If you’re on the hunt for some new hair tools to help you achieve your dream hairstyle minus the damage, you are in the right place. If you’ve ever owned a flat iron, you have probably heard about the steam hair straightener, these can be considered better than conventional flat irons because they are less damaging, and today we’ll be sharing our top picks with you.
High-quality hair straighteners come with various features, including a heat protection pad, and auto-shutoff options to ensure stress-free styling. A hair straightener with steam is better in the sense that the water infusion makes a vapor that penetrates deep into the hair, retaining more moisture.
So, if you want something to straighten your hair that is more gentle, a professional steam hair straightener is the way to go.
A steam hair straightener is generally suitable for all hair types. No matter whether they are kinky, curly, wavy, or especially unruly. If you dream of silky smooth, shiny hair, the steam straightener can help you achieve the look of your dreams.
It doesn’t matter if you want a completely straight and smooth look or create curls, you can do both creating soft waves is no longer a problem with a steam hair straightener.
As you can tell, an infrared flat iron is a great investment for anyone who straightens their hair regularly. The search for a good quality steam straightener for hair can be overwhelming.
If you find it too difficult to choose among the sea of options in the market, continue reading and check out our top recommendations on the best steam hair straightener, where to find them, tips from users, and more like a straightener and curler in one.
Steam Hair Straightener Reviewed In This Guide
Best Overall: DORISILK Steam Hair Straightener
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: MKBOO Steam Hair Straightener
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest With Anion Care: BeautyCC – Steam Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For All Hair Types: SOLOFISH Salon Grade Steam Hair Straightener
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For Thick Hair: FURIDEN Pro Steam Hair Straightener
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Steam Hair Straightener For You?
Steaming flat irons are designed to replenish moisture during the straightening process, giving you stick-straight strands without over-drying your hair.
Like using a steaming flat iron to remove wrinkles from your delicate clothes, the vapor emitted from the plates of the hair straightener enables you to achieve perfectly straight and sleek hair.
The steam hair straightener that you select should align with your hair’s texture and density; so you want to consider the length and thickness of your hair.
A hair straightener with steam, has multiple benefits, including a reduced risk for heat damage, the right tool will also be easier to maneuver, style your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.
Look for a steam pod hair straightener with adjustable heat settings and a minimum that goes below 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Thick and textured hair needs adjustable heat settings that go up to the 400-degree range to ensure that the hair responds to the iron.
When selecting a professional steam hair straightener, you should aim to choose an iron that is best suited for your hair’s length and thickness. The larger the size, the faster the process. However, small plate sizes allow for more complex styling.
Choosing the best steam hair straightener for you will not only be down to your hair type but also understanding all the features and extras each model comes with. Whether you are going for a meeting or getting ready for a date night, you will need a professional steam hair straightener, that can help you style your mane for every event.
Types Of Steam Hair Straighteners
Ceramic Steam Hair Straightener
A ceramic steam hair straightener heats up evenly and lacks “cool spots” that other irons often have, which means that you’ll achieve a more even straightening job. For this reason, ceramic irons are also known for keeping frizz at bay and smoothing out the hair, especially for fine, thin strands.
Ceramic plate flat irons work exceptionally well for people who have thick hair and are very popular for women in the natural hair community with thick type 4b and 4b hair, women with thin hair may like to use a ceramic iron as long as it is thinner in diameter.
Full Ceramic Steam Hair Straightener
The full ceramic steam hair straightener plate design was the first one to be introduced into the market. But these ceramic plates are soft and can be quite fragile. So, dropping the straightener or closing it abruptly can damage the full ceramic plates.
Full ceramic plates are suitable for thin, fine, sensitive, and damaged tresses. The most renowned full-plate ceramic brands cost more than ceramic-coated straighteners.
Ceramic-Coated Steam Hair Straightener
Ceramic-coated plates have a suspension or floating system. The ceramic steam hair straightener is usually referred to as 3D floating ceramic plates. The plates tend to get hot quickly because of the metal that is beneath the ceramic coating.
Ceramic Coated with Tourmaline Steam Hair Straightener
The latest technology in hair straightening and curling is tourmaline. The term tourmaline refers to a gemstone or crystal that is crushed into a fine powder. The fine powder is used to coat the ceramic plates.
The best flat iron for damaged hair with infused tourmaline is said to give glossier and smoother results. The main advantage of tourmaline is the fact that it generates a lot of natural negative ions that are very effective at reviving damaged tresses.
Titanium Steam Hair Straightener
Titanium irons are known for heating up quickly and staying hot consistently during use. A professional steam hair straightener with titanium plates is exceptional at maintaining consistent heat levels.
They deliver a powerful ionic charge that helps impart smoothness and shine to your damaged tresses. Titanium plates are best suited for keratin-treated hair.
Best Steam Hair Straightener List
1. DORISILK Steam Hair Straightener
What We Like
- Ceramic Tourmaline
- Straightener and Curler
- Dual Voltage
- LED Display
What We Don’t Like
- Small Water Tank
Compare with the traditional hair straightener, this ceramic steam hair straightener adopts the latest steam technology. It offers 5 conditioning steam vents, and vapor water adds moisture and gloss to hair, making your hair healthier and safer.
1 1/4 inch uniform and stable heater Plate, heats up in ONE minute. The ceramic coating plate provides an amazingly shiny and healthy finisher, reducing hair loss and damage.
It is also time-saving with a 2-IN-1 design (straight & curling) and two-way for use. 3D floating plates for perfect hair straightening and hair curling.
You can use the styler as a regular straightener without steam by turning off the steam function or use the pure water steam style.
This professional steam hair straightener also features an adjustable temperature and auto shut-off. The display with adjustable modes of 6 different temperature settings (150-235℃/302-455℉) can meet your different needs, from fragile to coarse hair types.
What Our Testers Say
I love this straightener. It really does make my hair softer and much shinier. My hair stays straighter and longer too. The only thing is that you do have to be careful how you hold it because it can leak water a little bit, but the quality is good. I only had to refill the water compartment twice to straighten my hair.
I do have very fine hair though. This is why I like the different settings. The first one I bought was cracked where the plates are but the company replaced it fast. I would definitely buy it again.
How To Use DORISILK Steam Hair Straightener
- After washing the hair, apply your styling products of choice to the damp hair
- Dry your hair as usual
- Fill the steam hair straightener with distilled water and let it heat up
- Brush the hair and section off
- Style your hair as usual
- Finish off with your favorite hair serum in order to give the hair a perfectly shiny, smooth look.
2. MKBOO Steam Hair Straightener
What We Like
- Salon Professional
- Nano Titanium Ceramic
- Removable Comb
- Digital LCD
- Adjustable Temperature
What We Don’t Like
- A Bit Heavy
MKBOO hair straightener flat iron will automatically shut off in 60 minutes if you don’t use it.
The 360-degree swivel power cord makes you straighten your hair easily at any angle. LCD display screen and 40ML removable water tank let the straightening process more simple and safe.
This Travel Size Dual Voltage hair straightener comes with one Kettle and two hair clips. It is convenient for you to add water to the steam tank by using a kettle and Clipping to hair easily.
The MCH (Metal Ceramic Heater) gives even heat distribution and quick temperature recovery time.
The adjustable heat temperature from 150°C (300°F) to 230°C (450°F) allows you to match your specific hair type: thin, fine, wavy, or curled. In just one minute, it can heat up to the desired temperature and offer great results.
3D combs allow your hair to be neatly combed before straightening, preventing hair from being torn off and getting a better straightening effect.
What Our Testers Say
So have tried different hair straighteners over the years and ended up buying a couple every year. This was the first 5ime I spend that much on this product but it was all worth it.
This is a great product and has been using it for the past few days since so receives it. Even just by holding this straightener, you can feel that it’s a good professional product.
Had a few other choices at similar prices but I’m happy that I got this one. Also, the led display is very cool which again comes in handy with the temp control. Either you used a hair straightener iron before or you are just new to using it, you will love this just like I did.
Titanium plating aluminum plate gives your hair a smooth, silky, natural lustrous look by sealing the hair cuticles, thus reducing split ends and knotting.
7pcs steam holes ensure a constant 4.5g/min steam eruption, allowing water ions to penetrate into the hair, from the tip to the roots, locking 90% of the moisture and adding 50% more moisture to the hair. This innovative straight hair hydration technology lets you get silky-looking natural and healthy hair, rather than a flat burnt look.
Tips
The removable comb is designed for fine hair to untangle the hair, if you have thick hair, it is recommend taking it off before using it.
3. BeautyCC – Steam Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener
What We Like
- Conditioning Steam
- Travel Friendly
- Smart Features
What We Don’t Like
- No Comb
Harnessing the power of steam to silken strands and retain moisture, the Time to Shine Steam Hair Straightener produces next-level luster.
The xtava Time to Shine 1-inch Steam Straighteners for hair are designed with nano-ceramic and tourmaline plates to straighten thick or coarse hair without over-drying the follicles.
Choose between 350 degrees for delicate and normal hair and 450 degrees for thick or coarse hair. Point the steam hair straightener downward to activate the steam function while holding the hair taut between the plates.
Close tightly and glide across locks to feel the steam activate and flow through the groove of the plates.
What Our Testers Say
For you ladies who never have used one of these steaming straighteners: please get one! It will save your hair. I have natural big tingly curls and I love my curls, but I also love to straighten my hair.
My stylist who I have been going to for over ten years has even told me that since I started using a steaming straightener three years ago, my hair is healthier than ever.
Before that, I wouldn’t go near a straightener. I go to a special “fancy” salon in NYC for curly hair bc they know how to cut my curls. My hair is always beautiful, never frizzy, nowadays, and it’s because I use a steamer like this.
Fill the removable water reservoir to activate the steam feature. This steam flat iron kit includes a heat-resistant travel case so you can store it at home safely or travel without compromising on your style.
This professional steam hair straightener is designed with floating nano ceramic and tourmaline plates, a water dropper, a removable water tank for easy refills, a 60-minute auto shut-off function, an 8’10” 360-degree swivel cord, and heat resistant rubber handle.
Tips
Make sure the professional steam hair straightener points downward to activate the steam function.
4. SOLOFISH Salon Grade Steam Hair Straightener
What We Like
- Ceramic Flat Iron
- Anti-Static Technology
- Digital Controls
- All Hair Types
What We Don’t Like
- Water Evaporates Quickly
Ceramic plates for even heat that’s gentle on all hair types. 3D Floating plate for better contact and straighter results. High-quality material delivers 50% less static and fewer flyaways. Creating smooth, shiny hair with no damage.
The hair straightener with steam comes with 5 strong steam vents to ensure a constant 4.5g steam volume eruption. This innovative straight hair hydration technology, let you get silky-looking natural, and healthy hair.
Conditioning steam settings OFF/MED/HIGH. You also can use it as a traditional Straightener without Steam by turning off the Steam Function.
This professional steam hair straightener creates dramatic results on even the frizziest coarsest hair. Quickly straighten, and curl with minimal effort, dull hair into gorgeous shiny, and sleek looking.
What Our Testers Say
This steamer is amazing, I love how it sleeks my hair, it gives a shiny effect and it looks very healthy, my hair is coarse and dry, I added a little drop of argan Oil and the effect was incredible. I absolutely recommended it.
Advanced ceramic heater makes hair straightening iron available to heat up to 300℉ in 15 seconds, which helps you effectively save time in making your personal hairstyle.
The temperature of this hair straightener can be adjusted from 300℉ to 450℉. Nice performance for all hair types, especially for African American hair.
Tips
To avoid any accident, make sure to wear a safety glove that is served when used.
5. FURIDEN Pro Steam Hair Straightener
What We Like
- Easy To Use
- Travel Friendly
What We Don’t Like
- On The Heavy Side
FURIDEN steam hair straightener heats up fast and glides smoothly through the hair so it gets hair done after only 1 pass over the hair.
The Flat Iron makes it way easier for straightening hair and frizz-free hair in just several minutes.
FURIDEN steam hair straightener flat iron has 38 adjustable temperatures on an LED digital display, each temperature change is only 5F°with the control roller, you can choose the accurate mode that suits your hair more easily and with less damage.
This professional steam hair straightener locks your hair’s natural moisture under high temperatures, it will release safe steam when you style your hair and leaves your hair shiny and silk smooth.
Steam hydration helps prevent heat damage, leaving your hair looking healthy, soft, and sleek. The steam function of hair straighteners makes flat irons very easy on processed and damaged hair, providing more protection from breakage than conventional flat irons.
What Our Testers Say
I hesitated to buy this because of the steam. My hair will soak the moisture out of the air & the frizz is out of control. This is the best thing I have purchased in years!!! It smooths the frizz right out and even keeps my hair from reacting to the humidity.
I swear my hair is in better condition since I started using this. Buy it. You will not regret it. This is an honest review. I paid full price and did not receive any reward for this review!!!!
This Travel Size long hair straightener with dual voltage (110 – 240V AC) will automatically adjust to the proper voltage in your journey. It is also an ideal gift choice for beautiful ladies, young girls, and elegant women.
Tips
Do not add oil into tank into the steam hair straightener tank.
Steam Hair Straightener Buying Guide
What Is A Steam Hair Straightener?
As the name suggests, a steam hair straightener works with steam. Normal straighteners use constant heat through their plates, while a steam straightener gives off steam constantly in order to shape the hair.
Each version of a straightener usually allows for individual temperature control, in order to adapt it to the individual hair type. In order to give off heat evenly, most steam straighteners are equipped with high-quality ceramic plates that also provide optimal protection for the hair.
Hair that looked damaged and frazzled before, looks healthy, shiny, and strong after using the steam hair straightener. The especially gentle method delivers shiny, silky hair.
How Does A Steam Hair Straightener Work?
Flat irons in general, work by breaking down the positive hydrogen bonds found in the hair’s cortex, which causes hair to open, bend and become curly.
Steam flat irons use Vapor Infusion Technology to straighten your strands more efficiently than regular straighteners while preventing heat damage to the hair. The released steam adds moisture to prevent over-drying, leaving your hair healthy-looking and silky smooth.
Features To Look For In A Steam Hair Straightener
Heat Settings
A steam straightener for hair that features adjustable heat settings is a must-have. Even with an idea, getting a unit that provides adjustable heat settings is a great idea since a specific temperature might be the same as a similar temperature on another straightener.
So, get the hair straighteners reviewed in this article since these provide room to customize the heat settings based on your hair type, enabling you to select a heat setting that is safe for your hair.
Always consider an adjustable unit with a low-temperature setting of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit and a high-temperature rating of about 455 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plate Size
Your hair thickness and length will determine the plate size you should look for. It’s good to keep in mind, though, that a narrower plate makes it easier to get to hard-to-reach spots.
Flat irons for damaged hair are available in many sizes from mini to larger designs depending on the size of the hair. Sizes to consider
- 1/2-inch plates: This size is ideal for bangs and pixie cuts
- 1-inch plates: This size is suitable for fine, short hair
- 1-1/4-inch plates: This is the size to look for if you have medium-thick or shoulder-length tresses
- 1-1/2-inch plates: If you have curly, coarse, or thick hair that is longer than your shoulder, then this is the right size
- 2-inch plates: These are reserved for very long, thick hair
Plate Material
Different steam flat irons feature different materials on the heating plates. Nano Titanium ceramic is highly popular, as they act as a great heat distributor while ensuring a smooth glide because of the ceramic.
On the other hand, tourmaline plates help to emit negative ions designed to add shine to the hair and reduce frizz. As a result, you can expect such plates to help you achieve professional styling results with a lot of ease.
Round vs. Bevel Edge Plates
Round edge plates are the best for styling curls. The rounded edges allow for smoother maneuvers with little to no irritation. Bevel edge plates; on the other hand, can easily be manipulated to cup or bend on the ends.
Dual Voltage Capacity
If you are a frequent overseas traveler. Then check if your iron has dual voltage capacity. 110V and 220V are the two options for dual voltage. This will let you use it at home and also abroad.
A dual voltage, world voltage, or universal voltage straightener is one that is engineered to accept both 220 to 240-volt and 110-to-120-volt outlets.
Handling and Maneuverability
It doesn’t matter how well the straightener performs on your tresses if you cannot handle it comfortably. So, you need to choose a model with an anti-skid handle.
This design will provide a strong one-hand grip for superior straightening and styling flexibility. With a strong grip, you will not have to hold the tip of the tool and risk touching the hot plates.
High-capacity Water Tank
Also, you do not want to get a straightener that features a small water reservoir. The reason is that such a reservoir requires you to fill it often, which results in more time taken.
Hence, get a flat iron that accommodates a large water tank to eliminate the need for frequent refills.
Automatic Shutoff
Distraction is one of the reasons why you might forget to switch off the steam hair straightener after use. To avoid risking the safety of your premise, get a straightener that includes an automatic shutoff feature.
This feature gives you peace of mind knowing that the flat iron will automatically power off if left unattended for some time.
Microsensor Technology
Even though not all flat irons come with microsensor technology, those which do are highly efficient and reliable. The smart sensors are normally implanted into the plates to monitor the amount of moisture in your hair.
Then the sensors automatically adjust the heat level to offer the best straightening and styling results. Smart sensors also help to distribute heat evenly across the plates.
Digital Controls and Temperature Lock
Keep an eye out for a design that has digital controls with an intuitive LCD. Digital controls allow for easy temperature adjustments. You just have to tap on the positive or negative sign.
The LCD readout displays the exact heat level you have selected. Also, you can consider a temperature lock. This unique feature locks on the selected heat level after about five seconds.
Common Questions About Steam Hair Straighteners
Is steam straightener good for your hair?
Yes, a steam hair straightener is better for the hair, as the steam helps to style the hair gentler. The steam also helps nourish ingredients in hair products to penetrate the hair deeper.
Is steam better than flat iron?
Experts say the steam opens the hair follicle and allows the moisture to penetrate while straightening or curling. This results in less damage and a softer, glossier finish. They also smooth a lot faster, with only one or two passings needed on each section.
Is a steam straightener good for frizzy hair?
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.
Can I steam my hair every day?
If your hair is relatively healthy, then once a month, is ideal. If your hair is very parched, steam every 7-10 days. A weekly dose of steaming adds extra hydration to the hair and over time steam improves elasticity and moisture retention.
Why do you need a steam hair straightener?
- Works well for coarse hair: Using a steam straightener helps straighten natural, kinky, and coarse hair, giving you salon-like results at home. Using a steam iron can be a safe alternative to chemical relaxers. If you do relax your natural hair, you will need to get relaxer touch-ups less often.
- Less damage from heat: Steam hydration helps prevent heat damage, leaving your hair looking healthy, soft, and sleek. The steam function makes flat irons very easy on processed and damaged hair, providing more protection from breakage than conventional flat irons.
- Longer-lasting results: The straightening effects of a steam flat iron last longer than the effects of regular hair straighteners. The steam helps keep your hair straight all day or until your next shower.
- More shine: The steam mist adds smoothness and shine, giving your style a beautiful glossy finish.
- Less frizz: Vapor Infusion Technology makes hair more resistant to humidity, providing better frizz control.
Who should use a steam hair straightener?
Thick, coarse hair is difficult to tame with a conventional flat iron. This type of hair requires more time and heat to create the style you want and frequent touch-ups to keep the hair straight.
Steam-infused flat irons use bursts of steam to effectively straighten problematic hair that resists heat straightening, giving you longer-lasting results than traditional hair straighteners.
How to use a steam hair straightener?
- Make sure your hair is clean, detangled, and completely dry before using a flat iron with a steam feature. You will still need to use a heat protectant to prevent or minimize heat damage.
- Wear a burn-proof glove while straightening your hair to avoid burning yourself, especially when you use the unit for the first time.
- Fill the reservoir with distilled water and add a few drops of argan oil to enhance the shine. Adding oil works especially well for individuals with dry or normal hair. Re-insert the reservoir into place, making sure it will not leak.
- Turn on the vapor button to activate the steam function. Select the steam level setting. Coarse hair requires a higher steam setting, while delicate and normal hair can be straightened at lower steam settings.
- Point the flat iron downward to activate the steam function, holding it tightly while sliding your hair between the plates.
- Turn the iron off when you need to refill the water reservoir to avoid burning yourself.
- Clean the plates after every use to prevent the steam holes from getting clogged.
Enjoy Your New Best Steam Hair Straightener
Now that you have learned about these professional steam hair straightener options, you can decide what’s best for your hair. We hope this guide was helpful in your hunt for the best steam hair straightener.
Keep in mind your choice of hair straightener with steam will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your hair length, texture, and thickness.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out. We are always happy to hear from you.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.
