The Steampod 3.0 by L'Oréal is a revolutionary hair tool that promises to transform your styling experience and which I have been using non-stop for over a year! In this comprehensive review, I will try to delve into its features, its functionality, and the additional products you will need for optimal results.

Straightening with steam

The Steampod 3.0 and its predecessors feature steam straightening technology, which is much less damaging than straightening with a hot plate. According to L'Oréal, using the Steampod causes 78% less damage than straightening with a hot plate! This is quite interesting, especially for those who straighten their hair on a daily basis. This is because the steam hydrates the scalp to prevent it from drying out from the heat. In addition, the steam stretches the hair fibers and makes straightening faster. One thing worth noting here is that the tool requires you to use demineralized water (which is exactly what it sounds like, water from which all inorganic impurities have been removed) and not just the water that comes out of your tap, to avoid limescale.

Design and Build Quality:

Let's talk about the design. It's elegant, it's modern, and it's quite comfortable in your hand. Not to mention that it's lightweight, so you won't feel like you're working out just trying to style your hair. Additionally, it's durable, so you know it will last for a long time. The improved design also makes it easy to maneuver, allowing for precise styling.

• A huge advantage is the built-in comb, as this means you don't need a separate brush and you can style your hair with one hand. The comb also means that the hair is smoother from root to tip.
• The water is kept in a built-in tank (about the length of a teaspoon) and needs to be refilled. (For me, this meant about five or six straightening sessions)
• It comes with a tiny refill bottle, so refilling the tank is extremely easy! (don't lose it!)
• The swivel cord makes it much easier to create waves without getting tangled as you turn the plates.
• Ability to adjust the temperature according to your hair type. (Here's what's recommended:
  180° for fine hair, 200° for normal hair, 220° for thick and coarse hair)

How to use it…

• Fill the water tank: The water is heated to produce steam.
• Press the power button.
• Adjust the temperature: You can adjust the temperature according to your hair type. It heats up to 140°C (280°F) in just 30 seconds!
• Apply the steam: As you glide the Steampod over your hair, steam is released from the ceramic plates to soften and treat the hair.

*Tip:  For the steam to straighten the hair effectively, you must hold the Steampod with the arrows pointing downwards.

For better results, use it with the specially designed Steampod creams and serums from Loreal, which help protect the hair from thermal damage and keep it smooth and shiny.

The Positives...

Apart from the fact that you can achieve gorgeous hair, 2 times faster and with 78% less damage* (tick, tick, and tick), you really don't have to sacrifice any features to get these results. The Steampod heats up just as quickly as any other hot tool I've used, the wide plates mean you can pass through more hair faster and the rotating cord makes it easy to reach the hair at the back of your head.

And yes, it sounds a lot like an iron, but that's how I knew it worked!

But what mattered more to me? I have (almost) three days of smooth, shiny hair with just one styling session, and anything that extends hair wash day is a solid win.

The Negatives...

If you want to use this tool to make curls in your hair, it is a bit more difficult to handle compared to thinner plates or wands. Also, while the Steampod 3.0 is relatively lightweight for a styling device, it can be somewhat larger and heavier than some other options on the market. And if I want to be really picky, the fact that you have to fill the water cartridge before use can be annoying if you're running late, styling on the go, or just forgetful. That's all!

In the end, is it worth buying?

Concluding this journey into the world of the Steampod 3.0 by L'Oréal, I have to say that it is a sleek and highly advanced hair styling tool. The idea of using steam instead of the intense heat of traditional styling tools seems to work wonders, giving shiny hair without causing damage. There is no doubt that using the device requires additional effort, although after the first few uses you get used to the process! My own trial definitely seemed to confirm its statistics, as my hair is smooth with one pass and maintains the straightening (or even the curls for a long time).