Best Steam Flat Irons for Safe Straightening

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 20, 2023
If you prefer a straight hairstyle but your hair is too dry or damaged, a steam flat iron can become your solution. Using liquid from a water tank instead of the natural moisture of your hair, it protects it from overdrying and ensures great results at the same time. Look through 5 of the best models represented on the market and choose the one you like best. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Material of a Plate
Plate Width
Heat Settings
Temperature
Heat Time
Features
Warranty
 
PROS

The iron comes with a removable 3D Tooth Comb that works great for reducing split ends and knotting while styling.

CONS

The water tank has a bit too narrow opening. 

OUR VERDICT

The MKBOO straightener is a dual-voltage device that can help you look fabulous in any corner of the world. It's a beautifully-designed product that delivers professional results, just as promised.

detailed parameters
Material of a Plate

Nano Titanium Ceramic

Plate Width

1.25"

Heat Settings

5

Temperature

300°F - 450°F

Heat Time

30 seconds

Features

360° swivel cord, Auto temperature lock, Dual voltage, LCD digital display, Removable comb teeth, Water bottle

Warranty

2 years

PROS

It offers 38 heat settings ranging from 265°F to 450°F so that every woman can choose the most accurate mode for her hair texture.

CONS

Changing the heat might seem inconvenient at first. 

OUR VERDICT

The Furiden LM-185 is a high-quality straighter that can help you look your best wherever you are. It supports dual voltage and comes with a heatproof zippered case.

detailed parameters
Material of a Plate

Ceramic 

Plate Width

1"

Heat Settings

38

Temperature

265°F - 450°F

Heat Time

15 seconds

Features

360° swivel cord, Automatic shut-off, LCD digital display, Locking switch, Dual voltage, Water bottle, Heatproof pouch, 2 hair clips

Warranty

6 months

PROS

It's the only steam straightening iron designed with the advanced Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology.

CONS

Side control buttons can easily be pressed by accident.

OUR VERDICT

The Infiniti Pro is a highly customizable and easy-to-use iron. It'll impart a glossy sleekness to your hair and help you create sensational hairstyles every time. Suitable for any hair type including extremely coarse and thick textures.

detailed parameters
Material of a Plate

Tourmaline Ceramic with Ionic steam

Plate Width

1.5"

Heat Settings

5

Temperature

338°F - 455°F

Heat Time

30 seconds

Features

360° swivel cord, Automatic shut-off, LCD digital display, Locking switch, 3 retractable combs, Bonus heat instrument case, Water bottle

Warranty

Limited 5-year warranty

PROS

It offers 6 different temperature settings (from 302°F to 455°F) to meet every styling need. Suitable for all hair types, from fragile to coarse.

CONS

It may be difficult to change temperature during styling.

OUR VERDICT

The DORISILK iron is a professional tool that can help you experiment with your style. It can create loose waves or pin-straight styles quickly and in the most gentle way possible.

detailed parameters
Material of a Plate

Tourmaline Ceramic 

Plate Width

1.25"

Heat Settings

6

Temperature

302°F - 455°F

Heat Time

60 seconds

Features

360° swivel cord, Automatic shut-off, LCD digital display, Locking switch, Cold tip end, Worldwide dual voltage, 2 steam settings, Water bottle

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Designed with nano ceramic and tourmaline floating plates, the iron is able to straighten thick or coarse hair without overdrying the follicles. 

CONS

It has only two temp settings.

OUR VERDICT

Made simple, the xtava Steam Flat Iron has only two temperature settings. Yet, it generates plenty of steam and may be a worthy purchase for girls with normal or coarse, frizzy hair. It has a rubberized handle and is very convenient to use.

detailed parameters
Material of a Plate

Nano Ceramic and Tourmaline

Plate Width

1"

Heat Settings

2

Temperature

360°F, 450°F

Heat Time

60 seconds

Features

360° swivel cord, Heat resistant rubber handle, 60-minute auto shut off, Storage pouch, Removable water reservoir, Water dropper

Warranty

2 years

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MKBOO Steam Plus

Professional Results

The MKBOO 1 1/4" Flat Iron is a definite leader in the industry of hair straightening. It's a professional iron that can deliver you salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. To begin with, it's designed with 1.25" ceramic plates that have become a big buzz owing to their superior properties. Ceramic ensures even heat distribution throughout the entire plate without hot spots. Also, it's known to cause 50% less hair splitting and damage compared to metal surfaces.

The plates are sufficiently wide to style any hair length yet narrow enough to let you style your bangs and baby hair. And thanks to their floating design, they ensure maximum contact with your hair per each pass. As a result, the iron straightens hair faster with less damage. It's worth emphasizing that the floating plates have curved edges to let you straighten, curl, or flip your hair.

The iron has one superior feature to most other straighteners. That's the extra-large 40-ml water tank which allows you to style your hair without the need to stop and refill the tank. It ensures that continuous steam flows gently through the hair fibers, smoothing and repairing them. After filling the tank, you'll need to wait for one minute to let the iron reach its full heat potential. As soon as the light on the handle stops flashing, the straightener is ready for use.

There are five heat settings to choose from a 300°F - 450°F temperature range. And once you've chosen the most optimal temperature for your hair texture, you can secure it with the auto lock to prevent accidental changes.

Review of MKBOO Steam Plus Hair Straightener Care Pro

Innovative Design

Another highlight of this iron is that it comes with a removable 3D Tooth Comb that can help you disperse your hair equally and achieve better results than traditional irons. The comb works great for reducing split ends and knotting while styling. And as a result, the heat spreads more evenly all across the length, giving your hair a lustrous look.

For easy handling, the MKBOO steam hair straightener is fitted with a 10-ft swivel cord allowing you to style comfortably at any angle. And although it comes with a US plug, it can be used overseas with a correct adaptor, as it's compatible with 100 V- 240V AC.

The MKBOO straightener can help you look fabulous in any corner of the world. It's a beautifully designed product that delivers professional results as promised.

MKBOO Steam Plus Hair Straightener Care Pro in the use
Last updated price $59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07JM1ZJS3

 

Furiden Steam Hair Straightener

For Any Hair Type

From styling to shaving and grooming, FURIDEN offers something to help you elevate your unique style and look great on any occasion. The company has been producing grooming tools for more than 10 years now, so you can be confident in the highest quality of the FURIDEN steam hair straightener.

The main perk of the iron is surely its wide temperature range. With 38 heat settings ranging from 265°F to 450°F, you'll be able to choose the most accurate mode for your hair texture.

The iron has a handy temperature control wheel which is nicely composed into the side of the unit. When turned on, the iron goes up to 355°F by default, and you should turn the said roller while holding the power button down to change temperature. It may seem a bit inconvenient at first but you'll quickly get used to it.

The size of the plates is 1 inch, which is considered to be a golden mean - the straightener is suitable for long and short hair, normal or damaged hair. Boasting the steaming function, the iron provides more protection from breakage and gives longer-lasting results compared to conventional irons. It also gives a beautiful glossy finish and ensures better frizz control.

Review of Furiden Steam Hair Straightener Flat Iron for Hair

Suitable for Traveling

This hair straightener overall has a very nice look to it - the metallic pink color is not too flashy. The iron comes in a luxurious packaging - a gorgeous silver thermo-proof pouch in a sliding-out box. The box also contains two hair clips and a small clear plastic bottle for refilling the water container.

The iron has a switch button that makes it possible to lock the plates when not in use. This is an especially useful addition if you're going to pack it in your suitcase quite often. By the way, the iron supports dual voltage (110 - 240V AC) and will automatically adjust to the proper voltage in the country you're staying in. The only requirement is having a proper adapter.

To wrap things up, for those looking for the best steam flat iron for natural hair, the Furiden LM-185 can be the best choice. Boasting as many as 38 temperature settings, it'll suit just about any hair type.

Furiden Steam Hair Straightener Flat Iron for Hair in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07MX7WN4Z

 

Conair Infiniti Pro

Advanced Technologies

The Infiniti Pro 1-1/2-Inch Nano Silver Straightener is the only steam straightening iron designed with the advanced Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology. The nano silver makes the wide 1.5" plates glide smoothly through your hair without friction, while the tourmaline ceramic smooths the cuticles to protect your hair from heat damage. And a built-in Ion generator effectively eliminates frizz and flyaways by producing millions of negatively charged ions. The powerful combo of steam and ions instantly makes your hair more manageable and shiny. Consequently, you get softer hair and longer lasting pin-straight style each time you use the Infiniti Pro Straightener.

The iron is featured with retractable detangling combs that can help you separate tangles and tame even the most coarse and unruly hair! The comb guides the hair strands between the plates, ensuring even results from roots to ends. Depending on your hair length and structure, you can choose high or low comb height, as well as retract it completely. Also, you're free to choose one of five LED temperature settings from a low 285°F heat for fine or processed hair to a high 395°F heat for coarse, thick, and frizzy hair. And the adjustment options don't stop here. You can also set low or high steam settings, which is a feature rarely found in similar irons.

Review of Conair Infiniti Pro Ionic Steam Flat Iron

Ease of Use

Tech specs aside, the Infiniti Pro Flat Iron is easy to use and maintain. Simply fill the detachable water tank and enjoy up to 20 minutes of hair-conditioning steam. As mentioned, the multi-level steam can be turned to high or low settings depending on your hair type. To prolong the lifespan of the device, it's recommended to use distilled water only. And after use, it's better to empty the tank and wipe the plates with a damp cloth.

For hygienic storage, the straightener comes with a multi-layered, heat resistant mat and pouch. When straightening, you can use it as a mat to rest the iron, thus, protecting your countertops from high heat. After use, you can fold and snap it closed to store your hot iron safely.

So, if you need a good iron that is highly customizable and easy to use, the Infiniti Pro with 2-step straightening system is a solid choice. It'll impart a glossy sleekness to your hair and help you create sensational hairstyles every time.

Conair Infiniti Pro Ionic Steam Flat Iron in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00132TISE

 

DORISILK Professional Steam Styler

For All Hair Types

DORISILK is not a well-known brand in the mass market, but salon stylists widely use its products in the professional industry. The company delivers top-quality styling tools at very competitive prices and this steam flat iron is no exception. It costs less than $40 but still falls into the "professional" category.

The iron adopts the latest steam technology and is produced with 5 conditioning steam vents all across the plate surface. The vapored water moisturizes hair and adds gloss to it, making it look much healthier. For your preference, you can switch between Medium or High steam jets. Plus, you can use the iron as an ordinary styler without steam by switching off the steam function.

Made with PTC technology, the straightener heats up in less than one minute. When the LED display stops blinking, it means the iron has reached the temperature you set. By the way, the product boasts one of the widest ranges of temperature settings. The Low setting (300°F-340°F) is good for fragile, very fine hair; Medium (370°F-410°F) for normal hair; High (430°F-450°F) for thick and frizzy hair. As you see, this straightener can meet different needs, from thin to coarse textures.

Review of DORISILK Professional Steam Styler Straighteners for Hair

2-in-1

This is a 2-in-1 appliance that can be used as a straightener and a curling iron. The thing is that it's produced with 3D floating plates for perfect hair straightening and curling. Of course, you won't be able to create tight curls with this iron, but for sexy waves, it's quite ok. To make loose beachy waves, you'll need to take a small section of your hair, wrap it to the back, twist the iron all the way up, and slowly pull down.

However, no product is flawless. Some users find it inconvenient that the control buttons are placed on the inside of the iron, just under the plates. So, changing the temperature might be a bit tricky during the styling process. However, others consider this design peculiarity quite beneficial, since you won't accidentally change settings as what often happens with outside buttons.

Summing up everything said above, the DORISILK iron is a professional styler that can help you experiment with your style. It can create loose waves or pin-straight styles quickly and in the most gentle way possible. Thanks to 6 temperature settings, you are sure to find the perfect one for your very hair type.

DORISILK Professional Steam Styler Straighteners for Hair in the use
Last updated price $39.86
Stock In stock
ASIN B078W4VY3N

 

Xtava Professional Steam Flat Iron

Especially Great for Thick and Coarse Hair

Do you have coarse or thick hair and look for a flat iron that won't damage it? Then this xtava Steam straightener may catch your fancy. The general reception is very positive for both coarse and normal hair, and similar to the rest of the products on our list, this iron has a lot of novelty features your hair can benefit from.

To begin with, the Xtava Hair Straightener is made with nano-ceramic and tourmaline coats to subdue even extra-frizzy locks. The 1-inch plates uncurl dense or bristly hair without overdrying the follicles. Consequently, they will make your hair sparkly, sleek, and sophisticated for a whole day or two.

Typically, the Xtava flat irons have plates that float, and this model isn't an exception. Equipped with floating plates, the straightener will provide a better grip on your hair and keep it in constant contact with heat without cold spots.

Made simple with just two temperature settings, the steamer will work well for those of us with normal or frizzy, coarse hair. The delicate 350 degrees is great for normal and, probably, fine hair, while 450 degrees will do wonders for thick, kinky hair types. The handy indicator light will flash as the tool heats up to the required setting.
Review of Xtava Professional Steam Flat Iron Hair Straightener

So Much Steam

The first thing you'll note after delivery is that the packaging is very nice and feels premium, which shows attention to detail. The manufacturer has packed everything individually and even added a heating glove and water dropper with the purchase. The said accessory is a huge bonus since it's quite hard otherwise to get water into the water tank. Speaking of which, the reservoir is removable and supports 8-10 minutes of continuous hair styling after refilling. It opens easily by pulling out the black, T-shaped plug underneath. Once full, it'll amaze you with the amount of steam that it pushes out.

To activate the steam function, you need to make sure that the iron points downward. Then you should hold the hair taut and start gliding from the roots, keeping the clamp and the iron closed. This way, steam will flow through the grooves of the plates and infuse your hair with plenty of moisture and shine.

All this surely makes the xtava Steam Flat Iron a worthy purchase for girls that struggle to tame their coarse, frizzy hair. With nano-ceramic/tourmaline plates and a powerful jet of steam, it can really make your hair smoother and healthier than ever.

Xtava Professional Steam Flat Iron Hair Straightener in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.81
Stock In stock
ASIN B01LWT37P3

 

What Is a Steam Flat Iron?

The name of a steam flat iron makes it easy for you to guess what this appliance is and how it works. It is a hair straightener with a steam option that has become more and more popular in the beauty market. So what’s so special about this appliance? The answer is the power of steam. Unlike a regular flat iron (that uses the moisture of your hair to straighten it), a steam iron preserves your natural moisture and prevents your hair from overdrying. Thus, steam straighteners are considered to have a gentler influence on your hair than dry ones. Moreover, they moisturize your hair, making it shinier and eliminating frizz. Also, a steam straightener is a real catch for people with coarse, unruly hair since the combination of steam and high temperatures can produce better results than heat only. The beauty of steam flat irons is that the steam function is not only adjustable but also optional. You can choose the steam intensity that fits your very hair type or turn this option off when you need to use your appliance as a regular straightener.

Please note that a steam flat iron (just like any flat iron) must be used only on dry hair, so it's crucial to dry it well before styling.

What Features to Compare

Material

The material of the plates determines how easily an iron will glide over your hair while the width of the plates influences the amount of time you’ll spend on hair straightening. Speaking of the material of flat iron plates, ceramic is the most widespread option. This material is a great heat distributor and its smooth structure doesn’t catch or pull hair (like what can happen with aluminum plates, for example). One more material that manufacturers often use in straightener production is ceramic infused with tourmaline particles. Tourmaline is a mineral that emits negative ions necessary to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair. As for the width of the plates, the wider one you choose, the larger hair section you’ll be able to treat in one go.

Heat Settings

Knowing the heat settings of your appliance, you’ll be able to understand whether this or that model fits your hair type. In general, steamflat irons have several temperature options (from 2 to 6) and the higher this number is, the more hair types an iron can handle. If you know for sure the most effective temperature to treat your hair, a model with 2 heat settings will be enough. However, if you don’t know how your hair reacts to this or that temperature, it is better to choose an appliance with a wider heat range. You’ll also appreciate an appliance with more temperature settings if you need a model for professional use to treat different hair types.

Features

We bet you want your steam straightener to be not only functional but also easy-to-use. So, pay attention to the features that determine a straightener’s convenience of use.

  • Built-in comb teeth save you the trouble of combing every hair section before you treat it with an iron – comb and straighten your hair with one movement.
  • 360° swivel cord is almost a must since it’s impossible to imagine a modern electric hair tool with a tangling cord.
  • Auto shut-off feature is more about safety than convenience, yet, it will come in handy if you often forget to unplug electric devices after you finish using them.
  • LCD display shows you the temperature setting you choose as well as heating progress so that you always know when the appliance is ready to use.
  • Dual voltage option will definitely be to your liking if you travel a lot and want to look perfect wherever you are.
  • Package can include not only an iron but also some accessories that will make hair straightening easier. You can often find a heat-resistant glove or hair clips inside the box.
  • Don’t overlook the location of control buttons since they determine how convenient it will be for you to choose the necessary settings. If the controls are located on the side of an iron, it’s possible that you’ll accidentally push some buttons when using the appliance.

Keeping all these features in mind when choosing your appliance, you’ll be able to choose the best steam hair straightener that will meet all your needs.

In Any Price Range

It comes as no surprise that the performance and price of a product often come hand in hand. We’ve carried out some research to help you figure out what you can expect from steam flat irons presented in different price categories.

Cheap (Under $40)

Although you shouldn’t expect much from a cheap hair straightener, cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Steam flat irons that cost 30$-40$ are intended for average users and can meet basic styling needs. As a rule, flat irons in this price range do not boast many heat settings, and unlike sophisticated models, do not have many additional conveniences like an LED display or variable controls, for example. More often than not, they have only two or three temperature options that cannot be adjusted and have a simpler coating without any innovative infusions. Having said that, you may still be lucky enough to find a good and affordable flat iron from a less popular brand that will have some of the features of expensive straighteners.

Mid-priced (Around $80)

Steam flat irons within this price range are worth your attention if you’re looking for a straightener for home use. They have many features and provide several heat settings options (5-6) for your choice. No matter the type of your hair, you'll be able to pick a suitable model from this range with ease. Steam flat irons from the mid-priced range often have an attractive and sleek design and are more than a pleasure to use. On top of the features presented in cheap models, these usually feature built-in comb teeth that allow for better heat distribution and come supplied with a richer package consisting of hair clips, brushes, a small plastic bottle, and sometimes even heat-resistant gloves. Buying one of these, you will be able to straighten your hair right after unpacking the box without the need to buy anything else in addition.

Expensive (Over $80)

If you’re looking for an appliance this expensive, we dare suppose you need it for professional use. Of course, these steam flat irons have a lot of temperature settings since you’ll need to handle different hair types and provide a personal approach to every client. Unlike cheaper models for home use, expensive ones are equipped with various innovative technologies to make the process of straightening hair healthier, safer, and faster. Thus, besides ceramic plates (that are the most frequent choice for hair straighteners), professional models are often equipped with ionic, infrared, and tourmaline technologies to bring the maximum benefit to your client’s hair. Usability features of expensive models will also please you. Long swivel cords provide you with the freedom of movement while the light weight of the appliance prevents fatigue in your arms. Finally, an ergonomic design in combination with well-thought-out controls makes the use of expensive steam straighteners as easy as anything.

FAQ:

Q: I don’t see steam when I use my flat iron. Is everything OK with my appliance?
A: If you don’t see steam, it doesn’t mean that your appliance doesn’t work. Straighteners of this type aren’t supposed to produce as much steam as a clothing steam iron, for example. The aim of steam in straighteners is to moisturize your hair, not to dampen it. That’s why, more often than not, steam won’t be visible at all. If you aren’t sure whether your appliance works properly, you can check this by clamping plates for several times. If you see water drops there or the groove is slightly damp, it means the straightener functions right. 

Q: How do I take proper care of my steam straightener?
A: Just like any other electric appliance, a flat iron should be used, cleaned, and stored properly if you want it to serve you for years. As for usage, the main thing you want to keep in mind is that steam irons should be used with water or non-oily hair care products only (check user’s guide of your device to know for sure). It’s important to follow this rule since oily substances block steam vents leading to steam option malfunction. Cleaning isn’t a necessary process till the plates of your straightener don’t gather hair or lint particles on their surface. Proper storage means emptying a water tank after every use, allowing your appliance to cool down before storage, and avoiding wrapping the cord tightly to prevent wire damage.

Q: Can I use my steam flat iron on wet hair?
A: Beauty experts don’t recommend, even prohibit, using flat irons on wet hair. The thing is that wet hair conducts heat better than dry one, thus, it is more prone to damage. Some experts say that using a straightener on wet hair is the same thing as boiling it. Moreover, wet hair reacts to hot plates differently as compared to dry one and you simply won’t get effective results if your hair is wet. 

Q: Will a steam flat iron handle thick black hair like African American one?
A: It’s a well-known fact that African American hair is coarser than any other type of hair. Plus, it is usually curly which makes it more difficult to straighten. However, modern technologies work magic and even natural thick hair will straighten under the heat of a flat iron, especially so if it has a steam option. The thing is that steam is aimed to relax your hair first to make its straightening easier. When choosing a steam appliance for coarse hair, you also want to pay close attention to temperature settings. As a rule, this type of hair needs higher heat for effective results, so look for appliances that reach 430°F - 450°F.

Q: Can I use my steam flat iron to curl my hair?
A: Although the intended purpose of this hair tool is to straighten your hair, it can also be used for making curls. However, be ready that you’ll get a hairstyle that is more like beachy waves than bouncy curls. Also, if you haven’t curled your hair with a straightener before, it’ll take you some time to get used to this process. But if you want to achieve this result, impossible is nothing.

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Publish Date: 2018-02-13 12:37:58