THE 5 STAGES EVERY HOMEOWNER GOES THROUGH BEFORE INVESTING IN A STEAM SHOWER

THE 5 STAGES EVERY HOMEOWNER GOES THROUGH BEFORE INVESTING IN A STEAM SHOWER

A steam shower transforms a bathroom into a destination. A destination for relaxation—hello, lavender-scented steam! A destination for rejuvenation—goodbye, sore muscles. A destination for wellness, because there are more than 40 benefits of steam bathing, from better skin to improved sleep.

But in addition to health considerations, adding a steam shower is a smart investment because it instantly increases your home’s value. More and more homeowners are also using steam showers to provide comfort and convenience while aging in place.

There are a few stages you’ll naturally progress through. With that in mind, here’s a complete guide to the steps homeowners go through before investing in a steam shower.

SETTING THE STAGE: STEAM SHOWER CURIOUS

Maybe you’ve been browsing at a kitchen and bath show, or maybe you’ve encountered a steam shower during a home tour. Perhaps a friend, neighbour or family member installed a steam shower and can’t stop talking about how it’s been such a life-changing decision. By now, you’re starting to feel pretty curious: What would it be like to have a steam shower in your own home?

STAGE TWO: A WHOLE LOTTA QUESTIONS GOING ON

That initial excitement about a steam shower naturally leads to a cascade of questions. How much does it cost to install and operate a steam shower? Do I have enough space in my house? Is this upgrade really a smart investment?

A steam shower can be part of a bathroom remodel, be built into a new home’s construction, or be retrofitted into your existing shower.

STAGE THREE: PHEW! GOOD NEWS

During your research, you discover that you don’t need to live in a fancy mansion to enjoy the indulgent pleasure of a steam shower. A Mr Steam generator is only about the size of a briefcase and can be installed anywhere within 60 feet of the steam shower enclosure, so under a vanity or inside a closet is just fine, as are any dry, heated, and insulated locations in a basement or attic.

You sigh with relief when learn that a steam shower system costs less than you’d thought and you’re pleasantly surprised to find that in terms of ongoing expenses, a steam shower will actually lower your water bill. A whole week’s worth of steam showers sips only 14 gallons of water—about a gallon and a half per steam session—compared to the two and a half gallons of water a standard shower uses per minute, according to EPA estimates.

You’re also reassured to find out that Mr Steam has been making steam generators for over one hundred years!!

STAGE FOUR: GETTING SERIOUS

After flirting with the idea and gaining practical knowledge, you’re ready to get more information on what it will take to install your dream steam shower. This is the time to figure out the logistics and learn how a steam shower will fit into your personal bathroom design and lifestyle.

Now is a good time to contact our team and request your copy of our free installation guide which is perfect for the planning stage and will provide all the necessary information to make your steam shower installation a success.

STAGE FIVE: THE VISION TAKES FORM

The super fun part! Choose your steam shower components and accessories, such as an AromaSteam System, Chromatherapy and MusicTherapy, which enhance health holistically and may lead to benefits such as better sleep, greater relaxation, and improved mood.

Also give thought to how the steam shower will be used, both today and in the future:

  • Growing family? Consider a sleek iSteamX, where up to eight users can have their own profiles, controlling their settings for steam shower temperature and duration. Password protection provides additional protection for small curious hands.
  • Looking for convenience and flexibility? SteamLinx for Alexa lets you turn on the steam shower by simply asking Alexa or via your smartphone or device.

 

STAGE SIX: IT’S GO TIME!

By now, you’re ready to officially plan your project. At this point, you’ll make your final selection of bathroom designer and or contractor and start the process of installing a home steam shower.

Installing a home steam room is an exciting and life-changing step, so it’s totally natural if you have questions. Remember that Mr Steam is always available to answer questions and solve problems, for you or your licensed plumber, electrician, or contractor. There is also a 24/7 Virtual Technical Support Centre available on our website.

FROM FRIZZY TO FABULOUS: HOW STEAM SHOWERS TAME UNRULY HAIR

FROM FRIZZY TO FABULOUS: HOW STEAM SHOWERS TAME UNRULY HAIR

Do you struggle with frizzy, unmanageable hair? Does humidity wreak havoc on your once-smooth locks? If so, you’re not alone. Many people battle frizz caused by environmental factors, styling tools, or simply their hair’s natural texture. However, there’s a secret weapon that may help tame that frizz and leave you with fabulous, silky hair: the steam shower. This marvel of modern spa technology isn’t just for relaxing your muscles; it’s a game-changer for your hair health, introducing steam treatment for hair.

By exploring the benefits of steam showers, we’ll see how they may transform your hair from frizzy to fabulous, offering a solution that seems too good to be true. Yet, the results speak for themselves. Join us as we unravel the science behind steam showers and their unique ability to smooth and condition your hair, creating the perfect canvas for any style.

 UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF FRIZZ 

Before we dive into how steam showers may transform your hair, let’s understand why frizz occurs in the first place. Frizz is primarily caused by a moisture imbalance in the hair. When the air is humid, hair strands absorb moisture from the environment, causing them to swell and become unruly. This is especially true for individuals with naturally curly or wavy hair, as their hair structure is more prone to frizz.

Additionally, styling tools like flat irons and curling wands, as well as chemical treatments, may damage the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and dullness. Over time, these factors contribute to a lack of moisture retention, making hair more susceptible to frizz even in normal humidity levels.

THE ROLE OF STEAM SHOWERS 

Now, let’s talk about how steam showers, or hair steam treatments, may work wonders for your hair. A steam shower is a bathing enclosure equipped with a steam generator that produces hot, humid air. While steam showers are known for their relaxation and therapeutic benefits, they also offer significant advantages for your hair:

  • Moisture Infusion: Hair steam treatments envelop you in a cloud of warm steam, opening-up your hair cuticles and allowing moisture to penetrate deeply. This hydrates your hair from within, combating dryness and reducing frizz.
  • Improved Elasticity: The moisture from hair steam treatments enhances your hair’s elasticity, making it more flexible and less prone to breakage. This is beneficial for those with brittle or damaged hair.
  • Natural Detangling: The steam softens hair strands, making them easier to detangle without causing damage. Say goodbye to painful brushing sessions and hello to smooth, knot-free hair.
  • Enhanced Product Absorption: If you use hair masks, conditioners, or serums, hair steam treatments may boost their effectiveness by allowing better absorption into the hair shaft. This results in softer, more manageable hair.
  • Stress Reduction: Stress is a common contributor to hair issues like frizz and breakage. The relaxation provided by steam showers may help reduce stress levels, promoting healthier hair growth.

 

TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING THE BENEFITS 

To make the most of your steam shower for hair care, consider the following tips:

  • Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Look for products that are specifically formulated to add moisture, which will help prepare your hair to receive the full benefits of the steam treatment.
  • Apply a nourishing hair mask or conditioner before entering the steam shower for added moisture. This step allows the steam to enhance the mask’s penetrative capabilities, maximizing hydration.
  • Avoid using hot water directly on your hair, as it may strip away natural oils and cause dryness. Instead, allow the steam to gently envelop your hair and scalp, providing warmth without the damage.
  • After your steam session, rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticles and enhance shine. This helps lock in the moisture and leaves your hair looking vibrant.
  • Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair post-shower, starting from the ends and working your way up. This minimizes breakage and keeps your hair smooth and manageable.

By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can transform your steam shower experience into a luxurious hair care treatment that leaves your hair feeling softer, looking shinier, and more manageable.

CONCLUSION: THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF STEAM SHOWERS FOR HAIR CARE 

Steam showers are a game-changer for taming unruly hair and achieving that fabulous, sleek look you’ve always desired. By harnessing the natural power of steam, you may effectively restore moisture to your strands, improve elasticity, and bid farewell to frizz-induced frustrations. This isn’t just about making temporary changes; it’s about enhancing your hair’s overall health and vitality, ensuring it looks and feels best.

Incorporate steam showers into your regular hair care routine and prepare to be amazed at the transformation. Say goodbye to the days of battling with frizz and hello to soft, manageable, and stunning hair that radiates natural beauty and confidence.

Are you ready to transform your hair from frizzy to fabulous? Contact MrSteam today to explore our diverse range of steam shower options and take the first step towards achieving healthier, more beautiful hair. Don’t wait any longer to unlock the power of steam in your hair care regimen.

CAN YOU TURN A REGULAR SHOWER INTO A STEAM SHOWER?

CAN YOU TURN A REGULAR SHOWER INTO A STEAM SHOWER?

If your shower can comfortably fit two people, you have enough space for a steam shower. There are some considerations and planning well is key to a smooth installation, so how does it all work?

HOW DOES A STEAM SHOWER WORK?  

The short answer is: enter, push the digital control, and relax. The more technical answer is that once you activate the steam shower controls, clean, fresh water enters a steam generator to create a blissful cloud of water vapor that fills the steam shower unit. However, the steam shower isn’t confined to only steam. When done steaming, many people complete their steam session with a cleansing and refreshing rinse in the shower stall.

While an ordinary shower uses around 50 gallons of water for a 20-minute shower, a steam-generating shower uses only 2.5 gallons of water in the same period.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONVERTING YOUR REGULAR SHOWER TO INCLUDE STEAM 

Here are some top considerations when deciding to convert your existing shower into steam shower:

STEAM GENERATOR

This compact powerhouse is only the size of a typical briefcase. Install the steam generator almost anywhere within 60 ft. of the shower, so long as it has approximately 12 inches of clearance around the top and sides for service access and is in a heated space where there is no chance of the pipes freezing.  Installation should be done by a licensed electrician.

CEILING HEIGHT

A mere 7 ft. is all that’s required. 8 ft. is ideal. Anything higher may require other considerations, like a transom above the door and a more powerful generator. The reason for limiting the ceiling height is that steam rises, so the higher the ceiling, the less steam will remain in the area where you are.

SEALED DOORS AND WINDOWS

If you have a window in your moisture-sealed shower, you must ensure it is double-paned glass and waterproof.

WALL AND CEILING MATERIALS

The less porous your materials, the more efficient your shower will be. While natural stone is beautiful, it won’t hold the temperature or prevent steam dissipation as well as ceramic tile.

SEATING

Your choice may be dictated by space or by preference. If you have no space restrictions, you may want a full built-in bench that allows you to stretch out. If your shower is more compact, consider a fold-down shower seat that allows easier movement when you aren’t using it.

 WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR AN IN-HOME STEAM SHOWER?  

At a minimum, you’ll need an enclosed 3 ft. x 3 ft. shower space with a shower door and a ceiling of at least 7 ft. and no more than 8 ft. This equates to a minimum volume of 63 cubic feet. Larger units may require 160 cubic feet of space or more.

Fixtures should include a door with a watertight gasket, steam generator, steam head, standard shower head, floor drain, and sloped ceiling to prevent condensation. Lighting should be vapor-sealed.

Now is the time to let your inner designer free by choosing what features you want to include in your steam shower enclosure. What colours and materials fit your design aesthetic? Is it sleek and glass or something more rustic? Are you a tech geek who eschews standard wired controls for a fully wireless control unit?

What about a total sensory experience? Imagine relaxing in the warm vapor. You breathe deeply, inhaling the soothing scent of lavender or jasmine or the invigorating essence of mint or rosemary. AromaTherapy using essential oils can be incorporated into your steam shower to help take your sensory experience to the next level.

Think of how loose and relaxed you would feel after 20 minutes on your own, breathing in the gently scented steam and listening to your favourite songs. MusicTherapy is another option that you can add. Finally, consider the healing benefits of ChromaTherapy. Adding different light effects can enhance mood and round out the spa effect.

ISTEAMX TRIUMPHS WITH RED DOT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PRODUCT DESIGN

ISTEAMX TRIUMPHS WITH RED DOT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PRODUCT DESIGN

The ultimate steam shower and spa experience is about quality.  MrSteam won the 2024 Red Dot Award for the design of the iSteamX steam shower control. This international award chose the iSteamX for its impeccable design and the complete control over every steam shower experience that it provides.

Learn more about the Red Dot Award and how you can have your own premium steam shower with the highest level of product design and quality in your home.

WHAT IS THE RED DOT AWARD?

Red Dot is all about impeccable, innovative product design, and every year, well-crafted products achieve awards in product design, brand and communication design, and design concepts. The organisation has been identifying top-tier workmanship and products since 1955, and the product design category focuses on industrially-produced goods that are breaking new ground in innovation, functionality, and aesthetics. There are 51 categories from lamps to furnishings to showers, and competing products are evaluated by approximately 40 different international experts who carefully weigh every aspect of design.

The MrSteam design team is proud to be a Red Dot Award winner for outstanding product design, and we look forward to continuing to give our clients a luxurious, top-tier steaming experience through our digital controls, multi-sensory experiences, and decades of experience building the perfect steam showers.

THE ISTEAMX

When you have the iSteamX, you don’t just have a steam shower that fills the air with hot, rejuvenating steam that can relax your muscles and sink into your skin. You have a full spa-like experience that you can control every aspect of. Digitally control the steam temperature and timing, the audio, and the AromaTherapy supplements, either through pre-programmed preferences, saved options, or steam controls you can adjust to suit your exact mood.

The iSteamX digital control panel gives you control over entertainment and media, sound, light and ChromaTherapy settings, AromaTherapy options, and even the length of the shower. Learn more about the award-winning features so you can imagine your perfect shower experience.

WI-FI CONNECTIVITY

The team is Wi-Fi-compatible and can easily connect to your home network. Why does this matter? Imagine this luxury experience:

  • Tune into your playlist and enjoy your favourite pre-selected music options.
  • Pick up your latest podcast exactly where you left off. If you were listening to a new episode in the car or didn’t reach the end of a gym show, start it from the same point without having to search or adjust the settings.
  • Plug into suggestions for Aromatherapy and ChromaTherapy “recipes” so you can try new multi-sensory combinations for energizing, destressing, preparing for sleep, and everything in between.
  • Plan your steam shower ahead of time. Looking forward to a steam after a long day at work? Set the stage ahead of time by pre-planning the settings and plugging them in so you can just walk straight into your favourite shower. You can even time it so you don’t ever have to wait.

SLEEK DESIGN

Wi-Fi-compatible showers can be an incredible luxe experience—or they can be a tedious inconvenience. It all comes down to the product design, and our Red Dot award highlights just how luxe the experience is with our digital control panel. Our controls are intuitive, easy to operate, and convenient. You can easily find what you’re looking for down to the last detail, whether you want a fine-tuned AromaTherapy program for your shower after the seasons change or this is your first time operating the panel.

The panel also fades into the background once you’ve made your selections. So, you can lean back and enjoy the serenity without a beeping or harshly glowing panel interrupting your moment.

MEDIA OPTIONS

Want to mix some entertainment and media into your steam experience? This is a great option for a long, gentle steam shower where you can catch up on your favourite media or a quick steam when you need to double up and catch up on the news at the same time. With the iSteamX’s Wi-Fi connectivity and easy controls, you can plug into all your favourite media sources, including:

  • Amazon Prime and Amazon Music
  • Audible
  • ESPN
  • Netflix
  • Pandora
  • Spotify
  • Weather

Enjoy your favourite music, shows, podcasts, and books without interruption. Get everything from energetic podcasts to relaxing nature sounds and background music, all with great clarity over the whisper-silent steam.

CHROMATHERAPY

Add therapeutic elements to your shower through the lighting, not just the steam. MrSteam’s ChromaSteamX System allows you transform the environment of your steam shower with a flood of pleasing light suited to your own moods and preferences. If you’re not convinced, give it a try—we think you’ll see the light.

AROMATHERAPY

AromaTherapy uses the power of scents to add extra energizing, clarifying, and relaxing effects to your showers. With a single tap of the screen, you can change your aromatic infusers to release eucalyptus and mint for a great start to the day, rose and lavender before you sleep, and lemony or herbal scents if you’re relaxing after a long workout. All the options, pre-sets, and manual settings are right on your screen.

MUSICTHERAPY

MusicTherapy options let you choose your own adventure as you steam. When you want to relax or recuperate instead of stay plugged in, choose from a wide array of music, beats, nature sounds, and white noise. If you have multiple users in your household, everyone can create their own custom profile for a conveniently customized therapeutic experience.

Come home to an award-winning iSteamX digital control and luxurious steam shower with MrSteam.

FOCUS ON BESPOKE

FOCUS ON BESPOKE

Mr Steam UK have partnered with Nordic, who for some time, have chosen Mr Steam generators and components to power their beautifully crafted bespoke steam rooms.

Sophie Wallace, General Manager at Nordic, talks us through their latest masterpiece and explains why they continue to choose Mr Steam at their heart of their projects.

Commissioned by the wonderful ‘Alex McIntyre Architects’, Nordic were briefed to design, build, and install a bespoke steam room and sauna for a private client wanting the convenience and health benefits of wellness in their home.

We were asked to create a contemporary, softly lit, spacious and comfortable steam room for the client and their family to enjoy. The clean lines and angled benching lend itself well to a smart appearance alongside the soft pink tiles contrasting with the matt black hinges, handle, control, and linear steam outlet head.

We particularly like how easy the Mr Steam controls are to use with touchscreen technology and induvial programs for each member of the family. The AromaSteam Essence System by Mr Steam is literally aromatherapy at your fingertips and the program settings offer a real personal experience.

Mr Steam have created a range which is no more complex than it needs to be, the focus is on ease of use and quality which is why it is our ‘go-to’ for bespoke projects. The choice of controllers and range of therapeutic components covers everything we need, and we trust that Mr Steam’s quality aligns with Nordic’s.

Sophie Wallace, General Manager, Nordic