What You Need To Know About Hair Steaming
When guests arrive at Salon902, during the consultation I make sure to always emphasize the importance of a hydration treatment. A lot of guests don’t know why their hair isn’t responding the way it needs to or the way they want it to.
The average moisture content for an African American woman’s hair is 6% and that is because most information on the internet is misleading.
Most women of color are taught to use oil to moisturize their hair but oils and water don’t mix. It’s just that simple. The same way our body needs water so does our hair.
Using professional products is essential to the health of our hair. They may be expensive but they are worth it for the simple fact that they come directly from the manufacturers who have done their due diligence in research & testing to get their formulas right.
I learn a lot as a stylist by observing a guests regular regimen and products, from there I can customize what I use on them from the first shampoo to the conditioner or mask that I use for the steam treatment. Proper cleansing of the hair will tell a lot as well. If a guest has never felt their hair squeak, I know their hair hasn’t been cleansed correctly and therefore the moisture from the products can’t penetrate.
Once the cuticle (outermost layer) of the hair has been opened any product you put in/on the hair will absorb. Over-moisturizing the hair can cause the hair to stretch too much. Make sure to do an elasticity test on the strands while wet to see what to Customize for your guests.
HOW TO PROPERLY STEAM:
I have learned over the years that after about 15 mins the cuticle layers don’t absorb very much spa each session should not exceed that time. When rinsing the hair, I use lukewarm to cool water. This closes the cuticle layers and also creates a beautiful shine for the finish.
GREAT TIP: when rinsing the hair, if you feel like the products have left a residue the products may have been too heavy and they didn’t absorb. Give a very light shampoo with a volumizing shampoo to ensure the strands won’t be weighed down.
Allowing yourself as a stylist to really touch and feel your guests hair, you will learn to provide the best customized treatment for their hair and will let you know if the products you’re using are truly beneficial to your guests.