The best steam straighteners in the UK 2023

A state of the art accessory, the steam straightener ensures smooth straightening without the risk of damaging the hair. Finding the right model for you is no easy task with the different straighteners available on the market. To help you choose, here is our comparison of the best steam straighteners.

iGutech steam straightener 1
9/10

Best value for money

iGutech steam straightener

The best steam straightener in 2021

Efficient and pleasant to use, the iGutech steam straightener ensures perfectly smooth hair in a single pass. It is a high quality product at a reasonable price.

47,97 £ on Amazon

With ceramic plates, this steam straightener guarantees smooth and fast passages. It can straighten the entire hair in just a few minutes. It is a very effective straightener to take care of all types of hair.

This device has a built-in tank and a built-in comb. In addition, it has several temperature settings, which allows it to adapt to all hair types. In addition, it is very pleasant to use even though it seems to be larger.

2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional 2
8/10

Best value for money

2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional

The best entry-level steam straightener

At a low price, but high quality, this 2 in 1 steam straightener guarantees an effective straightening while repairing the hair and especially making it shinier.

19,99 £ on Amazon

This steam straightener allows you to moisturize your hair and protect it from damage at high temperatures. It is also ideal for repairing dry hair and making it shinier. This device has 5 levels of temperature settings. You need to set the temperature at 160° and above for proper steam performance.

PTC heating elements, 3D floating plates with tourmaline ceramic coating protect your hair. With its 360 degree swivel power cord, you can rotate it to any angle. Finally, this steam straightener automatically shuts off one hour after use.

Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel

The best high-end steam straightener

Very handy and powerful, this high performance steam straightener guarantees perfect straightening in the blink of an eye while making hair softer, softer and shinier.

203 £ on Amazon

This straightener differs from its predecessor in that its ergonomics have been significantly improved. With a ceramic coating and a temperature of only 210 degrees, the L'Oréal Steampod 3.0 Steam Straightener promises exceptional results in just one stroke. Not only does it straighten hair perfectly, but it also repairs it to make it silkier, while keeping it healthy.

With a large built-in reservoir, this steam straightener heats up in seconds and emits a strong flow of steam. Plus, it can take care of all hair types and even allows you to curl your hair. As far as staying power is concerned, the straightening can last for two or three days depending on your hair and lifestyle.

SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium 4
9/10

Alternative cheap

SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium

A low-cost 2-in-1 steam straightener

A very good value for money, this professional steam straightener is ultra-performing. It offers ultra-smooth and shiny hair for a long time.

41,52 £ on Amazon

The Demeliss Titanium Saint Algue steam straightener is a professional straightener used in Saint Algue salons. This model is the most powerful in its category. Equipped with floating titanium plates, it guarantees an easier glide and a more uniform heating of the hair thanks to the assured rise in temperature. Ultra-resistant, these plates adapt to the type of straightening.

It has a +40 ml tank, which is the largest on the market. It offers +25 min of continuous steam. You can also detangle the hair while straightening with a retractable comb. The straightening lasts for 1 week or even longer, until the next wash. This steam straightener can be used on all hair types.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best steam straightener

Any specific needs?

The best steam straightener in 2021

The best entry-level steam straightener

The best high-end steam straightener

A low-cost 2-in-1 steam straightener

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best steam straighteners

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE Alternative cheap
iGutech steam straightener 5
9/10
2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional 6
8/10
Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel 7
9/10
SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
iGutech steam straightener
2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional
Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel
SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium
Efficient and pleasant to use, the iGutech steam straightener ensures perfectly smooth hair in a single pass. It is a high quality product at a reasonable price.
At a low price, but high quality, this 2 in 1 steam straightener guarantees an effective straightening while repairing the hair and especially making it shinier.
Very handy and powerful, this high performance steam straightener guarantees perfect straightening in the blink of an eye while making hair softer, softer and shinier.
A very good value for money, this professional steam straightener is ultra-performing. It offers ultra-smooth and shiny hair for a long time.
Coating
Ceramic
tourmaline ceramic
Ceramic
Titanium
Power
85W
51 W
Temperature
Adjustable from 150° C to 230° C
120 ℃ to 200 ℃
Adjustable from 180 to 210 ℃
Adjustable from 150 to 230 ℃
Steam rate
2.7 g / min
0.8 g/min
5 g/min
Tank
built-in, 36 ml
integrated
integrated
integrated, 40 ml

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Buying guide - steam straightener

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How to choose your steam straightener

The choice of a steam straightener should not be taken lightly to keep your hair healthy. Here are some important criteria to consider in order to find a quality steam straightener, and especially to find the model most suited to your needs.

#1 - The coating

The coating is an important point to consider when buying a steam straightener. You need to find one that provides a better finish, without damaging the hair. You can choose between titanium, ceramic and tourmaline coating. The titanium coating is very resistant and can last a long time. It is therefore recommended for those who want to have a steam straightener for intensive use.

With a ceramic coating, you have the great advantage of not running the risk of damaging your hair. Finally, if you have fine, sensitive, colored or damaged hair, the tourmaline coating is the right choice, as it prevents frizz formation.

#2 - The temperature

The temperature is an important criterion to consider if you want to find a good steam straightener that guarantees efficiency. The best option is to bet on a steam straightener with adjustable temperature. For those with thick hair, a temperature of 200°C or higher is ideal.

If you have fine, colored or damaged hair, it is recommended to choose a temperature between 120 ° and 170 °C.

#3 - Steam flow

An effective steam straightener has a strong steam flow. A high steam flow makes the hair more humid while straightening. It protects it from drying out. So you make the choice of flow rate according to the natural humidity or dryness of your hair.

If you have curly hair, make sure you don't choose a straightening iron that will have a low steam output. A high flow rate is also ideal if you usually straighten your hair once or twice a day. Moreover, it does not require many passes on each strand, one is enough.

#4 - The size of the plates

The size of the plates is also a factor to consider when buying a steam straightener, as this is what guarantees its effectiveness. You need to choose it according to the length of the hair. Those who have short hair should favor a steam straightener with thin plates (between 2.5 and 3 cm).

If you have very long hair, it is preferable to opt for 4 cm wide plates for a satisfactory result. However, regardless of your hair type, you can straighten it quickly with 8 to 10 cm long plates. In just one pass, you'll enjoy a flawless result.

#5 - The tank

Some steam straighteners have an external water tank. Others have it built into their handle. Regarding the size of the tank, it is advisable to opt for a straightener that has the maximum size to facilitate smoothing. The larger the tank, the less you'll need to refill it while straightening.

A steam straightener with a large tank is therefore what you need if you have long hair, or hair that is difficult to style.

How to use a steam straightener?


There is no doubt that investing in a steam straightener is a very good thing. This device is very effective in making hair smoother and shinier, and this, in a single pass. But it is essential to know how to use it properly first. The first thing to do before straightening is to prepare the hair. You need to wash your hair with a mild shampoo or other ultra-nourishing care to moisturize it.


Next, wring out your hair and then dry it with a hair dryer or blow dryer. When your hair is completely dry, it is recommended to apply a serum or a heat protectant to strengthen your hair and especially to protect it from the heat of the machine.


Now you can add water to the tank of the straightener so that it diffuses steam. It is best to choose demineralized water that is not too hard to avoid the risk of damaging the device quickly. Then plug it into the mains and select the temperature that best suits your hair type. Wait a few minutes for the straightener to heat up and be ready to use.


In addition, steam straighteners often come with a removable comb. You can use it if you wish. Choose a thin strand of hair and run the straightener over it gently. For best results, always go in one direction, from the roots to the ends.

If your appliance has a steam button, you should turn it on when the plates close on your hair. Otherwise, don't worry, the iron will automatically steam for you. Most of the time, with a steam straightener, you get a perfectly smooth strand in one pass.

The different types of steam straighteners

The steam straightener comes in different models on the market. This device is equipped with a water tank that can be internal or external. There are two types of steam straighteners: the steam straightener with integrated tank and the straightener with external tank.

The steam straightener with integrated tank

As its name indicates, the water tank is integrated into the handle of the steam straightener. It has the great advantage of being more practical, more ergonomic, but especially less cumbersome. But as the water reserve is quite small, it requires to be refilled quite often, and this can go up to 3 times during the straightening.

The steam straightener with external tank

On this model, the tank is external, which creates additional bulk. In general, the steam straightener with external tank is bulkier, which can make storage a bit difficult especially in small spaces. Nevertheless, it has the capacity to hold a large amount of water thanks to its large external tank. So you don't have to refill it several times while straightening.

Steam straightener or classic straightener?

Steam straightener

A steam straightener has ceramic plates that are equipped with microparticles. These will release steam. This will open the scales of the outer layer of the hair and relax it. In addition, it will allow them to better accommodate the products you want to apply to them. Indeed, it is this mode of operation which differs it from a traditional straightener.

The steam straightener uses moist heat, not dry heat, to straighten your hair. It preserves the hair's natural moisture, making it shinier and softer and keeping it healthy in the long run. With such a straightener, your hair will keep its smooth and shiny appearance for 2 to 3 days. Thanks to the use of steam, it dries the hair less. By moisturizing the hair, the steam straightener makes it more flexible. The steam improves the health of the hair and preserves the keratin.

The steam straightener requires fewer passes on each strand, one pass can be enough most of the time. It's perfect for dry, brittle hair. It will take you barely five minutes to straighten your hair with a steam straightener. If you use complementary care before and after straightening, you can get nothing but benefits: to have shiny, soft and healthy hair, while having a long lasting straightening.

Classic straightener

The classic straightener usually has ceramic, titanium or tourmaline plates to straighten your hair. When energized, these plates become hot and offer a regular straightening. This device uses heat. This heat can be harmful compared to steam. Moreover, this mode of straightening can attack the hair because of the friction or the thermal shock that occurs.

At first, if we talk about the speed of straightening with a classic straightening iron, the session can last nearly half an hour. You must therefore spend a lot of time to maintain your hair. The classic straightener is easier to handle than the steam straightener, because it is much lighter than the latter.

It can be said that the classic model provides more convenience and comfort than the steam model. In terms of results, the classic straightener can make your hair straight and dry. They can even become brittle in the long run.

Verdict

The choice depends on the nature of your hair and the effect you are looking for. But if you have strong hair that is not easily damaged, a traditional hair straightener might be enough. However, if you are looking to preserve your hair as much as possible, it will probably be better to look at steam straighteners.

Tips

Use on dry hair

Straightening wet hair promotes dehydration and can break down the hair fiber. In addition, it damages your steam straightener because this device is not designed to be in direct contact with water.

Protect yourself!

Before using a steam straightener, it is recommended to use a heat-protective product and a straightening base for satisfactory results. A powerful hair dryer is also useful to protect you from the heat of the straightener, but especially to facilitate the straightening.

Use a moisturizing mask before

Before using a steam straightener, consider making a moisturizing mask after your shampoo to tighten the scales of the hair. This also protects them from the heat of the device.

Hair care after straightening

It is highly recommended to use a serum after straightening in order to revitalize the hair and to take care of the hair fibers. It is preferable to apply it about 15 minutes after for a good penetration of the active agents in the hair scales.

Clean the plates

It is crucial to take care of your straightening iron after use. The maintenance of a steam straightener is very easy. Simply clean the plates with a dry sponge.

FAQ

What is the best steam straightener?

The best steam straightener depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.

Can you curl your hair with a steam straightener?

Yes, but it depends on the model of straightener in question. It is easier to achieve curls with a steam straightener that has a thin, long design. With a rather wide model, don't expect to get beautiful curls.

Can I use a steam straightener on wet hair?

No. It will only damage it. Therefore, you should dry your hair before straightening it to avoid the risk of damaging it.

How to store your steam straightener?

It is very important to wait for the steam straightener to cool down before storing it. In addition, you should check that the tank is securely fastened before putting it in a cupboard, for example.

How much water should I put in a steam straightener?

Of course, this depends on the tank in question. Some models, such as the L'Oréal Steampod, have a large tank and can therefore accommodate a larger quantity of demineralised water.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
iGutech steam straightener 9
iGutech steam straightener
2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional 10
2 in 1 Tourmaline Professional
Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel 11
Steampod 3.0 - L'Oréal Professionnel
SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium 12
SAINT ALGUE Demeliss Titanium

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