Thanks to the Hydracare Mist technology, the iron relaxes each strand of hair with cool mist before straightening. At the same time, the Moisture Lock ceramic coating helps maintain the natural moisture balance.
The white casing gets stained easily.
The Hydraluxe Pro may become the best choice for people with fine, lifeless hair. It's an innovative product that relies on cool mist rather than hot steam, so it can straighten your hair with minimum damage.
Ceramic
~ 3 cm
5
170 - 230°C
15 seconds
Hydracare Mist technology, Integrated water tank, 3-m swivel cord, Temperature lock function, Automatic shut-off after 60 minutes, Worldwide voltage, Heat-resistant storage sleeve and pipette included
5 years (+1 year after registration)
Although the water reservoir has a small capacity, it'll be enough to release steam for up to 100 passes. The reservoir has a removable design for easy filling. Also included is a bottle with a narrow spout.
It takes quite a lot of time to cool down.
The Bellissima My Pro Steam B28 is ideal for curly, frizzy, unmanageable and dry hair. The ceramic coating of the plates, in combination with dual steam technology, protects the curls from thermal shock and guarantees smooth glide.
Ceramic
2.8 cm
3
170°C - 230°C
~ 30 seconds
The dual steam technology, 360° swivel 1.8-m cord, Detachable water reservoir (one full reservoir is enough for 100 strokes), Automatic off-switch after 60 minutes, Water bottle included
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The straightener is designed with seven steam holes that all ensure a powerful 4.5g/min steam eruption for 15 minutes continuously.
It's rather heavy.
This iGutech flat iron will suit any girl that would like to switch to something professional. It'll leave your hair tamed and silky without burnt look to it. It comes with an optional 3D comb teeth that can be easily removed if need be.
Ceramic Tourmaline + Titanium plating aluminum plate
5.5 cm
5
150 - 230°C
60 seconds
LCD screen, Removable 3D comb teeth, 4.5 g/min steam eruption, Auto-off, Auto temperature lock, Dual voltage, Water bottle included
1 year
A thermal-insulated casing along with a salon-length 3-metre swivel cord provides ultimate comfort during the styling process. Owing to the rounded plates, the unit is suitable for curling or waving as well.
The instructions for the steam function are a little vague.
The Nicky Clarke NSS253 is a super-cute steam flat iron that ensures gentle straightening and ultra-durable effect even on thick and unruly hair. The current temperature is conveniently shown on the digital LED display.
Ceramic
~ 3 cm
5
Up to 235°C
90-120 seconds
360° swivel 3-m cord, LED screen, 60-minute auto shut off, Plate lock, Water bottle included
Amazon's 30-day return policy
Due to the high-strength anodised coating, the floating plates ensure gentle hair styling, while the comb carefully brushes each lock. If needed, the comb can be removed.
It may make a slight noise during use.
The L’Oréal SteamPod ensures up to 78% less damage compared to regular straighteners. Plus, thanks to the “intelligent heat control”, it's able to reduce the appearance of split ends. Ideal for people who style their hair on a daily basis.
High-resistance anodised coating
~ 4 cm
3
180 - 210°C
~ 60 seconds
360° swivel cord, 0.8 g/min steady steam concentration, Integrated comb
1 year
The Power of Cool Mist
Does your hair easily get damaged by heat? In this case, neither flat irons nor steam irons with hot steam are your option. What you should consider instead is using the innovative Hydraluxe Pro Hair Straightener from Remington. The distinct feature of this tool is that it utilises the Hydracare Mist technology which helps 'relax' each strand before straightening and makes it possible to style your hair at 170°C, a much healthier temperature compared to the traditional salon-grade 210°C used on pro tools.
Moreover, instead of generating hot steam, it produces cool mist. Unlike steam, the cool mist is not highly charged and, as a result, is absorbed by the hair easier, faster, and causing less damage. Another advantage is that this mist works for all hair types, effectively removing creases out of your locks without a need to iron them over and over again. Using the flat iron is really a child's play and the only thing you'll need to remember is to direct the mist outlet towards the ends of your hair, that's basically it.
The Hydraluxe Pro comes in a nicely-packed branded box with an attractive cutout, making it a great option for those looking for a gift idea. In the box, you’ll find an informative instruction booklet, a heat resistant sleeve, and a small squeezy bottle to help you fill the water in the reservoir. Speaking of the unit itself, its aesthetics is amazing. Besides, it's ergonomically shaped and comfortable to hold. The digital controls and water reservoir are all located flush with the body, so there is nothing sticking out or getting in the way. The controls are easy to use, and the actual temperature is nicely illuminated on the side.
To summarise, the Hydraluxe Pro is an innovative product that relies on cool mist and can straighten your hair with minimum damage. The mist function works for all hair types making them smooth and soft. For sure, it’s a premium styler that is worth every penny.
Humidity-proof, Long-lasting Results
Those who've got long, particularly thick and frizzy hair will like the Bellissima My Pro Steam B28 steam iron. This is an innovative, professional styler that can make its way through to the top and become a serious competitor even to well-known brands. One of the most prominent features of this straightener is the dual steam technology that is able to protect your hair from thermal shock while restoring the optimal level of hydration in the hair fibres, smoothing the cuticles and locking in moisture. As a result, you get ‘shaky straight’ hair just like that you'd achieve in a salon. And even in damp weather, your hair will stay smooth until the next wash, something you can hardly achieve without visits to hairdressers.
Although the water reservoir isn't that large compared to other steam irons, the Bellissima My Pro can provide up to 100 steam strokes without a need for refills. The steam is evenly released from the holes on the ceramic plates to smoothen each lock from both sides. To activate the steam function, you should close the tongs on your hair at the root and press the steam button. To reactivate the steam, you should reopen and close the plates again on the next strand of hair. Hold the iron with the water reservoir facing outwards when you want to make the hair straight and rotate it by 180 degrees when you want to create gentle waves, slowly sliding it down to the hair tips.
| Last updated price | £59.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08D9HLNQ4 |
Great Value
The Steam Plus is the other decent straightener by iGutech that can make your hair smooth, shiny and looking healthy. This iron falls into the professional category and offers some sophisticated features to deliver you salon-grade styling results.
To begin with, it's designed with seven steam holes that all ensure a powerful 4.5g/min steam eruption for 15 minutes continuously. This will be more than enough to let the water ions penetrate deeply into the hair from tips to roots, no matter the length. And thanks to the combination of the optional 3D comb and titanium plates, the iron glides easily on any type of hair.
Also, you can set the temperature that will work best with your hair. To specify, there are five adjustable heat levels from 150°C to 230°C. The new MCH heating element will ensure even heat distribution and quick temperature recovery in any setting. Additionally, it heats up to the desired temperature in just one minute.
As far as design is concerned, the straightener itself looks well-made and feels expensive. It has a stylish design and can capture a large amount of hair per one go.
In a word, this iGutech flat iron will suit any girl that would like to switch to something professional. It'll leave your hair tamed and silky without burnt look to it.
| Last updated price | £48.75 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07G3RMWD9 |
Extra Cute, Extra Safe
The Nicky Clarke NSS253 differs from the majority of steam straighteners out there. Available in the bright "yellow submarine" colour, it is very bold and fun to use. Plus, the iron is really well-made and feels as solid as professional GHD heaters so it will not get lost in a beauty salon too. To add more, it heats up very quickly and consistently. For added convenience, not unlike most other pro tools, the NSS253 features a handy LED display on the handle. This screen is pretty large and easy to read and allows for precise and fuss-free digital temperature control. When it comes to the plates, they are made of ceramic that ensures even heat distribution and glides beautifully over the hair. The plates are a bit rounded and suitable for curling and waving as well.
Speaking of performance, the straightener offers 5 heat settings in total, with a maximum temperature of 235°C. If you are not sure which setting is the most suitable for your hair type, it's better to start with the lowest one gradually increasing the heat bit by bit until you find the right level. What's great about the NSS253 is that it has ionic steam conditioning so the risk of damaging your locks during the "searching" process is reduced. Also, steam will help relax frizz into a lovely smooth finish and keep flyaways under control. The built-in water container holds a reasonable amount of water, which should last for a full styling session.
Made with a user's convenience in mind, the iron has an extra-long 3-metre power cable that makes the whole process easier. Also, it swivels 360 degrees and never tangles up, meaning it won't knock things over when you put the iron back on the counter. What also adds to safety is the automatic 60-minute shut off feature along with a handy plate lock that will provide you with peace of mind should you ever happen to forget to unplug the device after use.
To wrap things up, the Nicky Clarke NSS253 is a safe and stylish set of straightening tongs. If you need something extra-cute to make your hair soft and shiny instead of frazzled, this is a great offering.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07ZRLNQ2W |
Really Professional
If you'd like to get a professional tool by a trustworthy manufacturer and don't mind spending extra money on it, we offer you to consider the L'Oréal Professionnel SteamPod 3.0. Holding the hair’s health at the forefront of the design, the folk behind this straightener fitted the tool with steam technology along with the Pro-Keratin technology that works to help shape your locks, leaving them sleek and soft for days on end.
Compared to the previous generations, the SteamPod has pretty much the same functionality, styling the hair using steam and two heated plates. What's different is that it's become more compact due to adopting an integrated water reservoir rather than a separate compartment. Although discreet, the reservoir is large enough to ensure up to 192 minutes of steaming, which is long enough to comfortably style the whole head of hair. Other improvements of the SteamPod 3.0 over the previous models include a built-in comb, enabling you to brush the hair while straightening it and a thinner 360° rotating cable, allowing you to twist and turn the styler as you want without worries about getting tied up.
According to L’Oréal, the new SteamPod ensures up to 78% less damage compared to regular straighteners, making it an especially suitable option for people who style their hair on a daily basis. Plus, the tool includes “intelligent heat control" that helps reduce the appearance of split ends, provided that you use a suitable setting for your hair type (180°C for thin hair, 200°C for normal hair, and 220°C for thick and curly hair).
With all of these, the SteamPod 3.0 will glide effortlessly through your locks without tugging or dragging them, reducing frizz and delivering a glossy, healthy-looking finish. So, if you're looking for a high-quality tool with steam technology that will make your hair look sleek, polished, and refined with no flyaways, no matter the weather, this one will fit the bill.
What Is a Steam Flat Iron?
With steam flat irons, it's all in the name. Even if you've never heard of the existence of steam flat irons before, you should be able to quickly decipher what they are about and how they work. It's a hair straightener with a steam option, as simple as it is. However, the popularity of steam flat irons grows at unprecedented speeds. More and more people switch to using steam flat irons rather than sticking to traditional flat irons. Why is that? Because unlike traditional flat irons which extensively dry your hair, these make sure the hair remains intact and preserves its natural moisture. What's more, they help nourish your locks by treating them with steam; as a result, your hair looks healthy, shiny, and there's no frizz. Another strength of steam flat irons is that they provide quick and effective results on all types of hair, including thick and coarse. The thing is, steam combined with high temperatures allows for almost instant smoothing of hair, which makes it a sound choice for even the most unruly strands. Importantly, the steam feature is optional, meaning when you don't need it, say, you have no time, you can simply switch it off.
In this review, you'll find 5 top-tier steam flat irons to choose from. Keep reading and take your pick!
What Features to Compare
Material of the plates
When selecting a steam flat iron, decide on the material of the plates first since this parameter determines how easily the tool will glide over your hair. Just like traditional flat irons, steam models are often featured with ceramic plates, the material that is considered the best natural heat distributor. Due to its ideally smooth structure, ceramic gently works on the hair without catching or pulling it. Along with ceramic models, there are steam flat irons that feature ceramic-tourmaline plates. The advantage of these models is that they emit negative ions that help reduce frizz and make hair incredibly shiny and glossy. Though they are a bit more expensive than ceramic flat irons, the results delivered are well worth the money. With regard to the width of the plates, in order to style your hair quicker, go for those models that have either 3.5-cm or 5-cm plates.
Heat settings
Moving on, consider the heat controls. This is important to do, especially if your hair is dyed, brittle, or you just worry ruining it by exposing it to high temperatures. Generally, steam flat irons feature a few heat settings and it's best to choose the one that offers a wider range so you can safely apply it to all hair types. Such models are more practical and suitable for professional use.
Other features to look for
We bet you want your steam straightener to be not only functional but also easy to use. If so, pay attention to other features that add to the convenience of use of a straightener.
- Built-in comb teeth save you the trouble of combing every hair section prior to the use of a straightener – comb and straighten your hair with one movement.
- 360° swivel cord. It's a must for any type of flat iron. Long gone are the days of old hair tools featuring rigid wires that could not flex.
- Auto shut-off feature is more about safety than convenience; it's an important addition that can keep your peace of mind if you happen to forget to turn the device off after use.
- LCD screen shows you a temperature setting you choose as well as the heating progress so that you can see when the appliance is on and when it's ready for use.
- Dual voltage option will be essential for those who often travel and plan to carry a straightener with them.
- Along with a straightener, the package may include a few accessories to help make hair straightening easier. Often included is a heat-resistant glove for safe styling and hair clips to prevent burns.
- Finally, consider how the control buttons are placed on the handle. For the most comfortable use, they should be located inside the handle, preventing you from accidentally hitting the buttons while straightening your or someone else's hair.
With this info in mind, it should be easier for you to pick a steam hair straightener that will be right for your needs! Hopefully, you'll find our review helpful.
In Any Price Range
It comes as no surprise that performance and price of a product often come hand in hand. We’ve carried out some research to help you figure out what you can expect from steam flat irons presented in different price categories.
Cheap (Under £30)
Although you shouldn’t expect much from a cheap hair straightener, cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Steam flat irons that cost 20£-30£ are intended for average users and can meet basic styling needs. As a rule, flat irons from this price range do not boast many heat settings and unlike sophisticated models do not have many additional conveniences like a LED display or variable controls, for example. More often than not, they have only two-three temperature options that cannot be adjusted and have a simpler coating without any innovative infusions. Having said that, you may still be lucky enough to find a good and affordable flat iron from a less popular brand that will have some of the features of expensive straighteners.
Mid-priced (Around £70)
Steam flat irons within this price range are worth your attention if you’re looking for a straightener for home use. They have many features and provide several heat settings options (5-6) for your choice. No matter the type of your hair, you'll be able to pick a suitable model from this range with ease. Steam flat irons from the mid-priced range have an attractive and sleek design and are more than a pleasure to use. On top of the features presented in cheap models, these ones usually feature built-in comb teeth that allow for better heat distribution and come supplied with a richer package consisting of hair clips, brushes, a small plastic bottle, and sometime heat-resistant gloves. Buying one of these, you will be able to straighten your hair right after unpacking the box without the need to buy anything else additionally.
Expensive (Over £70)
If you’re looking for an appliance this expensive, we dare suppose you need it for professional use. Of course, these steam flat irons have a lot of temperature settings since you’ll need to handle different hair types and provide a personal approach to every client. Unlike cheaper models for home use, expensive ones are equipped with various innovative technologies to make the process of straightening hair healthier, safer, and faster. Thus, besides ceramic plates (that are the most frequent choice for hair straighteners), professional steam hair straighteners are often equipped with ionic, infrared, and tourmaline technologies to bring the maximum benefit to your client’s hair. Usability features of expensive models will also please you. Long swivel cords provide you with the freedom of movement while light weight of the appliances prevents fatigue in your arms. Finally, ergonomic design in combination with well-thought-out controls makes the use of expensive steam straighteners as easy as anything.
FAQ:
Q: I don’t see steam when I use my flat iron. Is everything OK with my appliance?
A: If you don’t see steam, it doesn’t mean that your appliance doesn’t work. Straighteners of this type aren’t supposed to produce as much steam as a clothing steam iron, for example. The aim of steam in straighteners is to moisturize your hair, not to dampen it. That’s why, more often than not, steam won’t be visible at all. If you aren’t sure whether your appliance works properly, you can check this by clamping plates for several times. If you see water drops there or the groove is slightly damp, it means the straightener functions right.
Q: How do I take proper care of my steam straightener?
A: Just like any other electric appliance, a flat iron should be used, cleaned, and stored properly if you want it to serve you for years. As for usage, the main thing you want to keep in mind is that steam irons should be used with water or non-oily hair care products only (check user’s guide of your device to know for sure). It’s important to follow this rule since oily substances block steam vents leading to steam option malfunction. Cleaning isn’t a necessary process till the plates of your straightener don’t gather hair or lint particles on their surface. Proper storage means emptying a water tank after every use, allowing your appliance to cool down before storage, and avoiding wrapping the cord tightly to prevent wire damage.
Q: Can I use my steam flat iron on wet hair?
A: Beauty experts don’t recommend, even prohibit, using flat irons on wet hair. The thing is that wet hair conducts heat better than dry one, thus, it is more prone to damage. Some experts say that using a straightener on wet hair is the same thing as boiling it. Moreover, wet hair reacts to hot plates differently as compared to dry one and you simply won’t get effective results if your hair is wet.
Q: Will a steam flat iron handle thick black hair like African American one?
A: It’s a well-known fact that African American hair is coarser than any other type of hair. Plus, it is usually curly which makes it more difficult to straighten. However, modern technologies work magic and even natural thick hair will straighten under the heat of a flat iron, especially so if it has a steam option. The thing is that steam is aimed to relax your hair first to make its straightening easier. When choosing a steam appliance for coarse hair, you also want to pay close attention to temperature settings. As a rule, this type of hair needs higher heat for effective results, so look for appliances that reach 220°C - 230°C.
Q: Can I use my steam flat iron to curl my hair?
A: Although the intended purpose of this hair tool is to straighten your hair, it can also be used for making curls. However, be ready that you’ll get a hairstyle that is more like beachy waves than bouncy curls. Also, if you haven’t curled your hair with a straightener before, it’ll take you some time to get used to this process. But if you want to achieve this result, impossible is nothing.
Sources:
1. Dana Oliver Flat Iron Tips: How To Not Let Your Straightener Ruin Your Hair, HuffPost. March 25, 2014.
2. How to Straighten Your Hair, wikiHow.