Deep Conditioning vs Steaming - Which Is BEST for Your Hair?

[@phillyflytee9849]

This hairdresser who was Halle Berry‘s hairdresser. Said he told her during her wash day to put a plastic cap on her hair with conditioner in the shower because the shower has steam and then she washes up her body and then she rinses out the condition and you know what I’ve always done that. I never purchased a steamer. I was just always when I wash my hair in the shower, which is all the time. I would condition my hair and put a plastic cap on my hair then I will proceed to wash my body and then I will rinse it conditioner out and my hair would be lovely all over from roots to the tip. That’s just my small nugget of advice. lol😂😂

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@phillyflytee9849 hey there! Thanks a bunch! Yes! Steam from the shower works as well! And I also I incorporate “shower steaming” as an option 😂

[@notknown6605]

If you put a plastic cap on, the shower steam isn’t reaching your hair.

[@ScorpioChile]

I naturally have extremely dry hair, which has been a long standing complaint by many hair dressers. I have been steaming my hair twice a week (SUN & WED) with an Hyaluronic based hair mask. My hair has transformed. My curls are defined and my hair is DEEPLY hydrated, elongated and grows a lot faster. My hair has never been like this. I actually enjoy my hair now and find the routine soothing. I have a hooded dryer the results DO NOT compare but heat is still better than none at all. I definetly can get away with doing it only once a week now. Steaming my hair has shown me the true meaning of "there is a difference between moisture and hydration". I do not experience hydral fatigue. Though I know this is typically brought up as an concern. Even using a facial steamer while applying products detangling your hair can be transformative. Additionally, I would like to add that I only detangle my hair on wash days and use Ayurvedic, nourishing ingredients on my hair. I love the Melanin Deep Conditioning treatment. My hair is the healthiest its been in my entire life. TLDR; Hyaluronic Acid & Hair Steaming transformed my type 4 dehydrated curly hair within weeks.

[@MkB-c6v]

Ummmm….Ms. Karen? Ima need that workout routine for 2025🫣🥰🏃🏾‍♀️💪🏾😁!!!

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

hahahaha! I've been getting it in! 💪🏾. More videos on lifestyle (and exercise) coming in 2025!

[@Sunshinegirl502]

Thank you. I love the streamer.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@Sunshinegirl502 hey gorgeous!!

[@heymsnherisson]

I like the way you explain things ❤

[@cynthiascott8639]

That was the best porosity demonstration I have ever seen. Thank you 😊

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@cynthiascott8639 yay!!! Thank you so much!!

[@maysue5630]

Thanks for the tutorial Karen. Appreciate you lots ❤

[@antoinettemc4830]

Thank you, Ms. Karen. You never cease to educate and enlighten me with EVERY single video. I appreciate YOU!!!

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Hey Gorgeous!! Thank you!!!!

[@jacquilineblackwell-beard2318]

I acquired a steamer during COVID19. I use a steamer for my deep conditioner every 2 weeks. I used to use a hooded dryer with plastic cap. I just love the sensation of the steam on my scalp. I usually use a moisturizing deep conditioner (i.e. Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm). Question: Should you use steam with a protein conditioner (e.g. Joico K-Pak)? Thanks for the great content.

[@Rosannasfriend]

This was very well explained. You’re such a great teacher. Thank you.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@Rosannasfriend I appreciate it so much 🙌🏾🥰

[@VonneHamilton]

Thanks, Karen for this information. I decided months ago to do the Big Chop because of your teachings. My hair is doing very good!

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@VonneHamilton oh yay!!!! How awesome!!!!! So proud of you!!!!!!! And welcome to the natural hair family!!!

[@zundrasluxury6287]

Karen you are always informative about hair. Thank you

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@zundrasluxury6287 you are very welcome! 🤗

[@veronicamwarren5750]

Thank you for all the information and directions.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

You are very welcome Ms Veronica!

[@DeborahHowze]

This was a good video, Ms. Karen! I especially enjoyed the illustration using the blinds!

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@DeborahHowze thank you so much Deborah!!

[@starmaxx4]

Great tips Karen .. thank you so much! 🥰💙

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

You are so welcome!

[@sapmolina]

Great tips love your videos

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Thanks so much!

[@Elizabeth-fo5mm]

EXCELLENT video/information Ms. Karen!👏🏾

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@Elizabeth-fo5mm thank you Elizabeth!!!!

[@Elizabeth-fo5mm]

@@KarenofCurlHouseI’ve just replied to email.☺️

[@velicyarembert1761]

I have to steam or my hair will feel and sound like hay...ever since my hysterectomy i have been dealing with severely dry hair🤦🏾‍♀️

[@lnyawilliamsmoore]

Thanks for sharing. Btw, are you still going to do a podcast? Where did you get your continuous spray bottle? 💐🙏🏾💜💐😀

[@burnetteford6070]

Thank you for the info

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@burnetteford6070 you are very welcome!

[@latonyajackson4295]

A cosmetology educator advised me a few years ago to deep condition with a plastic cap and hooded dryer for my high porosity hair, and it was a game changer. Thus, I have since used my steamer less. However, with this advice, I can steam prior to shampooing. Can you please clarify if this step requires any treatments, or is it as simple as sitting under the steamer with dry/as-is hair to soften it with the moist heat before beginning the shampoo & other steps?

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Hi Latonya! Fabulous! GREAT QUESTION!!! I suggest you take a water bottle and mist your hair first, then sit under the steamer BEFORE shampoo. Wetting your hair before steaming allows the steam to effectively open the hair cuticle, allowing for better absorption of moisture and conditioning benefits. I am creating a video about this to provide more clarity.

[@latonyajackson4295]

@KarenofCurlHouse , thanks for the reply. Wouldn't you know my unknowing self tried this tip last week, and of course I simply sat under the steamer (from the as-is, dry state) for approx 20 min, proceeded with shampooing, etc, afterward. Next time, I will indeed mist my hair beforehand.

[@lovevolved1]

I had this same question! @karenofcurlhouse, so thank you for replying ❤️ I understand how it will open the hair shaft. My question / concern is, will streaming w/a dirty scalp cause more penetration of the pollutants in your hair / scalp?

[@lolly6038]

I’m listening to your video and I have low porosity hair and you’re talking about steaming but what is the best way to steam your hair? Without a gadget. Thanks.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@lolly6038 hey there! A hot shower with steam will don’t trick as well! No gadget!

[@elizabethemmanuel1181]

Thank you for your videos always. Can we also steam while we apply protein mask ?

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@elizabethemmanuel1181 I don’t think that’s best with protein. As some protein mask require heat. And you don’t want the results of the protein to be nullified due to too much moisture from the stream so stick to the traditional deep conditioning with a plastic cap.

[@elizabethemmanuel1181]

@KarenofCurlHouse thank you for your response. Can I do protein mask and deep conditioning the same wash day and will I apply heat for the protein mask and steam for the deep conditioning How do I save time if each process requires a waiting time?

[@lillisaunte]

Could I do both if I have low porosity hair coming out of braids and going right back in? I keep my braids in about 6 -8 weeks. Thanks Karen!

[@jevan40]

Thanks……

[@cassandrafine6373]

I am now confused by your video. Eight months ago, I began a new regimen to try and get my salt/pepper, short, uneven natural (10+ years), and scarring alopecia hair to grow. I identified that my hair was low porosity via the test and bought the appropriate shampoos and conditioners. I wash weekly, using clarifying/purple/low porosity shampoos, then condition with a cocktail of the purple/low porosity products. On alternate weeks, I deep- condition using a hair mask under a dryer for 30 minutes. My hair is growing slowly, the crown/edges have the alopecia, but the hair around those areas is growing. I also flat ironed my hair recently to trim the ends. I've watched a few of your videos, incorporating various changes that apply to gray hair. However, this is the first time hearing from any hair care influencer, yourself included, stating that the steaming process is the best for my low porosity hair. So... I'm not happy for having spent time and money on products and a dryer these few months using an incorrect process. With that being said, I'll try the steaming technique, continue with my daily moisturizing, and go back to some old school processes to care for my thinning scalp and edges. I'm 64 and have reached a crossroads re my hair and where to go from here. There is too much information being given by anyone and everyone who has a "story" on what the hair management processes are, and it may be just too much information for some of us in our senior years and dealing with possible health concerns, especially menopause.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@cassandrafine6373 Hi Ms Cassandra! Please DONT change yonr routine! What you are doing is fine! The one thing I forgot to mention in the video is that if you don’t have a steamer … you can use a hooded dryer. The steamer is just a step up from a hooded dryer but a hooded dryer gets the job done as well. So please keep doing what has been working for you! Your routine is very solid! Apologies for any confusion as well

[@cassandrafine6373]

​​@@KarenofCurlHouse Thank you for your response. I do have a dryer and use it on those alternating weeks with the hair mask. I'll keep watching your videos and being vigilant, as you're providing great a service for us with salt/pepper and other challenges, and yes, my hair is growing!

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

YAY!!! HAIR GROWTH IS FABULOUS!! Keep going and keep growing!

[@ccope41]

I think I have high porosity hair because it doesn’t take long for my hair to get wet. However, when I do the water test, my hair strand floats on top, so technically I have low porosity according to that. I’m so confused about my hair porosity. What should I go by?

[@ginag9887]

Thank you for the advice. How long should one sit under the steamer?

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Great question! 15 to 30 minutes. Many steamers automatically turn off after about 20 minutes.

[@luwanabennett1054]

Hi Karen! Great video as always. I'm medium/ high porosity. If a person doesn't have a hooded dryer, would a bonnet dryer with an attached hose/nozzle work as well?

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Hey there! Oh yes it will just fine! Thad similar to a hooded dryer so use the plastic cap

[@luwanabennett1054]

@@KarenofCurlHouse Thank you! ♥️😊

[@KTNYC718]

Hello. Learning so much from your videos. 😊 The steam BEFORE shampoo, am I using just water? Or should there be some sort of leave in conditioner? Thanks so much.

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

hey there! Nope -- if you steam before you are good with just dampening the water a bit! You don't have to necessary use a conditioning treatment particularly if you are focusing on the scalp, and the stream is softening and prepping the hair for the shampoo.

[@KTNYC718]

Thanks so much for a response. 😊

[@michelleglaspie3443]

I have LP hair. I should stream prior to wash so to allow moisture and product to penetrate??? But I don’t necessarily need to deep condition under the hooded dryer. Is that correct??

[@normawilson7917]

👋🏽How long should you sit under the dryer when doing a deep conditioning treatment?

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@normawilson7917 hey there! 15 to 30 minutes

[@burnetteford6070]

How long do you need to steam the hair for each treatment

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@burnetteford6070 15 to 30 minutes… 20 minutes is a good average. Many steamers automatically turn off around 20 minutes as well

[@AndreA00522]

Do the rules still apply for relaxed hair

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@AndreA00522 Relaxed hair is typically high porosity so deep conditioning is best 💜

[@AndreA00522]

@@KarenofCurlHouse thank you

[@missklassy4447]

YOu're pretty and classy

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@missklassy4447 thank you Ms Klassy! I appreciate it!

[@sunspear4]

🙌🏽🙌🏿🙌🏾Great information, but where would a heating cap fall and is it good for low porosity hair. Should it be done at least once a week or once a month? 😎

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

@@sunspear4 hey there! Hearing cap would fall under “hooded dryer” … so you can do once a week (or on wash day) or you can wait to do it monthly as well. Can’t go wrong either way. I deep condition each time I wash my hair which is every 7 to 10 days

[@sunspear4]

@@KarenofCurlHouse Thank You😎

[@KarenofCurlHouse]

Hey Sunspear! I wanted to clarify my response about heating cap -- there are different types of caps -- there are are attachment caps, but then others give off a moist heat -- this is probably referring to - which would fall more to the steam treatment side. I wanted to clarify this for you. And it is good for low porosity hair, and can be used once a week, every other week or even once a month. I am about to release part 2 of this video and wanted to clarify with you as well. Have a good day!