“Straight - curl, curly - straighten” - in this joke about the mystery of female nature there is some truth. 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 iron.
Advantages and disadvantages
Steam Hair Irons outwardly no different from the usual. On the body are plates between which a strand is clamped and pulled. In addition, there is another detail on the case - a small water tank.
Liquid poured into this tank is fed to plates, where it evaporates under the influence of high temperatures. This allows you to straighten hair at lower temperatures than dry irons. It is a more careful attitude to the hair, causing them less harm and is the main advantage of a steam straightener.
Among the benefits is the ability to straighten even very stiff and naughty hair with steam. Finally, styling created in this way is retained for a longer period than when straightened with a regular iron.
However, the device is not without drawbacks. During installation, you have to periodically add water to the tank, which takes time and makes the procedure less comfortable. In addition, scale may appear on the plates when exposed to moisture. It is important to take care of the quality of the water, avoiding the use of too hard. It is recommended to use special test strips to assess the level of water hardness before pouring it into the tank.
If a steam iron copes with “straightening” strands “perfectly”, then it will be difficult to wind the hair using this device.
Finally, it is worth noting the higher cost of the steam styler compared to the usual one.
The best models
Among the models for home use, one can distinguish an inexpensive but effective steam styler SCARLETT SC-1064. It is best to purchase it for owners of medium-long and long hair, since the device has fairly wide plates.
Of the additional options - function of temperature regulation, emergency shutdown in case of excessive heating. The styler is lightweight (300 grams), conveniently located in the hand. The cord length is sufficient, the cord rotates. On the case there are jewelry in the form of metal beads. With prolonged use, ironing beads heat up, 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 manufacture 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 regulator, due to which it is possible to set one of 5 temperature positions (130–230 C).
The iron has ceramic plates, the function of steam straightening, the option of emergency shutdown, as well as the option of ionization of the hair.
For those who appreciate innovative developments in the field of beauty, this same French brand offers a model BaByliss BAB2191SEPE. Its first feature is micropairs created by a mini version of an ultrasonic generator. It is connected to the device and allows you to create cool steam (fog). This, on the one hand, ensures the maintenance of healthy hair. On the other hand, it makes the device universal, because with its help it is possible to smooth out even the most rigid and naughty curls.
That's why this a professional styler with a cold steam always leads 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 through the galvanic method and allows the plates to heat up faster, makes 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 time.
In total, the device has 5 temperature ranges, the smallest of which is 130 C.
Another iron with a steam generator, trusted by customers - Remington S8700. It is 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 rectifier.
The iron very carefully treats hair. A thin film based on keratin and oils of argan and macadamia is applied to the surface of the plates. At the time of heating, the film acts on the hair like a conditioner, nourishing and moisturizing them. Moreover, many users confirm that the presence of this film is not just a marketing ploy. Hair really becomes softer and more docile.
For those who care about the condition of the hair or are looking for an iron for weakened, bleached strands, we can recommend Be-uni, V173. It is often chosen by professionals, since the device copes with straightening even stiff hair, is suitable for daily use and does not harm hair. Applies to tools premium class therefore has a fairly high cost. If you decide to buy such a model, it makes sense to immediately purchase test strips to assess the hardness of the water. The model crashes when pouring too hard water into the tank.
The model is highly appreciated by professionals as well. L'Oreal Steampod with steam humidification. The device is called a real breakthrough among similar tools.With the help of steam, it is possible to achieve not only the mirror 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 comb, has 5 temperature modes. It is convenient to use, but is characterized by high cost. Optimal for salons, but for rare home use, you can choose a more affordable model. For instance, HomeClub. The device has high functionality, carefully takes care of the hair at the time of styling, but costs almost 1.5 times cheaper.
How to choose?
When buying an iron with a steamer, you should pay attention to the brand of the product, giving preference to manufacturers with a famous name. Their products are of higher quality, durability, have a guarantee.
The next selection criterion is the type of coating. 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.
They quickly heat up and cool down for a long time, and scale soon appears on the surface of the plates.
Teflon coating can be called more perfect and safer. It heats up just as quickly, but does not dry hair so much. However, over time, Teflon is scratched, nicks appear on its surface. Even the smallest burrs cling to the hair, damaging their structure. Suitable for straightening healthy unpainted hair, but even then for infrequent use.
Most high-quality stylers in the middle price range have ceramic coating. Ceramics heat up a little longer, however, and treat hair more carefully. True, it’s important to remember that the service life of a 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 quickly and evenly, but does not dry hair. In addition, in the process of operation, negatively charged ions are released, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the locks, and removes their excessive electrification. Hair, the remnants of styling products do not stick to the tourmaline surface, it is durable, although it requires careful storage.
One of the most expensive tools is one that has a titanium coating.. The high price is due to the perfect smoothness of the material, the ability to quickly and evenly heat up. This allows you to quickly stretch your hair with minimal harm to them. However, titanium cannot be called wear-resistant and durable, despite the high cost of the product.
The next sign of a quality tool is the temperature controller. Each type of hair requires its own heating temperature. For weakened and obedient hair, 120–140 C is enough, for naughty, curly, but healthy, 170–180 C. Optimally, if the iron maintains a temperature in the range of 100-200 C, you can manually set the desired range.
To do this, it is advisable to choose irons with an electronic temperature controller. However, remember that they require a more careful attitude, break faster, cost more. If there is no desire 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 plate should have a device (4-5 cm). This will allow you to straighten the strands quickly and with minimal damage. If the hair is short (to the shoulders), it is better to choose a product with a plate width of not 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 use hard water.
A device with the anti-limescale function will help reduce the likelihood of damage.
Keep in mind the comfort of holding the iron in your hand. It should not be too heavy and massive. Rate how convenient the styler fits into 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 reserve. The length is 1.8-2 m. An important moment is a spinning cord. The presence of this makes the use more convenient, helps to avoid creases on the cord and its failure.
A useful but optional option is - ionization function. In the process of straightening, the hair is additionally saturated with negatively charged ions. This reduces the electrification of the hair, adds smoothness or shine.
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 not suitable for too curly and naughty curls. They will be confused in the pile of the brush.
There are models with fixed plates and floating. The choice of a particular type is a matter of personal preference. The first type reliably fixes hair and is more recommended for naughty hair. The second type does not give the same reliable fixation, but treats hair more carefully.
How to use?
The use of steam ironing is only possible provided that the hair is completely dry. Application on wet hair, firstly, negatively affects the state of the hair, and secondly, after the final drying, the lock from styling will not leave a trace.
Clean, dry hair should be thoroughly combed, and then apply a heat-protective spray to them and wait until it is completely absorbed.
Then, hair thus prepared should be divided into 2 tiers - upper and lower. Lift upper and lock. Once again, comb the hair from below, separate the strand thinner than the width of the iron. It is more convenient to start from the back of the head.
Pour water into the tank on the styler, set the appropriate temperature. There is a misconception that the lower the temperature of exposure, the less harm the hair will receive. This is not true, because, straightening hair at low temperatures, you are forced to overexposure the strands between the plates. The temperature must be selected such that one holding was enough for full straightening.
Wait until the device is ready for use. Most models have a light indicator for this. If it is missing, close the plates.
Steam comes from them - that means the iron is ready for use.
Place the lock between the plates, close them all the way and swipe them from top to bottom. No need to linger in a separate area. Move from the back of the head first to one, then to the other side. After the lower layer of hair is straightened, work in the same way with the upper layer of hair. For very long and thick hair, it is recommended to divide the entire hair into a larger number of zones.
Review Reviews
Many 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, subject to the rules of straightening, they do not deteriorate, do not dry out.
The model receives similar user characteristics. Remington S8700. True, some buyers are talking about a not too convenient design of the water tank - the lid is difficult to move, there is a risk of tearing off its rubberized tip.
The model of the same brand is REDMOND RCI-2328 - pleases with its accessibility and functionality, however, according to reviews, it is inconvenient to use it - it's hard to hold in your hand.
For an overview and testing of the Babyliss Pure Steam ST495E steam rectifier, see the next video.
