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How Steam and Moisture Can Help Combat Frizz

photo of woman with steampod flatiron

There are so many frizz-fighting serums and hair sprays that help to curb what moisture in the air does to my mane. Being a frizz-prone girl, however, my hairstyles never seem to last more than 10 minutes in humidity before going from sleek and straight to puffy and unruly. 

Because of this, I’ve always assumed that moisture is the main cause of frizz. That is, until I learned about the L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod. This innovative hot tool creates straight hair and waves on any hair type two times faster and two times smoother* (*compared to Steampod without steam and comb). 

I spoke to Jasmine Washington, L'Oréal Professionnel artist, about how the Steampod’s steam technology actually helps combat frizz and some of her top tips for avoiding unruly strands when heat styling

Is steaming good for your hair?

Steaming hair is a different treatment than using the Steampod. Hair steaming is a technique women have used for years—particularly by those dealing with parched locks. The moisture created by steam helps to open up the hair cuticle and makes it easier for hair treatments to be absorbed into each strand. 



Does steam make your hair frizzy?

According to Washington, while you might think steam and moisture make frizz worse, they can actually improve the look and feel of your strands. The main culprit  of frizz is dry hair. If you don’t use moisturizing hair products in your care and styling routine to combat dryness, your strands will seek out moisture in the air, which is how frizz is created. 

The L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod helps to eliminate the need for your hair to seek out moisture in the air by pressing steam directly onto your strands. Steam-powered hot tools typically work more gently than traditional flat irons and curling irons. The power of steam allows moisture to penetrate the hair cuticle and help retain hydration as you pass the tool over your hair. The result is a smooth, shiny, frizz-free finish. 

If you want to see for yourself how steam can benefit your mane, pick up the L'Oréal Professionnel’s Steampod. Unlike typical flat irons, L'Oréal Professionnel’s Steampod uses patented steam technology and dual heating plates to create any hairstyle you want two times smoother and two times faster with high-shine results. As you style, steam is diffused from the plates, infusing water into the hair cuticle, which helps protect against frizz and excessive heat damage.

Here’s how the Steampod works: Remove the attached water tank and fill it with water. Then, you can choose between the three intelligent heat control settings ranging from 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until the light stops flashing to ensure your tool has reached the desired temperature. Apply a heat protectant like L'Oréal Professionnel Repair Gold 10-In-1 Perfecting Multi-Purpose Spray, then use the Steampod to create any style you want to achieve. 

Can steaming damage your hair?

Steam isn’t known to be damaging to hair, but that doesn’t mean you should utilize it in your daily routine. As we say with traditional hot tools, everything in moderation! Take breaks from heat styling and use moisturizing hair products in your routine to keep your mane in tip-top shape. 



How To Prevent Frizz When Heat Styling

While having the right hair tools is important, Washington says preventing frizz during heat styling is all in the way you prep your strands. Begin by shampooing and conditioning with a hydrating system like L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Nutrifier Shampoo and Conditioner. This nourishing shampoo for normal to dry hair, made with glycerol and coconut oil, leaves hair softer and more supple with enhanced shine. 

“After shampooing with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, always rinse with cool water,” Washington says. “This seals the cuticle, helps reduce frizz, and creates shine.”

Washington also recommends prepping your mane with the right styling products for your hair type and concerns. If you’re a curly girl looking to fight frizz, some of her favorite formulas are Mizani’s Thermasmooth Sleekguard Cream and Thermasmooth Smoothguard Serum. These formulas help block humidity and combat frizz while locking in shine for curly or textured hair types. 

Any hair type dealing with moderate frizz can try a hair oil like Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil. This oil-in-serum helps prevent excess volume, puffiness, and frizz. 

To ensure your style stays sleek for hours to come, Washington suggests applying a few spritzes of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Infinium 4 Hairspray. This formula locks styles in with medium hold while working to combat frizz. 

Now that you know how steam and moisture can combat frizz, you can put it to the test in your own hair routine. 

Interested in more expert styling tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

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