Steam straighteners: a potentially safer option for sleek, shiny hair

A lot of women cannot imagine their life without a straightener; it tames even the unruliest of locks in a short period before they leave the house. But using one regularly can lead to worsened hair conditions. To protect your hair, it's wise to use a heat protectant before straightening.

It's also crucial to know that steam straighteners, which are considered less damaging, are available on the market. So, what should you know about this device? We answer the basic queries below.

A steam straightener straightens your hair using steam, as the name implies. You would recognise it from a standard straightener by its water reservoir. The reservoir is heated, and the resulting steam is drawn to the plates through slits. This hot steam penetrates the hair, smoothing and straightening it. You use it on individual strands, just like a traditional straightening iron. Usually, a single fill of the water tank is enough for a hair-straightening session of about 15-25 minutes. If your hair is very thick and long, you might need to add more water during the session.

A traditional straightener is likely to be a bit thin and small. Since a steam device needs a water reservoir, it tends to be somewhat larger. Normal straighteners have smooth plates, whereas steam straighteners have slits and often a comb, which detangles your hair as you straighten. These differences are purely due to the device's design. Heated plates do the work on the conventional straighteners, whereas steam does the job on a steam straightener. That's the fundamental difference between the two.

Many believe that compared to a typical straightener, using a steam straightener regularly won't damage your hair as much. Most importantly, your hair won't dry out since you're dealing with not just heat, but also steam. Also, the steam ensures your hair is significantly less frizzy or static. Women often speak of the instant effect of smooth, shiny hair. Additionally, user reviews suggest that using a steam straightener is quicker. One brush per hair strand is usually enough for it to look perfectly straight. The effect of straight hair may even last a few days if you don't need to wash your hair frequently.

We suggest several factors to keep in mind when purchasing this device. Firstly, power is key – the more potent the device, the faster it warms up. Secondly, check the material of the plates: they are best if made from ceramic or titanium. Additional useful features include manual temperature control, which you can adjust based on your hair condition.

Investing in a steam straightener with an ionizing function is wise as it makes your hair exceptionally smooth. Even better results can be achieved with straighteners with a special keratin tank, which can strengthen and add shine to your hair.

There's no denying that steam straighteners are pricier than regular straighteners. However, their numerous advantages make them safer for your hair, which convinces many women that they are a worthwhile investment. Prices range from a few hundred to approximately £240 (based on an average conversion rate). This, of course, can vary depending on the brand and additional features. Such straighteners can be found in large electronic stores.