Best Steam Flat Irons for Safe Straightening

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.

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.