Steam hair straighteners: which one to choose? Review of popular models of hair straightening irons with steam, characteristics, how to use, reviews and cost

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Ksenia Emelyanova

Hairdresser-stylist with more than 7 years of experience, teacher-colorist.

Almost every girl uses special tools to improve the appearance of her hair. One of these items is an iron. With its advent, women began to straighten and curl their hair at home and on their own. But everyday use of a straightener dries your hair and destroys its structure.

Using steam tongs is much safer. When choosing a tool, several factors are taken into account, such as the type of coating, inserts and other technical characteristics.

What are steam curling irons and hair straighteners?

A steam hair straightener is a curling iron with plates equipped with a steam generator. The device is designed for straightening curly hair. There are two types of irons: styler and multistyler. The first is used to completely straighten hair. The second one not only straightens hair, but also turns it into curls of different sizes using special attachments.

Operating principle and design of hair straightening irons with steam

A steam iron straightens hair exclusively with steam. The design consists of tongs and a container into which water is poured. On the handle there is a control panel: power buttons and temperature regulator. The iron heats up in 1.5-2 minutes, the steam temperature does not harm the hair.

Attention! Due to the use of steam, the straightening procedure does not have negative consequences for the hair. Used every day without the risk of damaging the hair structure.

The difference between steam irons and other straightener models

Steam tongs differ from their counterparts - dry straighteners. The difference in these two models is great. An iron that straightens with steam does not harm the hair structure as much. With a conventional rectifier, in most models, the temperature cannot be adjusted. Due to the material of the plates, there is a high risk of burning your hair.

A steam straightener has more advantages than a conventional one, but it also has its disadvantages. Such a tool is very expensive to purchase. And only purified water will do. However, the iron has more advantages. Among them:

• Free choice of temperature;
• Can be used every day;
• Some models are available with additional attachments and teeth;
• The steam makes your curls shiny. Creates the effect that happens after professional keratin treatment;
• The hairstyle lasts a long time.

Important! Very hard water may damage the device. It is not necessary to add liquid often, but it is necessary to monitor its quality.

Another type of straightener is a comb. It is equipped with teeth protected by rubber pads. It is convenient to use, but it only copes with slightly curly hair.

Steam hair straightener and classic iron: compare and choose

Years go by, fashion changes, and over the last few years it has been especially important to have straight, smooth hair. Perhaps this will change soon, and then new innovative models of curling irons will appear, but for now straightening irons are very popular. We have previously written about irons with tourmaline and titanium coating, and today we will try to compare two popular models - a steam hair straightening iron and a classic iron.

Nowadays, no one will be surprised by the amazing effect that can be achieved with a straightening iron. Ceramic plates with tourmaline particles have an additional ionization function, due to which the hair looks not just straightened, but also healthier and “alive”. It’s especially pleasing that you don’t have to visit a beauty salon to do this; a similar procedure can be done right at home. It is possible that this explains the increased interest in purchasing these professional hairdressing tools. And numerous video tutorials on the Internet will help you avoid making annoying mistakes and damaging your hair.

And yet it is worth recalling the main rules for using hair straighteners :

- use the iron only on dried hair - this will avoid hair damage when water molecules, overheating and boiling, tear the hair from the inside

― it is necessary to use thermal protectants ― any temperature effect on the hair carries negative consequences, which can be minimized by using protective sprays, emulsions and serums

- you should carefully care for your hair straightener - clean the plates from traces of heat protectants and styling products, avoid getting water inside the tool and use special cases and holders for storage

- do not use the iron if there are visible faults - these include problems with the cord (damage to the top insulating layer, chafing of the wire, etc.), damage to the plates (scratches, cracks, nicks or backlashes), malfunction of the heating elements and indicators (incorrectly displayed temperature can lead to burning of hair), etc.

- do not overuse hair straightening with an iron - frequent use of such a tool will inevitably lead to deterioration of hair condition

As you can see, nothing complicated. But all these rules apply to irons in general, and there is also such a modification as a steam iron for straightening hair. You need to take care of it just as carefully as a classic one, but it has a number of serious differences and advantages.

Steam hair straightener - features

So, the first thing that distinguishes a steam iron from a classic one is a safer effect on the hair. Of course, the straightening procedure cannot be completely safe, but steam straightening is considered more gentle, in contrast to temperature straightening, when the hair is smoothed by contact with hot metal or ceramics. The hair is treated with hot steam and smoothed between plates, the temperature of which is no longer so high. The result is soft, silky hair that also looks moisturized and more manageable.

The second thing you should not forget about when using a steam iron is the quality of the water. Of course, this is always worth remembering, but the fact that your tap water is soft or hard does not affect the performance of a classic hair straightening iron. For a steam iron, this issue is extremely important - there is no self-cleaning system inside the iron, as, for example, happens in washing machines, so the problem of scale remains relevant. It is recommended to use settled or filtered water for ironing - fortunately, you only need a little of it.

And thirdly , the time it takes to maintain the straightening effect on the hair. Powerful irons with titanium coating promise to provide smooth hair for up to 3-4 days, while steam straighteners modestly claim a period of no more than 2 days. On the other hand, considering that a steam iron can be used on a daily basis, this short period of time is no longer so critical.

Have you already thought about buying a flat iron, but still have doubts? No problem! Especially for you, we have compiled a table comparing the two most popular models of flat irons from Be-Uni:

Now it will be easier for you to make the right choice. Therefore, do not waste time and contact us - in our online store for hairdressers you can buy a steam iron for hair straightening, and if you prefer time-tested technologies, then there will certainly be a classic hair straightener too. We are waiting for you to go shopping!

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How to choose and what to pay attention to

There are some factors to consider before purchasing a unit. They are responsible for the ease of use and lifespan of the device.

Type of coverage

The coating material is the most important factor that is taken into account when purchasing a straightener. The price of the product, as well as the effect of its work on the hair, depends on the type of coating.

• Ceramic. The material is found more often than others as a coating. Ceramics is gentle on hair, making it smooth and silky. Maintains a constant temperature and heat is distributed evenly across the plates. It has been working for about three years.

Important! The ceramic coated iron should be wiped down after each use. Cosmetics remain on the surface. This affects the service life.

• Metal. A metal iron heats up unevenly and can cause damage to your hair. The metal coating has small notches. For this reason, most manufacturers abandoned this material.

• Teflon. The plate treats the hair with care and glides smoothly over it. Recommended for weakened hair. There is one drawback - the coating wears off over time, and further use of the straightener causes significant damage to the hair.

• Marble. Most often, one plate is covered with the material. Marble has a cooling effect, which is very useful for thin, split ends and weakened hair. It is considered one of the most expensive.

• Titanium and diamond. Irons with such plates are recommended for use in beauty salons. Titanium and diamond are not capable of causing harm to the hair; they glide through it softly and smoothly. They heat up to fairly high temperatures and distribute heat evenly over the surface of the plates. This tool will last longer.

• Tourmaline. Possesses the qualities of Teflon and marble coatings. Not recommended for home use. Does not electrify hair. Tourmaline irons are subject to rapid wear.

• Tungsten. Irons made from this material have appeared recently and are not yet widespread. They have good heating properties and provide long-lasting hairstyle. They are quite expensive.

Power

The heating time of the iron depends on the power. Typically, the device needs 50 W to heat up. Manufacturers produce units with power from 20 to 110 W. The less electricity the device consumes, the slower it will heat up.

Important! The temperature of the plates does not depend on power. The amount of energy consumed by the iron only affects the heating time.

Temperature regulator

The thermostat allows you to determine the desired temperature on the device. Some devices do not have it, which means that it will only work at one temperature setting. There are two types of temperature controller: mechanical and electronic.

On a mechanical one, as a rule, it is impossible to set accurate indicators. Temperatures from 140 to 150 Celsius are available. Electric allows you to set the exact temperature. The overall heating of the plates is from 100 to 230 degrees.

Thin and weakened hair should not be exposed to high temperatures. For them it is better to regulate no more than 150 degrees. For normal hair, set the temperature to 180 degrees. If your hair is coarse, thick and curly, then it is recommended to set the highest value.

Attention! When using, you can turn off the iron. You should not keep it on for more than 3 minutes and style your hair at the same time.

Cord

The optimal cord length is 2 meters. It is also important to consider how the cable is attached to the instrument. Some irons are sold without wires, they are much more convenient. Charged from special devices.

Plate width

An important factor is the width of the plates. For thicker and longer hair, eight-centimeter plates are suitable. A width of 4-5 cm is suitable for short hair. Narrow plates are more functional: they can be used to straighten bangs or too short curls. In stores, ironing irons with plates 5-8 cm wide are more often found.

Anti-scale protection

If the model has anti-scale protection, it will extend the life of the product. This system is not present in all models. The best way to remove scale is to use clean water.

Service maintenance

Since a steam iron is an expensive device, the manufacturer provides a warranty of 1 year or more. Store employees are required to issue a warranty card. According to it, in case of breakdowns, the device is repaired at a service center or replaced with a new one.

Important! If, during a check at the service center, scratches or chips are found on the device, they will not repair it. Handle the device carefully.

Additional functions

Some models are equipped with additional features. There are additional functions and items such as:

• Ionization. Removes static tension from hair and restores it.
• Comb. One of the plates has a brush that allows you to comb your hair while straightening.
• Curling attachments, spiral or brush.
• Storage case.

When choosing, you should also focus on the distance between the plates. Gaps should be no more than 1 mm. If this indicator is higher than 1 mm, then the iron can damage the hair and straighten it unevenly.

Are the additional features of a steam straightener important to you?

Not really

Professional or regular: which straightener to choose?

For home use, it is enough to purchase a regular steam iron. Professional straighteners have many unnecessary functions that are unlikely to be needed when using them at home. The latter, thanks to the additional functionality, cost no less than 15,000 rubles, and regular straighteners can be purchased for up to 10,000 rubles.

Important! Tools should only be purchased from official stores.

An important factor when choosing a straightening iron is your hair type. You should choose a tool so that it does not cause unnecessary damage to your hair. In this case, you should focus on the material of the plates.

The best flat irons with ceramic plates

Irons with ceramic working surfaces are the most popular and inexpensive models on the hair straightening device market. They can be purchased not only by those with healthy hair, but also by those with dull, dry and brittle hair (in the latter case, an amendment is important - the use of thermal protection is mandatory).

Ceramic plates must be frequently cleaned of cosmetics. Used during installation (foam, varnish) - the main disadvantage of the devices.

ProMozer MZ-7045

Price from 600 rub.

“An inexpensive corrugated iron for daily use” is how the manufacturers characterize the model. Ceramic coating, low power (45 W), a rotating cord, the presence of power and heating indicators, and a ribbed working surface are the main advantages of the device in question.

ProMozer MZ-7045

Advantages

• ceramic plates;
• low power;
• rotating cord;
• stylish design.

You may be interested in: Rating of the 10 best electric hair curlers by type of styling for curling and crimping
Disadvantages

• short cord (1.5 m);
• heating up to 200º.

Rozia HR-722

Price from 1000 rub.

Hair curling iron allows you to create elastic curls with minimal negative impact on the hair structure. The presence of a thermally insulated tip and ion generator is the developers’ concern for safety during operation of the device. The device can easily be purchased on Aliexpress at the most attractive price.

The effect of the curling iron is waves of varying degrees of elasticity, which emphasizes the tenderness and naturalness of the owners of the hairstyle.

Rozia HR-722

Advantages

• thermally insulated tip;
• ion generator;
• fast heating;
• wide working surface.

Flaws

• bulky device.

Gemei GM-1952

Price from 600 rub.

An iron with a narrow working surface and a non-slip body, which can not only straighten a strand of hair, but also create delicate curls. Ceramic working surfaces provide a gentle effect on the hair, cover the scales, even out the structure and add shine.

The rotating base for the network cable is the key to long service life.

Gemei GM-1952

Advantages

• non-slip body;
• rotating network cable;
• ceramic plates;
• overheat protection.

Flaws

• narrow plates (not suitable for those with thick hair).

Review of the best steam hair straighteners

Among all the steam straighteners, there are the best ones. This list will help you choose a more suitable iron.

BaByliss BAB2191SEPE

Model BaByliss PRO BAB2191SEPE UltraSonic Cool Mist from the French company BaByliss PRO was released in China. The plates of the device are ceramic, with a thinly applied layer of metal. There are 5 temperature settings, maximum – 230 degrees. The device does not overheat and distributes heat evenly across the plates.

The peculiarity of the device is the presence of an ultrasonic generator, thanks to which water turns into steam during the straightening process. Softens hair and preserves its structure. The device is resistant to chemical influences.

Advantages:

• Rotating cord 2.7 m long;
• Heating occurs in less than a minute;
• Removable water container;
• 5 temperature settings;
• Electronic control panel;
• Operation is possible both with and without steam;
• Additional items included: thermal mat, water tank, brush;
• Improved temperature control;
• Perfect glide through hair;
• Ceramic plates 28 mm wide and 110 mm long.

Minuses:

• The package does not include a case;
• Expensive price - in the company store it costs 8,600 rubles.

The manufacturer offers the client a warranty period for using the tool - 1 year. The iron is considered professional and is suitable for any hair type.

BaByliss ST395E

This iron was developed by the French company BaByliss and released in China. The peculiarity of the device is that it can be used on both wet and dry hair. Temperature modes - 5. The smallest - 170 degrees - is indicated in green. The color then goes from green to red. An ionization function has been added to the device.

This device is used both in salons and at home. The price of the device is reasonable - from 5,999 rubles. Among the disadvantages are the long cooling time and the lack of a loop for hanging an item on a hook. The advantages include:

• Nano-titanic ceramic coating;
• Adjustment on electronic display;
• Heats up in 10 seconds;
• Ionization function;
• 1.9 m long swivel cord.
• Includes storage case, comb;
• Plate width – 38 mm, length – 85 mm;
• 2 year warranty.

Remington S8700

The model is made in China. Plates 110 mm long. covered with ceramics. There are 5 temperature modes, they are adjusted on the control display. The device heats up in 30 seconds. The length of the cord is 1.8 m. The peculiarity of the iron is that the plates are impregnated with argan and macadamia oil, which promotes healthy hair.

Among the disadvantages, the high weight of the product is noted - 800 g. There is also no loop for hanging. Benefits include:

• HydraCare technology. Before hot treatment, the iron treats the hair with cold steam, moisturizing it.
• 5 temperature settings;
• Heats up in 15 seconds;
• Auto shutdown;
• Swivel cord;
• Included is a storage case;
• Work is possible both with and without steam.

The iron is suitable for home use. Manufacturers guarantee the performance of the device for five years. Cost from 5,000 rub.

Irit IR-3168

Electric tongs have the same functionality as previous models. Manufactured in China. Among the advantages are the low price, rotating cord, ceramic coating. The disadvantages of the device are: the lack of a case and loop for hanging, there is no protection against overheating. Suitable for home use. The warranty is issued for one year. Price – from 300 rubles. Heats up within 80 seconds. The temperature is only 220 degrees. Cable length – 1.6 m.

Attention! It is not recommended to choose this iron. Many users noted hair burnout after prolonged use and rapid breakdown of the product.

SCARLETT SC-1064

Model SCARLETT SC-1064 is made in China. Is an excellent option for home use. The price of the device is only about 1,500 - 2,000 rubles. The iron has fairly wide plates, which are suitable for long and thick hair.

Heats up in 1.5-2 minutes, the heat is evenly distributed over the plates. The main disadvantage is the case material. During straightening, there is a risk of burning your scalp with the metal coating. Weighs 355 g. Maximum temperature – 200 degrees. If the rectifier heats up above this mark, it will turn off automatically.

Among the advantages there are also:

• Suitable for wet hair;
• Adjustable temperature;
• Convenient to take the item on trips;
• Overheat protection;
• Standard cord length – 1.8 m;
• Plate width – 25 mm.

REDMOND RCI-2328

The model is made in China. The temperature regime is controlled by a mechanical regulator. Modes – 5.t The body is made of plastic, the plates are ceramic. The main feature of the product is its affordable price, starting from 1,800 rubles. The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty. The width of the plates is 3.1 mm. Among the advantages are:

• Long electric cord – 2 m;
• Automatic shutdown after an hour;
• Has a loop for hanging;
• 5 temperature settings;
• Ceramic plate coating;
• Affordable price.

The disadvantages include: lack of ionization and electronic display. Suitable for home use.

SteamPod from L'oreal

The steam styler from the popular company L'Oreal is one of the most popular irons. There are types of tongs for home use and for work in salons. Price – from 20,000 rub. Manufacturer – France. The width of the plates is 25 mm. The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty.

The kit includes: additional water container, cleaning filter, removable comb. A special feature of the steampod is that it does not harm the hair. Hair styling attachments are also included. The advantages also include:

• Availability of an electronic display;
• Long cord;
• Ceramic coating;
• 5 temperature settings, maximum – 210 degrees;
• Automatic shutdown and overheat protection;
• Additional professional subjects;
• Heats up in 1.5 minutes.

The disadvantages include: the lack of an ionization function and a hanging loop.

Model comparison table

Which steam hair straightener to choose

Many brands, models, large differences in their cost, differences in parameters and functionality often make it difficult to choose the right tool. Which steam hair straightener is better to choose? Of course, many people focus primarily on price. But you also need to take into account the parameters of the styler and its technical characteristics.

1. An important criterion is the coating of the plates. A good steam iron has titanium, tourmaline or ceramic ones, as they heat up effectively and are also gentle on the hair - they transfer heat evenly and do not scratch or burn the cuticular layer.
2. The temperature range should suit your hair type.
3. For women with thick hair, wide plates are better suited, and for women with thin hair, narrower ones.
4. The power of the steam iron should be 40 W or higher.
5. Fixed or floating plates. In the first case, the strands are clamped tightly, so they smooth out faster. The second option involves a more gentle glide, but coarse hair may not be straightened immediately.
6. An important function of a steam iron from a safety point of view is its automatic shut-off. A good tool is equipped with a motion sensor. If the styler is left at rest for too long, the fuse trips and it automatically turns off, which will prevent an electrical appliance left in the socket from catching fire.
7. When you only plan to straighten your hair, you can choose a steam iron with straight plates, and if you sometimes need curling, then with rounded ones.
8. For ease of use, the cord must rotate 360° and be at least two meters long.

User reviews will also help you evaluate the quality of the tool.

Let's summarize. The steam iron is an innovative hair straightening styler that smoothes hair more effectively than conventional curling irons. It carefully straightens the strands without harming the hair, but, on the contrary, moisturizing and adding shine. Using a steam straightener is as easy as using a regular hair straightener. To do this, you need to pour soft water into a special reservoir, set the styler to the correct temperature that suits your hair type, and after the steam iron has heated up, begin smooth styling. At the same time, we must not forget that hot hairdressing tools are used only on dry hair and with thermal protection applied to it. To make the styling more durable, it is advisable to use straightening mousse and a fixing spray. Despite the fact that steam irons have appeared on the market of hairdressing tools relatively recently, you can now buy devices of different cost categories - both inexpensive models for home use and professional stylers that turn hair straightening into a full-fledged caring procedure.

How to properly use steam hair straighteners

The steam straightener is used according to precise instructions. This is necessary so as not to cause unnecessary damage to the hair. The first step will be preparing the hair.

Hair preparation

Hair should be completely dry and thoroughly combed. If desired, a product is applied for additional hair protection.

How to steam straighten your hair step by step

The process of straightening hair with steam is similar to using a regular iron.

1. Hair preparation.
2. Dividing the hair in half, separating the top strands from the bottom.
3. The top hair is pinned up or folded into a high bun.
4. Purified water is poured into the iron reservoir.
5. The required temperature is determined.
6. Separate the loose strand at the back of the head. Brush again before straightening.
7. Straighten all your hair in this way.

Important! During the procedure, the water in the container may run out. You should keep a bottle of clean water with you.

Customer Reviews

There are many reviews on the Internet about various steam tongs. Girls leave only positive reviews for certain models, for example, BaByliss ST395E and SCARLETT SC-1064. Negative feedback is most often associated with defective products or improper use.

Several reviews from otzovik.com about the BaByliss “I-Pro Steam 230 ST95E” straightener:

Review from the website mvideo.ru about the Babyliss ST495E straightener:

What results should you expect, before and after photos