3 days ago
Yes, Even Steam Can Straighten Your Hair—Here Are the Best Tools Experts Love
While traditional hair straighteners can have salon-quality effects on your hairstyle du jour—think sleek texture, enviable gleam, and tamed flyaways—the hot tools are not always beneficial for hair health, especially when it comes to maintaining moisture. What if we told you there was a one-step fix to straightening your hair while keeping moisture intact? Enter the best steam hair straighteners, which offer all the aforementioned perks without zapping the hair of moisture.
'Steam allows for a gentler, more hydrating straightening process compared to traditional dry heat,' says Min Kim, a celebrity colorist and the US and global ambassador of L'Oréal Professionnel. 'The water vapor in steam helps maintain the hair's internal moisture levels while smoothing the cuticle. This results in less breakage, reduced frizz, and a shinier, more polished finish.'
Kim particularly recommends a steam hair straightener for anyone with frizz-prone, textured, dry, or color-treated hair. 'It's also fantastic for smoothing high-porosity hair and maintaining softness in blonde or sensitized hair that typically loses elasticity from too much heat exposure,' she says. When selecting a steam hair straightener for at-home styling, Kim recommends looking for models that support consistent steam output and have adjustable settings. She also notes that straightening tools with high-quality ceramic or anodized plates will pay off for long-term hair health. In short: 'You want a device that not only straightens, but also nourishes and protects the hair in the process.'
Which tool deserves your trust? Ahead, browse our guide to the steam straighteners that earn the highest praise from industry pros and savvy home stylists alike.
'The L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod is an excellent example of steam technology in action,' Kim says. 'It uses continuous steam to straighten or style the hair while preserving softness and integrity.' As a plus, the coveted tool does more than just straighten the hair. Edgar Parra, a senior stylist at Benjamin New York, says that 'it's a great investment [because] clients can easily curl and straighten their hair with it for versatile styles.'
Heat settings: 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: Anodized aluminum
Features: Leak-free water tank, detachable comb, intelligent heat control
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: 'This delivers strong, even steam. It doesn't require much heat to get a really smooth, flawless result.' — Jill Turnbull, editorial and backstage hairstylist
Designed to straighten the hair in 10 minutes flat, Wavytalk Steamline Pro performs multiple functions. The multitasking tool is a steamer, brush, and straightener all in one. It even comes with a silky scrunchie designed by influencer Danielle Athena, who helped develop the product and give it a moment of TikTok fame. And if you like your straighteners candy-colored, you're in luck: This model is available in white, baby blue, and ballet pink.
Heat settings: 320 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: Rather than plates, this has a straightening brush with patented 3D teeth
Features: Anti-scald shell, automatically turns off after 30 minutes, universal voltage compatibility, comes with accessories including hair clips and a protective glove
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: 'This three-in-one tool is great for all hair textures. It leaves the hair smooth, hydrated, and glossy. It's perfect for someone on the go seeking that salon-style blowout at home.' —Edgar Parra
For a hybrid between a traditional flat iron and a steam straightener, this Steam Therapy Flat Iron comes recommended by the pros. Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Contents Haircare, notes that this two-in-one tool has adjustable heat settings—five, to be precise—which makes it a practical choice for at-home styling. Designed to straighten the hair with or without steam, the tool has a base station reservoir that can refill its tank in 60 seconds.
Heat settings: 338 to 455 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: Titanium-cushioned Features: Removable comb, extra-long floating plates, sensor heat technology
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
Our expert says: 'Look for soft or cushioned plates that flex under pressure, such as the titanium-cushioned plates in this Steam Therapy Flat Iron. These adjust to the hair's thickness and ensure even contact, reducing the risk of snagging or uneven straightening.' —Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa
With an impressive six heat settings to choose from, which range from 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, Hot Tools' steam straightener gets a stamp of approval from Turnbull. Beyond its adjustable settings—with the lowest heat settings catering to fine and thin hair—the device offers plenty more room for a customized styling session. It's a steam-optional device, has steam-control settings ranging from high to low, and can also put out continuous or intermittent steam. What's more, it can help create straight, wavy, and curly looks.
Heat settings: 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: Ceramic
Features: Center steam channel, dual voltage for travel
Amazon rating: 4.1/ 5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is the best flat iron I ever bought for my wavy, thin, fine hair. I love it! Doesn't fry my hair or burn it. Great price, great product.'
Offering eight to 20 minutes of continuous steam, Angelique's professional-grade tool is another one of Turnbull's picks. It can be used as a regular flat iron or a steam styler, and it has adjustable heat settings. The product is particularly recommended for those with thick or coarse hair, and the brand recommends adding a few drops of chia oil into the water tank for glossy, extra-smooth results.
Heat settings: Multiple, ranging from 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: Ceramic-coated tourmaline crystal
Features: 360-degree swivel cord, dual voltage, heats up in 60 seconds
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'My hair is hard to tame, and I've got to say this works. It is the best straightener I've ever used. I think it's even better than the one my hairdresser uses.'
With six adjustable heat settings, DoriSilk's easy-on-the-budget straightener has settings that cater to a range of hair types, including thin, curly, thick, and coarse hair. The tool is compact and relatively easy to use, and its floating, ceramic-coated tourmaline plates help boost the hair's shine.
Heat settings: 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Plate type: 3D ceramic tourmaline
Features: Floating plates, lock and unlock function, fast-heating core, 360-degree swivel cord
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: 'I have always wanted to be able to straighten my hair with ease, but it always took me like 45 min to get my hair straight. With this steam styler, it takes me no time and my hair is shiny and straight for days! I'm obsessed!'
'Steam heat drives moisture deeper into the hair fiber while straightening, helping to maintain hydration and elasticity—two things traditional flat irons often take away,' Turnbull says. 'It's gentler on the cuticle and lowers the risk of breakage. Instead of drying the hair out, steam supports the hair's natural moisture balance.' She likens the process to ironing clothes, noting that linens and cotton smooth out better with steam. 'Hair reacts the same way,' she says.
'As with any heat tool, overuse or improper technique can lead to damage, especially if you're not protecting the hair,' Kim says. That said, she notes that the best steam hair straighteners are thoughtfully designed to reduce the risk of hair damage compared to traditional flat irons. 'The key is using a steam straightener on tangle-free, dry hair, and avoiding high heat on compromised or overly porous strands,' she says. It's also important to manage expectations. 'Steam alone just doesn't give the same results as a traditional flatiron,' says Vanessa Ocando, a celebrity hairstylist in New York City. 'If your hair already has a soft wave and you're just trying to tame frizz or get a bit more polish, they can work really well.' In short, she says: 'I wouldn't reach for one if I wanted super sleek hair, but it's great for someone who wants a natural finish with movement, not a flat, pressed look.'
'Steam straighteners are a godsend for those with thick, coarse, curly, or dehydrated hair types and textures,' Turnbull says. 'They're also a perfect match for color-treated or chemically processed hair, as they smooth without aggressively dehydrating. If your hair tends to need more moisture, is frizzy or dull, a steam straightener could be your new best friend.'
When it comes to steam styling, 'Preparation is key to maximizing both results and protection,' Kim says. She reiterates that starting with clean, dehydrated hair is always best, as steam straighteners work best on dry strands. 'Use a lightweight heat protectant that complements steam technology and gently detangle hair before styling to prevent unnecessary tension,' she says. 'Additionally, sectioning the hair and working in small, even pieces also allows for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.'
'Go for a steam straightener with adjustable heat settings and a steady, diffused steam output,' Ocando says. 'Ceramic or tourmaline plates help keep things smooth and even.' She adds that if the straightener comes with a comb attachment, that's all the better. 'It helps guide the hair as you pass through while adding some tension to smooth out waves,' she says. Finally, when considering which steam straightener to buy, 'Keep in mind that steam straighteners are more about soft styling and frizz control than sleek, pin-straight hair,' Ocando says. 'They're perfect if you like a more relaxed, touchable finish.'
Min Kim is a celebrity colorist and the US and Global Ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel
Vanessa Ocando, a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City
Edgar Parra, a celebrity hairstylist and a senior stylist at Benjamin New York
Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Contents Haircare
Jill Turnbull is an editorial and backstage hairstylist and the founder of Jill Turnbill Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE contributor Jenny Berg spoke to experts about the benefits of steam hair straighteners. Using expert insights, she searched the internet for the top-rated models on the market.
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