Product · L'Oréal Professionnel Paris
L'Oréal SteamPod 3: steam plus adjustable heat
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The SteamPod 3 from L'Oréal Professionnel is a straightener that adds steam to heated plates, fed by a built-in water tank, with a comb that guides hair through. It is aimed at people who want sleek results and are concerned about breakage, including those with bleached or processed hair. The steam is the whole point: L'Oréal's own figures claim up to 91% less damage and up to twice faster, smoother styling than the same tool used without steam and comb.
- Plates
- Ceramic with steam and comb
- Max temperature
- 210°C
- Auto shut-off
- Not stated
- Weight
- 1.03 kg
In its favour
- Steam styling is the key feature, and the maker claims up to 2x faster, smoother results than without it.
- Adjustable heat up to a listed 210°C lets you choose a setting for your texture.
- The listing describes looks from straight and sleek to relaxed waves.
Good to know
- A listed 1.03 kg is heavy for a straightener.
- You need to refill the tank with filtered water, which adds time.
Our take
How steam styling works here
You fill the tank with filtered water, choose your heat setting and pass the straightener along the hair in the direction of the arrows. Steam is released as you style, and the comb detangles and tensions the section ahead of the plates. The listing is clear that it is for dry hair, not for drying hair from wet.
L'Oréal states that the damage figure was measured as breakage with repeated combing after 15 uses on bleached hair. That is a narrow test, so the claim is most relevant to hair in a similar condition.
Heat, weight and size
Heat is adjustable up to a listed 210°C, although the listing does not give the number of settings or the lowest temperature. The plates are ceramic. Amazon gives a weight of 1.03 kg, which is heavy for a straightener, so long sessions may tire the wrist. This is the UK plug version.
Routine and upkeep
Refilling the tank adds a step every time, and L'Oréal recommends filtered water. The brand also suggests its own Steampod care routine for best results, which some people will see as an extra cost and others will already be using. The listing does not mention sleep mode or cable length.
SteamPod or a plate straightener
Against the ghd Gold at a listed 400 g and fixed 185°C, the SteamPod 3 is heavier but offers adjustable heat and steam. The Cloud Nine Original Iron gives 11 clear settings starting at 100°C, which is easier to dial in for fine hair. The Shark SilkiPro is the option if you want one tool to dry and straighten from wet.
Verdict
Pick the SteamPod 3 if your hair is processed or prone to breakage and you are happy to fill a tank and handle a heavier tool. For a lighter everyday straightener, the ghd Gold is simpler, and for drying and straightening in one step, the Shark SilkiPro is the better match.
Compared with alternatives in: Best hair straighteners under £250, Best hair straighteners in the UK: premium models compared, Best straighteners for fine hair
Amazon listing title: L'Oréal Professionnel Steam Hair Straightener & Styling Tool, For All Hair Types, SteamPod 3, UK Plug