What Is a Scalp Steam Treatment—and How It Can Help Hair Growth

Sometimes, creating the best regimen for hair growth starts right at the root—quite literally. Scalps are the foundation of healthy, strong hair, and there are a variety of ways you can nurture them. Scalp steam for hair growth is a viable option, especially when paired with a holistic routine that addresses potential underlying causes and factors affecting your hair. We spoke to hair care experts about how scalp steam treatments can benefit hair.

What Is a Scalp Steam Treatment? 

Scalp steaming is a therapeutic hair treatment that uses warm steam to cleanse and hydrate both scalp and hair. “The process softens dead skin cells and loosens up any trapped product buildup, which can later be removed more easily,” says master esthetician Katya Khayutin, owner of BelVer Studio. “It’s becoming a more popular beauty routine, especially for those with curly or textured hair, as it can combat dryness and promote healthier scalp conditions.” 

Can Scalp Steaming Help Hair Growth? 

Theoretically, scalp steaming treatments can support hair growth by increasing circulation and delivering more oxygen to the hair follicle, which can help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, says Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He explains that oxidative stress (free radicals) can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins, which are potential contributors to hair loss. 

“Scalp steaming can improve the penetration of moisture to dry, brittle hair, making it less brittle and more manageable,” Dr. Camp adds. “In a similar way, it can improve the ability of products, like oils and serums to absorb into the scalp and follicle.” 

Some suggest that scalp steaming also decongests scalp skin by opening pores and facilitating the removal of excess sebum, dead skin cells, product buildup, and debris.  

Benefits of Scalp Steaming 

To recap, here are some of the most notable scalp steaming benefits: 

• Breaks down product buildup 
• Increases circulation 
• Promotes oxygen flow to the scalp 
• Protects hair from oxidative stress 
• Hydrates scalp and strands 
• Allows for improved absorption of hair growth treatments and other products 

Who Should Do a Scalp Steam?

While all hair types can benefit from scalp steaming, Khayutin says it’s particularly beneficial for those with a dry scalp or dry hair, and people with curly or textured hair. It may also be helpful for those who use a lot of products, or for those who have oily scalps in need of an extra boost of cleansing power.  

However, “those with fine or oily hair might want to limit the frequency of steaming as it could lead to over-moisturization, leaving hair feeling weighed down,” she says. “If you are experiencing scalp conditions like eczema or psoriasis, steaming can also be a soothing and supportive treatment, but it should be done under professional supervision to prevent aggravating any conditions.” 

How to Do a Scalp Steam At Home 

Scalp steaming is something you can have done professionally (search for head spas in your area), but you can also do it at home. This is as simple as spending extra time in a steamy shower, putting your head over a steaming bowl of water, or using a handheld steamer.  

“My recommendation for an at-home scalp steam would be to invest in a free standing facial-style steamer, available online,” says Felipe Jimenez, Ph.D, a product development scientist and founder of Nulastin. 

Start by cleansing your hair with shampoo. (Once weekly you can do an exfoliating treatment or mask.) Next, Dr. Jimenez says to apply a hydrating product from mid-shaft to ends and a scalp treatment at the root. Massage gently for a few minutes, then enjoy the steam for five to 10 minutes. The steam shouldn’t feel extremely hot or like it’s burning—be gentle!

“Let the steam do its magic to lift the cuticle and enable the product to penetrate,” Dr. Jimenez says. You can repeat this once every week or two, or as needed, for a hydrating, nourishing treatment that supports hair growth.