread...
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/ha...6369-do-steam-treatments-not-work-anyone.html

 

[Pompous Blue]

All of the above answers are excellent. I'm not relaxed (natural, 4Z)

I steam on the highest setting. I started out steaming EVERY TIME I applied anything to my hair -- pre-poo, DC, henna, leave-ins. Doing this got my hair to the moisture level I wanted. It cut down on the SSKs (BOY! did it ever!). I don't steam now after I apply my leave-ins 'cause my hair is at a good moisture level. I was steaming after applying leave-ins as a substitute for baggying every night. I hated the crunch, crunch sound and so did DH.

My steamer is a stand-up steamer from lclbeauty.com (1037-A) and I turn on both switches (310W).

Play around with products, time and method. You'll find what works for your hair. I cannot live without my steamer. It has revolutionized my haircare.

 

[BlaqBella]

(I started this thread, but I need to update it because my doggone steamer is falling apart - I can no longer recommend that brand.)


Sorry for the hijack op. But ^^(@solitude..i think) what steamer do you have and what problems are you having with it? I worry about the same issue since getting mine. Thank you for the links.