STEAM AND NATURAL CURLY: DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCES

Beauty salon professionals reveal the secrets of the most stunning hair - curly hair.

The main difference between natural curly hair and steam curly hair refers to the way the waves are created.

1. Natural curly hair - the curl of the strands is formed naturally, without the application of heat or chemicals to create the waves. The texture can vary from person to person and is genetically determined;

2. Steam curly hair - strands are curled using a device that emits steam in a specific method, softening the hair and then wrapping the strands around a cylinder or heated plates (hair styling tools). It's a less damaging method than using direct heat tools like straighteners and curling irons, as the steam is gentler on your hair.

In short, natural curly hair is a genetic trait and steam curly hair is a styling technique.

MAIN DIFFERENCES

Natural curly hair and steam curly hair can differ in some aspects, in this article salon professionals reveal the characteristics of each hair type:

Regarding texture

• Natural Curly Hair refers to hair that forms curls naturally without any external manipulation or treatment;
• Steam Curly Hair typically involves the use of steam or heat to form and set curls in the hair, usually through devices such as steamers. The texture of steam styled curls may look a little different from natural curls due to the method used to create them.

Regarding the curling method

• Natural Curly Hair - Natural curls are the inherent texture of hair, determined by genetics and the shape of the hair follicle;
• Steam Curly Hair - Steam curls are created artificially by applying steam or heat to the hair to temporarily change its structure.

PROS AND CONS OF EACH TYPE

PROS

Natural Curly Hair

• Authenticity: natural curls are part of the natural hair texture, providing an authentic and unique look that reflects individuality;
• Texture Versatility: natural curls offer a wide range of textures, from loose waves to tight curls, providing flexibility in styling options;
• Low maintenance: once you understand your natural curl pattern, maintenance can be relatively low compared to some artificial curling methods;
• Longevity: natural curls tend to have better longevity, maintaining their shape over time and being more resistant to environmental factors such as humidity.

Steam Curly Hair

• Controlled Styling: steam curls allow for controlled, even styling, providing a consistent, polished look;
• Temporary: steam curls are often temporary and can be changed easily, providing style versatility without committing to a permanent change;
• Reduced heat damage: compared to traditional heat styling methods, steam curling can cause less damage to your hair as it relies on humidity rather than direct heat;
• Enhanced Definition: steam curls can sometimes offer enhanced definition and shine due to the humidity involved in the styling process.

CONS

Natural Curly Hair

• Frizz: natural curls can be prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, requiring specific products and techniques to manage;
• Limited styling options: some people may find that natural curls limit their styling options compared to straight hair, although this is subjective;
• Potential for damage: excessive use of heat or chemical treatments can damage natural curls, leading to breakage and loss of curl definition.

Steam Curly Hair

• Temporary: curls achieved through steam methods are often temporary and may not last as long as natural curls;
• Tool dependence: achieving steam curls may require specific tools, such as steamers or steam rollers, making them less accessible or practical for some individuals;
• Potential for humidity overload: while humidity is beneficial for curl definition, excessive steam or humidity can lead to overhydration, making hair prone to frizz or loss of shape;
• Skill Requirement: achieving the desired steam curls may require a certain level of skill and practice, especially for those who are new to the method.

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