The Steam Hair Straighteners That Deliver Shine Without Damage

• Can curl and straighten hair

• Some users find it heavy

“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

• Speeds up straightening time

• May not be best for kinky or coily hair

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

• Five heat settings

• Some users find it slightly complicated to use

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

• Makes hair soft and smooth

• Some users report that the tank is prone to leaking

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.”

• Can be used as a steam iron or regular flat iron

• May not be best on fine or thin hair

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.”

• One pass can straighten various hair types

• Some report that the nozzle on the plastic-refill bottle is too big to fit into the tank

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.”

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com 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.