Confession: I used to be a hair straightening addict. Like many young Black women, there was a time I thought I looked prettier with straight hair. Obsessing with flat ironing ultimately proved to be a recipe for disaster after years of constantly subjecting my hair to excessive heat caught up with me. I suffered a lot of breakage, and to help my hair recover, I ceased using all forms of heat entirely. Today, I wear my hair in its naturally curly, kinky state, and while I’ve straightened it once or twice for special occasions, for the past six years, I’ve remained mostly heat-free.
So when I was given the opportunity to try the L’Oréal Steampod, a straightener that uses exclusive steam technology, I was definitely curious—could a straightener really be that effective but still cause less breakage to my hair? Read on to learn all about the steam-powered flat iron, including how to use it and the benefits of having the innovative tool in your routine.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
What is the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod?
If you’ve ever used a traditional flat iron before, you know that they work by flattening hair between ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium plates to create a sleek, smooth texture. The trouble, however, is that reaching for flat irons too often can result in serious hair damage (even with the help of a quality heat protectant). If you have thick or coarse strands, styling your mane with a hair straightener can also be a time-consuming process.
Unlike typical flat irons, the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod uses patented steam technology and dual heating plates to create any hairstyle you want two times smoother and two times faster* with long-lasting, high-shine results. The comb on the plates helps the tool glide effortlessly through the hair as you style to avoid tugging and pulling.
Is the Steampod better for your hair?
If heat damage is your main concern, the Steampod’s steam and comb technology help to reduce split ends for 91 percent less breakage* (when compared to Steampod heating plates alone) and 78 percent less damage (when tested against a regular straightener 15 times). As you style, steam is diffused from the plates, infusing water into the hair cuticle, which helps protect against excessive heat damage. When tested against a regular straightener over 15 uses,
How do you use the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod?
If you’re unsure how to style your hair with the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod, it’s easier than you think! Simply remove the attached water tank and fill it with water. Then, choose between the heat settings. With intelligent heat control, there are three heat settings ranging from 350°F to 410°F, checked up to two times per second for even use.
Wait until the light stops flashing and your tool has reached the desired temperature. Apply a heat protectant, then use the Steampod to create your desired hairstyle.
Good hair day by @milan_hairstylist.
Can you curl with L'Oréal’s Steampod?
When it comes to styling, the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod is versatile. You can create sleek, straight hairstyles, waves, or curls.
Is Steampod good for short hair?
Steampod can be used on any hair length, as long as the strands can fit comfortably within the width of the plates.
Can you use the Steampod without the comb?
You can style your hair without the detachable comb. Before removing it, however, be sure that the iron is cool to avoid getting burnt.
Can I use Steampod without water?
It’s recommended to use the Steampod with the correct amount of water in the tank to achieve the best results.
My L’Oréal Steampod Review
The first time I used my new Steampod Straightener was right after my monthly visit to the salon. I’d just got a hair treatment, trim, and fluffy blowout, which smoothed my curls but didn’t quite eliminate my frizz. So as soon as I got home, I knew it was the perfect time to give the Steampod a try.
What initially stood out to me about the L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod was the integration of a comb. I’d never seen one on a flat iron before and thought it was a really clever and helpful innovation. Particularly for women with thicker, curlier hair that typically used fine-tooth combs to detangle their strands before straightening with heat.
It’s super simple to get the Steampod Straightener up and running. After removing the water tank, filling it with water, and clicking it back into place, I selected the highest temperature. While the highest temperature setting was perfect for my coarse hair, if you have finer strands, start low and work your way up if necessary. I then applied a heat protectant product to my strands and parted my hair into small sections.
I placed a section between the plates, clamped down, and slowly moved the straightener downwards from root to tip. I could hear the steam being expelled, and while it took a moment to get used to hearing the sounds of the Steampod Straightener working, I was impressed with how silky pressed my hair was as a result.
After straightening the bottom half of my hair and working my way through the top, there was a clear difference in the smoothness of my hair. With my hair type, it’s very normal to need more than one pass, but after straightening each section at least twice and applying a hair oil to add extra smoothness and shine, my hair was silky enough to outstand any frizz.
In the days since using the L’Oréal Steampod, while a natural kink has appeared, my hair still looks smooth and once brushed and styled, I’ve only re-straightened it once, as opposed to previously feeling like I had to re-straighten every day, and I’m continuing to enjoy showcasing a look people haven’t seen me with for years.
The styling also doesn’t stop at just straightening! A few days later I decided to use my L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod to create some beach waves in my hair. Again, it was really easy as I just wrapped a strand of hair around the straightener before gliding it downwards. I then shook my tightened curls out for a more natural-looking wave. Needless to say—I absolutely love this look!
Interested in trying the Steampod for yourself? Click here to order.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
