Steam hair irons: an overview of models, tips for choosing and using

"Straight - curl, curly - straighten" - there is some truth in this joke about the mystery of female nature. Indeed, women tend to regularly change their image. The main thing for such transformations is to acquire reliable assistants. One of them is a steam hair straightener.

Steam hair straighteners outwardly do not differ from the usual. On the body there are plates, between which the strand is clamped and pulled out. In addition, there is one more detail on the body - a small water tank.

The liquid poured into this tank is fed to the plates, where it evaporates under the influence of high temperatures. This allows hair to be straightened at lower temperatures than dry irons. It is a more careful attitude to hair, causing less harm to it, and is the main advantage of a steam straightener.

Among the advantages is the ability to straighten with steam even very coarse and unruly hair. Finally, the styling created in this way lasts longer than when straightening with a conventional iron.

However, the device is not without its drawbacks. During the installation process, you have to periodically add water to the tank, which takes time and makes the procedure less comfortable... In addition, moisture can cause scale to form on the plates. It is important to take care of the quality of the water, avoiding the use of too hard water. It is recommended to use special test strips to assess the water hardness level before filling the water tank.

If the steam iron copes perfectly with straightening the strands, then winding the hair with the help of this device will not be easy.

Among the models for home use, you can highlight an inexpensive but effective steam styler. SCARLETT SC-1064. It is best to purchase it for owners of medium length and long hair, since the device has rather wide plates.

Additional options - function of temperature regulation, emergency shutdown in case of excessive heating... The styler is lightweight (300 grams) and fits comfortably in the hand. The cord is long enough to rotate. There are decorations in the form of metal beads on the case. If you use the iron for a long time, the beads get hot, so you can get burned.

If we talk about more functional models, then it is worth highlighting the iron BaByliss ST395E. The brand specializes in the production of tools for professionals, and therefore its products are characterized by high quality and reliability. This model has not so wide plates, and therefore is suitable for hair of different lengths. The exception is very short (15–20 cm) hair.

The device has an electronic temperature controller, which makes it possible to set one of 5 temperature positions (130-230 C).

The iron has ceramic plates, a steam straightening function, an emergency shutdown option, and an option for hair ionization.

For those who appreciate innovative developments in the field of beauty, the same French brand offers a model BaByliss BAB2191SEPE. Its first feature is micro-steam created by a mini-version of an ultrasonic generator. It is connected to the device and allows the creation of cool vapor (fog). This, on the one hand, ensures the maintenance of healthy hair. On the other hand, it makes the device universal, since it can be used to smooth out even the toughest and most naughty curls.

This is why this the professional styler with cold steam has consistently topped the rating of similar devices.

Ceramic plates show respect for hair and impact resistance. This is achieved by coating the plates with micrometallic spraying. This is done by means of a galvanic method and allows the plates to heat up faster, making them 3 times more durable, including mechanical shock and falling.

The maximum heating temperature is 230 C, and the set temperature is held until the end of the procedure.

Another iron with a steam generator that is trusted by customers - Remington S8700. Equipped with an electronic temperature controller, the range is from 150 to 230 C. The user can turn off the function of the steam generator, turning the iron into a regular straightener.

The iron is very gentle on your hair. A thin film based on keratin and argan and macadamia oils is applied to the surface of the plates. At the moment of heating, the film acts on the hair like a conditioner, nourishing and moisturizing it. Moreover, many users confirm that the presence of this film is not just a marketing ploy. Hair really becomes softer and more manageable.

For those who care about the condition of their hair or are looking for an iron for weakened, discolored strands, we can recommend Be-uni, V173. It is often chosen by professionals, since the device copes with straightening even coarse hair, is suitable for daily use, and at the same time does not harm the hair. Refers to tools premium class, therefore, it has a rather high cost. If you decide to buy such a model, it makes sense to immediately purchase test strips to assess water hardness. The model fails if too hard water is poured into the tank.

The model is highly appreciated, including by professionals. L'Oreal Steampod with steam humidification... The device is called a real breakthrough among similar instruments.With the help of steam, it is possible to achieve not only the mirror-like smoothness of the hair, but also to create Hollywood curls. All this - in a short period of time and almost without harm to the hair.

The model is equipped with a removable hairbrush and has 5 temperature settings. It is easy to use, but high in cost. Optimal for salons, but for rare home use, you can choose a more affordable model. For example, HomeClub. The device has a high functionality, it takes good care of the hair at the time of styling, but it costs almost 1.5 times less.

When buying an iron with a steamer, you should pay attention to the brand of the product, giving preference to manufacturers with a well-known name... Their products are of higher quality, durability, and have a guarantee.

The next selection criterion is the type of coverage. The cheapest models are made of stainless steel and do not have a protective coating. Such irons dry out and damage even healthy hair, and in a very short time.

Teflon coating can be called more perfect and safer. It heats up just as quickly, but doesn't dry out the hair as much. However, over time, Teflon scratches and jags appear on its surface. Even the smallest burrs catch the hair, damaging its structure. Suitable for straightening healthy undyed hair, but also for infrequent use.

Most quality stylers in the middle price range have ceramic coating. Ceramics heats up a little longer, however, and treats the hair more carefully. True, it is important to remember that the service life of the ceramic coated iron is short - it is recommended to change the product every 3 years.

Tourmaline coating is also popular. Tourmaline is a mineral that heats up quickly and evenly without drying out the hair. In addition, during operation, negatively charged ions are released, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the strand, removes their excessive electrification. Hair does not stick to the tourmaline surface, the remains of styling products, it is durable, although it requires careful storage.

One of the most expensive tools is titanium coated... The high price is due to the ideal smoothness of the material, the ability to heat up quickly and evenly. This allows the hair to be drawn out quickly with minimal damage. However, titanium cannot be called wear-resistant and durable, despite the high cost of the product.

The next sign of a quality tool is a temperature regulator. Each type of hair requires its own heating temperature. For weakened and obedient hair, 120-140 C is enough, for unruly, curly, but healthy - 170-180 C. It is optimal if the iron maintains the temperature in the range of 100-200 C, while you can manually set the desired range.

For this, it is advisable to choose irons with an electronic temperature controller. However, remember that they require a more careful attitude, break down faster, cost more... If you don't want to overpay for this option, choose a model with a mechanical regulator.

Pay attention to the width of the plates. The longer the hair, the wider the plates should have the device (4–5 cm). This will allow you to straighten the strands quickly and with the least harm. If the hair is short (up to the shoulders), it is better to choose a product with a plate width of no more than 2 cm.

One of the "diseases" of steam irons is the appearance of scale on the surface of their plates. Especially if you are using hard water.

The comfort of holding the iron in the hand should also be taken into account. It should not be too heavy and massive. Evaluate how comfortable the styler is in your hand.

The next criterion is the length of the cord. The latter should not only reach the outlet, but also have 80-100 cm in stock. The optimal length is 1.8-2 m. An important point is the twisting cord. The presence of such makes the use more convenient, helps to avoid kinks on the cord and its failure.

A useful but optional additional option - ionization function. In the process of straightening, the hair is additionally saturated with negatively charged ions. This reduces the electrification of the hair, adding smoothness or shine to it.

There are irons, on one of the plates of which a comb-brush is attached. Such an accessory allows you to achieve perfect smoothness of hair, but is not suitable for too curly and unruly curls. They will become tangled in the bristles of the brush.

There are models with fixed plates and floating ones. The choice of a particular species is a matter of personal preference. The first type reliably fixes hair and is more recommended for unruly hair. The second type does not provide the same reliable fixation, but is more careful with the hair.

The use of a steam iron is only possible if the hair is completely dry. Application on wet hair, firstly, negatively affects the condition of the head of hair, and secondly, after the final drying, the strand of styling will not remain a trace.

For clean, dry hair, comb thoroughly, then apply a heat protection spray to it and wait until it is completely absorbed.

Then the hair prepared in this way must be divided into 2 tier zones - upper and lower. Raise the upper one and fix it. Comb the hair again from the bottom, separate a strand thinner than the width of the iron. It is more convenient to start from the back of the head.

Pour water into the reservoir on the styler, set the appropriate temperature. There is a misconception that the lower the exposure temperature, the less damage the hair will receive. This is not true, because, straightening your hair at low temperatures, you are forced to overexpose the strands between the plates. The temperature must be selected such that so that one stroke is enough for full straightening.

Wait until the device is ready for use. Most models have an indicator light for this. If it is missing, close the plates.

Place a strand between the plates, close them all the way and run from top to bottom. There is no need to linger on a separate site. Move from the back of the head, first in one direction, then in the other direction. After straightening the bottom layer of hair, work in the same way on the top layer of hair. For very long and thick hair, it is recommended to divide the entire head of hair into more zones.

A lot of positive reviews (including among hairdressers) have tongs BaByliss. Users note that styling does not take much time and holds well. Hair after using the styler is healthy, shiny, if you follow the rules of straightening, they do not deteriorate, do not dry out.

The model receives similar characteristics of users. Remington S8700. True, some buyers talk about the not very convenient design of the water tank - the lid is difficult to move, there is a risk of tearing off its rubberized tip.

Model of the same brand - REDMOND RCI-2328 - pleases with its accessibility and functionality, however, if you believe the reviews, it is inconvenient to use - hard to hold in your hand.

For an overview and testing of the Babyliss Pure Steam ST495E steam straightener, see the following video.