Everyone who has gone into a salon has probably seen women sitting with the best hair steamer placed above their heads while scanning magazine pages. I remember wondering what it was for in my early teens. Until I finally learned about the power of steam or heat in making hair look healthy, bouncy, radiant, and shiny!
But what if I tell you that you no longer have to go to your favorite salon and spend a lot of money to avail the steaming services? Instead, you can get a hair steamer cap to treat and pamper your hair at the convenience of your own home.
If you are new to this topic, do not worry, I got you. In this article, I will discuss what a hair steamer cap is, how to use it, how it works, and why it is good for your hair. Because there are plenty of hair steamers or heat caps on the market, and choosing which ones are excellent to buy can be confusing, I will also include a review of my five top picks.
I chose the best hair steamer caps based on functionality, material used, size options, safety features, and price. Toward the end, I will answer frequently asked questions.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
Best Hair Steamer Cap
Hair Steamer Cap Buying Guide
What Is A Hair Steamer Cap?
A hair steamer or heat cap is a portable version of the professional hair steamer device. It is a dome-like headpiece made with waterproof fabric materials and plugged into an electric outlet.
Unlike the hair steamer device that produces steam, a hair steamer cap emits thermal heat to treat the hair. While vapor is generally considered gentler for the hair, a hair steamer cap approximates the same heat temperature to achieve similar effects and results.
How To Use A Hair Steamer Cap?
- Shampoo and condition your hair.
- Apply a deep treatment oil, conditioner, or hair mask on your damp hair.
- Wear the hair steamer or heat cap for about 20 minutes or according to the instructions.
- Remove the hair steamer or heat cap.
- Wash your scalp and hair with cold water to seal the moisture.
- If you have, apply your leave-in hair serum.
How Does A Hair Steamer Cap Work?
A hair steamer cap emits heat that lifts hair cuticles, allowing hair treatment products like oils, masks, and conditioners to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. The heat helps activate the hair product’s nourishing ingredients and lets the hair absorb more moisture and nutrients.
Benefits Of Using A Hair Steamer Cap
While the hair steamer caps suit all hair types, those with hair types 3 and 4 can benefit the most from them.
Because the natural oils do not flow smoothly from the roots to the ends of curly and coily hair types, it makes them more prone to dryness, brittleness, frizziness, breakage, and damage.
Since a heat cap promotes more moisture and nutrient absorption, it helps hydrate the strands and restore hair structure better. For instance, using a hair steamer cap over castor oil for curly hair can speed up the hair conditioning and treatment process.
The heat also opens the scalp pores that helps unclog product build-up, remove dandruff, and stimulate blood circulation, encouraging better and stronger hair growth.
Best Hair Steamer Cap Reviews
MANGOLD Hair Steamer Cap
Features:
- Adjustable three temperature control settings
- Automatic power off
- Made of waterproof, insulated, and flame-retardant material
- Input Voltage: 110 V
The Mangold Hair Steamer or Hair Spa Cap is an easy top pick. It is the most affordable heat cap on this list and has impressive features that deliver incredible results!
This hair steamer has three temperature control options, perfect for different hair types and textures. Choose the lowest setting if you have thin and fine hair, the medium for wavy and average hair volume, and the highest for thick and coarse hair.
It only takes about five minutes for the cap to heat up. You do not have to worry about the heat because it has an automatic power off once it reaches the maximum temperature and restarts again once it cools down.
Some women, myself included, are initially apprehensive about using heat caps because they may ground or catch fire. What is reassuring about the Mangold Hair Spa Cap is it uses waterproof, insulated, and flame-retardant material.
This heat cap comes in four different designs and a standard large size. Do not worry if you have a small head because it is equipped with a drawstring to ensure it fits your crown perfectly well.
Many women love how the Mangold Hair Steam Cap makes their hair nourished and soft after use.
Pros: Great price, adjustable settings, excellent material, safe to use, excellent user feedback
Cons: The cord is not long enough to allow mobility. Use an extension cord if you want to multi-task while wearing this hair steam cap.
VICARKO Hair Steamer Cap
Features:
- Adjustable two temperature control settings
- Microchip heat detector
- Automatic power off
- Input Voltage: 110 V
The Vicarko Hair Steam Cap is a stylish, compact, and portable heat cap option. It comes in six prints (floral, tropical, and animal). This steam cap has only one size but is wide and deep enough to fit a large head and voluminous hair. It also has an adjustable string at the back to allow you to customize the fit.
The inner lining of this hair steam cap is waterproof. It is also detachable, so you can unzip, wash, and dry it after every use.
Regarding heat features, the Vicarko Hair Steam Cap has two heat settings, high and low. It is also equipped with a microchip heat detector that automatically shuts off when it reaches the maximum temperature and reheats once it cools down. This safety feature makes it reassuring to use.
The heat distribution is not as uniform as the product claims. It feels warmer on the top of the head compared to the sides. But overall, this hair steam cap produces gentle heat, suitable for those with straight and wavy hair like me.
Pros: Stylish, compact, portable, waterproof, safe to use, perfect for hair types 1 and 2.
Cons: Pricey compared with the other steam cap on this list.
ALOTLUCKY Hair Steamer Cap
Features:
- Adjustable two temperature control settings
- Automatic power off
- High-temperature coating cloth inner material
- Waterproof, insulated, flame-retardant outer material
- Separate plastic shower cap
- Input Voltage: 110 V
The Alotlucky Hair Steam Cap is another excellent choice. Visually, this steam cap comes in five different feminine prints. The outer material is waterproof, insulated, and flame retardant, protecting against heat or electric-related accidents.
On the other hand, the inner material is a high-temperature coating cloth that you can unzip to detach, wash, and dry after use. Unlike the previous two hair steam caps on this list, this one has a free plastic shower cap.
The instructions say to cover the hair with the plastic shower cap before wearing the hair steam cap. This step provides an extra layer of protection to the hair against heat damage. It also prevents possible dripping of hair products to your neck and shoulders. This steam cap also has a drawstring that allows you to adjust the fit.
Regarding heat settings, this steam cap has high and low options. Choose high for thick, coarse, and damaged hair and low for fine, regular, and slightly dry hair.
Like every other hair steam cap on this list, I also recommend the Alotlucky heat cap because of its safety features. It automatically shuts down when it reaches the maximum heat level and restarts once the temperature drops.
When delivering results, many users love how this hair steam cap nourishes and hydrates their hair. While this steam cap is suitable for all hair types, I highly recommend this for those who have textured hair.
Pros: Colorful prints, safe to use, easy to clean, high-quality material, affordable price, perfect for textured hair types
Cons: The cord is not long enough to allow you to move.
VLUXEBELL Hair Steamer Cap
Features:
- Adjustable two temperature control settings
- Automatic power off
- Waterproof, insulated, flame-retardant material
- Free two plastic shower cap
- Input Voltage: 110 V
Those who suffer from dryness, frizziness, split ends, flyaway, and other kinds of hair damage (especially those with curly and coily hair) will enjoy using this VLUXEBELL Hair Steam Cap. It produces moist heat that opens pores of the scalp and hair to allow the hair treatment oils and conditioners to seep through the hair shaft.
This hair steam cap heats up in less than five minutes. It has two heat settings, high and low. Adjust depending on your hair type, whether you have slightly thirsty or dehydrated and damaged hair. If the heat level reaches its maximum, the power will automatically shut off to protect you from heat damage. It will turn on again once the temperature stabilizes.
This steam cap comes in six different and beautiful prints. The material is a high-density fiber fabric with a waterproof, insulated, and flame-retardant interior for safety and protection.
You will get two free reusable shower caps when you buy this steam cap. The instructions say to wear the shower cap before the steam cap to seal the hair care products and allow better absorption.
Pros: Beautiful design, reliable material, safe to use, high product rating
Cons: There are no cons to this product.
VAOPOW Hair Steamer Cap
Features:
- Adjustable two temperature control settings
- Automatic power off
- Waterproof, insulated, flame-retardant material
- Free reusable shower cap
- Input Voltage: 110 V
The shape of the VAOPOW Hair Steam Cap separates it from the other steam caps on this list. It contours around the forehead and is deep enough to create a dome-like effect when you wear it. A drawstring is at the nape area to adjust the fit of your head. I love the color options because I find them simple and elegant.
The outer material is a double-layer oxford cloth with a fire-proof and insulation protection layer. It also has an anti-radiation coating, making it safe to wear.
For those with type 3 and 4 hair, the VAOPOW hair Steam Cap is my top pick. Aside from the space inside the cap, the two heat settings produce more heat than the other products on this list.
That said, no need to worry about the temperature because it has an automatic shut-off feature once it reaches the maximum heat level.
Remember to cover your damp and treated hair with the shower cap before wearing this steam cap.
Pros: Elegant designs, portable, perfect for type 3 and 4 hair
Cons: This steam cap costs a little more than the other options on the list. The size can also be too big for those with small heads.
FAQs
How often should you use a hair steamer cap?
How often you use a hair steamer or heat cap depends on the quality of your hair. Ideally, you can do it once a month. That is, if you have relatively healthy hair. However, I recommend using it every ten days if you have dehydrated, brittle, and frizzy hair.
Do not use your heat cap every day or every week because overexposure to the heat can worsen already damaged hair.
How long should you use a hair steamer cap?
The length of time you can use a hair steamer or heat cap depends on the health of your hair. If you have normal to slightly dry hair, use it for 10 to 20 minutes. For those with excessively dry and damaged hair, go for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do not exceed the prescribed time duration to prevent heat damage. I highly suggest you pay close attention to the results and adjust the time accordingly.
Does a hair steamer cap cause hair damage?
The hair steamer or heat cap is safe when used correctly. However, improper use, like setting the temperature too high and leaving it on too long, can cause heat damage to your hair.
Read and follow the instructions carefully for best results and to ensure safety.
Can you use a hair steamer cap on dry hair?
It would help if you always used a heat cap on wet hair with any deep-conditioning hair mask you choose. After using the hair steamer cap, wash your hair with cold water to help seal in the moisture.
Final Thoughts
Using a hair steamer cap is an affordable and convenient option for women who want to moisturize and restore their dry and damaged hair. It requires less energy and money than going to a hair salon to get hair treatment with steaming services.
The hair steamer or heat cap produces heat that opens the scalp and hair pores, allowing the hair conditioners and treatment masks to penetrate. As a result, the scalp and hair receive more hydration and nutrients. Aside from this, the heat also helps unclog product build-up, removes dandruff, and stimulates blood circulation. Over time, it promotes stronger and healthier hair growth.
That said, following the instructions carefully and adjusting the heat settings and duration of use accordingly to prevent heat damage is crucial.
If you’re looking for other hair-styling equipment, you can check out cordless hair dryers or the best hair dryers for African-American hair.
