Beauty journalist Rita Amartey tries the new and improved L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod 4 on her natural hair
Already a game changer for the professional hair tools market, Steampod from L’Oréal Professionnel is taking things to the next level with Steampod 4 (£299).
Suitable for all hair types, and renowned for creating hair with a smooth, mirror-like shine, the Steampod 4 gives a continuous flow of high-pressure steam making it perfect for creating a variety of finishes; from smooth and sleek, to soft waves and glamorous curls – all while less damage and maintaining the health of your hair.
Beauty journalist Rita Armartey put the Steampod through its paces for Black Beauty & Hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel – Steampod 4 Review
Unboxing
You get a Steampod 4.0 styler with dual heated plates (ceramic and steam on one side and metal on the other), three comb accessories for different hair types, a thermo-protective mat, two protective plates to cover the metal plates for safer straightening, a pouring bottle for the water tank and an instruction guide.
Start up
Unlike a traditional styler, with the Steampod you need to add demineralised water to the tank (which pops out for easier application) using the supplied pouring bottle. For this review, we tested the straightening plates, so needed to remember to use the protective plates and choose the correct comb attachment. Once switched on, it heats up quickly in about 30-45 seconds, so ensure the protective mat is under the Steampod. The On/Off button is cleverly located on the inside of the plates to avoid turning off accidently. It also comes with a long 2.5m cable that rotates up to 360º. There’s also an embedded QR code on the styler which takes you to some handy how to videos on the L’Oréal website.
Straightening
I used on my natural fine textured hair – I had pre-streched naturally by wearing my hair in a bob overnight and did not blow dry. Sectioning is a must to ensure even steam distribution and I recommend starting at the back of the head where the hair is thicker. I used one of the comb features, which I didn’t get on with as I found hair in the teeth after passing over once, however you can detach, so I continued without it to the complete the section. I used on 180° (lowest setting) although the Steampod heats up to 210°.
Verdict
The Steampod did straighten fast and left my natural tresses transformed into a sleek style, but unfortunately the style did not last, and it started to revert the next day. I also found the plates to be rather wide, which makes it difficult to get to get close to the root. It’s a thumbs down for fine natural hair like mine, but I think chemically straightened, or touch-ups for blown out or silk press styles may see better results. On the plus side it works great on wigs, weaves or extensions, and I like the dual sided heated plates for faster and easier curl styling.
Well you made some errors to be honest. Firstly you need to blow dry first, blow dying first will ensure that the strand is smooth and will provide more optimal flat iron results. It is very difficult to make use of the comb attachment on the Steampod if you don't prep the hair first. Secondly you really need a higher heat than 180 for natural hair in my opinion. Third you really needed the comb, the reason why you wasn't able to use the comb was because the hair wasn't prepped sufficiently well.
Would suggest that you give it another go and just change your technique a bit.
I totally agree with you. Ghd it's much better.
This iron is phenomenal! It would have worked much better (without reverting) on the author's natural hair if she used the highest heat setting. Incomparable, my hair's moisture levels/retention have doubled since using this iron!