Key Difference: A heat cap or steam cap is a hooded cap that allows the user to trap steam or heat into the hair when it is wet. A steamer allows steam to open hair cuticles and add moisture to the hair for deep conditioning and softer hair.

Hair is considered to be an important aspect of a person and their personality. Hair is believed to tell many things about the person, including their habits and daily routines. Many people love having anything and everything to do with hair. They try the latest styles and techniques on their hair, which could result in damaging or making the hair dry and brittle. For some, their hair is naturally dry, stiff and frizzy. This is where heat caps and steamers come in. These devices are used to add moisture and life back into hair.

A heat cap or steam cap is a hooded cap that allows the user to trap steam or heat into the hair when it is wet. A heat cap is actually a device that can be connected to a power outlet and gives out heat to the hair. This works similar to the dome hair dryers that are used at a salon. The device heats up similar to a heating pad and provides heat directly to the air. Though originally used to condition hair, it is now used more commonly for protein or other treatments. If using the device to condition the hair, the user must have washed and conditioned hair, after which dry conditioner is applied to the air. The heat from the heat cap adds heat to the hair to open up pores and allow the conditioner to condition the hair. The user must then rinse hair with cold water to seal the pores again.

A steam cap on the other hand does the same job as a heat cap, but provides steam to trap moisture in the hair. Many people just use home-made steam caps which are simple and easy. A steam cap traps heat in the cap to allow the conditioner to condition the hair and adding moisture to the mix to keep the hair from looking dry and brittle. If wasting money on a separate steam cap is not an option, simply wash and condition the hair, apply dry conditioner and wrap the hair under the shower cap. The user can then use a steamer (if they have one) or just sit in the shower with heated water. The steam from the heat will condition the hair.

A steamer performs the job of both the caps above but is quite expensive and will require a person to shell out a few extra bucks on the device. A steamer allows steam to open hair cuticles and add moisture to the hair for deep conditioning and softer hair. A steamer resembles a smaller version of the dome steam machines that are available in salons. These are quite portable and easy to assemble and use. The device comes detached with instructions to attach the pieces together. Once the device is assembled, all the user needs to do is add water in the given compartment, turn the device on and place the dome on their head. Before the steaming process begins, the person must apply conditioner to already washed and conditioned hair. The user can also use a thin disposable shower cap to protect the hair from intense heat or go without the cap. The steamer opens the pores and adds moisture to the hair along with conditioning the hair. After the steaming session, hair must be rinsed with cold water to seal the pores.

Some people stick by the steam caps and heat caps, while the others say that the steamers have a much powerful effect on the hair. Other people just use the shower method to get a quick, easy and cheap conditioning to the hair without having to spend a lot of money on any kind of device. It actually depends on the person’s preference.

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