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Nataly Henderson
Updated on August 28, 2023

Spa procedures leverage the properties of water to heal and nourish our bodies and souls. But did you know that your hair can flourish with some pampering and steaming too?

Hair spa treatment is the best way to keep hair moisturized, soft, and healthy. And if you do not feel like forking out for a hair spa at a salon, don’t worry; we know the way to achieve salon-like results at home.

What is Hair Spa?

Hair spa is the procedure that involves a massage with hair oils and application of deep conditioning treatments. The use of heat and steaming during a hair spa procedure opens up the scalp pores and hair cuticles to enhance the penetration of products. Spa for hair finishes with a cool or even cold water rinse to seal the cuticles and leave hair strong and rejuvenated.

Hair steaming is an important part of hair spa treatment. At a salon, it is done with a professional-grade hood steamer or hood dryer with a steamer setting; there are ways to recreate a similar experience at home too, though.

Woman in Spa Enjoying a Scalp Massage

Freepik / valuavitaly

Benefits of Hair Spa and Hair Steaming

Spa for hair has lots of benefits and just a few precautions to attend to. Namely, hair spa:

  1. Nourishes hair roots and follicles, stimulating the balanced oil production by the sebaceous glands in the scalp;
  2. Improves hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp and ‘waking up’ dormant hair follicles;
  3. Heals damaged hair, making it soft and shiny;
  4. Enhances hair elasticity and curls definition;
  5. Effectively deals with dandruff and dry scalp.

Let us not forget that it is also a pleasurable and calming experience that reduces stress – a great enemy to our hair that causes thinning and white locks at a young age!

Despite all the benefits, it is not recommended to repeat the procedure more often than once per week, as too frequent steaming can make hair too soft and limp. Also, it is recommended to refrain from hair spa procedures when you have scabs or sores on your scalp. If you have psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis, consult with a trichologist before taking up the produce.

How to Do Hair Spa Treatment at Home

Women tend to point to the lack of professional steamers as the main obstacle to doing hair spa at home. However, it is often the lack of time and proper atmosphere for relaxation that do not let us get the most from the procedure at home.

Do not try to make hair spa a quick fix for your hair and do not limit it to putting something onto your head while cleaning the house. Start by setting aside at least one hour for the treatment, get hold of good-quality products, and commit to devoting the time to yourself. Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Shampoo

Start with clean, freshly washed hair. It is not necessary to use clarifying shampoo, as it should not be used too often; however, combining cleansing and further nourishing every now and then would be a good idea. Gently remove the excess water with an absorbent towel and continue hair spa procedures with your hair being damp.

Step 2: Oil Massage

Hair oil massage is beneficial in itself, which is why it is at the core of many other healthy hair routines, the inversion method for hair growth among them. Select hair oil of your choice and apply it to the scalp in sections. Then, massage with your fingertips for at least 5 minutes. Apply some pressure and make sure you massage all the areas of your head.

Step 3: Deep Conditioning Treatment

Select a good-quality hair mask that targets your major hair needs. Look for ingredients rich in fatty acids, such as coconut, castor, avocado or shea butter oil (you may massage the scalp with these, too). If you do not have any go-to hair mask, try L’oreal hair spa series, Hair Spa Nourishing Creambath in particular. Distribute the product evenly, not missing a single section.

Products for Hair Spa Treatment

Instagram / @dashingdivadamas

Step 4: Steaming

Steaming works well for any hair pattern, but is especially popular among women with natural hair who know it as a powerful way to deeply moisturize the sensitive locks and protect the scalp. There are two different ways to steam hair at home:

1. With a hot towel and a cap

After applying the product, put a shower cap on. Then, dampen the turban towel and heat it in the microwave oven for 2 minutes (it is ok to see it steam inside). Wrap your head with the hot towel and throw another shower cap or a plastic bag on top. Better yet, use a nice, jumbo size bath bonnet that will firmly hold everything in place – who said we don’t deserve to look our best when no one’s watching?!

Leave your hair to steam for at least 30 minutes. The heat of the towel and your own body will make the trapped moisture slowly evaporate, exerting a spa effect.

2. Using steaming appliances

Today, there are a variety of steaming appliances on the market, including portable hood steamers, handheld steamers, or – the least expensive option – hair steamer heating caps (VICARKO Thermal Heat Cap is a popular option to shop on Amazon). All you will have to do is just to switch on your device and enjoy the procedure for 30 minutes or more.

Woman Using a Home Hair Steamer

Instagram / @thecurltakeover_

Step 5: Rinse

Let your hair cool down and rinse it with cold water to make the cuticles and the pores close. If you cannot stand cold water, rinse the product off with lukewarm water and switch to cold one only for the last few seconds. Avoid heat styling soon after hair spa treatment; better let your hair dry in the air.

Explore the benefits of hair spa and make pampering your locks part of your healthy hair routine. Soft and hydrated, your hair will give back with tons of confidence and joyful, good hair days.

Featured Image via Freepik