Steampod 3.0 Benefits.
Aside from really, really good-looking hair, the main Steampod 3.0 benefits include:
78 per cent less damage.*
Long-lasting frizz control.**.
Styling is twice as fast and twice as smooth as what you can achieve from a blow-dry and brushing.ˆ
More efficient results at 180°C compared to a traditional straightener at 230°C because the steam detangles as well as straightens hair.ˆˆ
A detachable comb for faster and smoother styling.
Steampod 3.0 vs. Steampod 2.0 - How Is It Different?
How is the Steampod 3.0 different to the Steampod 2.0, you ask? The answer is entirely practical.
L'Oreal Professionnel Steampod 3.0 styles, straightens and curls still using steam technology, but the device itself has had a glow up. Think: a new ultra-sleek design that’s 37 per cent thinner and 14 per cent lighter than the previous model.
Plus (and this is a game-changer), the previously separate water cartridge has now been fully integrated into the handle of the tool, making it lighter, easier to use and more convenient to store and travel with.
How to Use the Steampod 3.0.
The best bit about the Steampod is, it can do everything your traditional straightener can, but in a way that's better for your hair. Use it to achieve a straight sleek look, or add glossy, bouncy waves or defined curls.
Watch the video below to see how Brand & Content Manager Hannah Furst and Senior Editor Amy Clark created two different styles using the Steampod 3.0.
The easiest way to figure out how to use the Steampod 3.0 is by watching our very helpful video above. Too busy? No stress, here's the quick(er) version:
Step 1. Remove the water cartridge from the Steampod handle and fill with demineralised water using the provided bottle before reattaching. (FYI even though the cartridge looks small, it can straighten up to 192 metres of hair before running out.)
Step 2. Switch on the Steampod and select your chosen temperature, from 180°C for finer hair through the 210°C for coarse or textured hair. The LED panel will stop flashing when the tool is ready to use.
Step 3. Prep the hair with a heat protectant spray before sectioning into manageable sections, and then again into smaller pieces to ensure each hair strand receives optimal contact with the tool.
Step 4. Run the Steampod slowly over the small section of hair. This will allow the steam to pre-smooth the hair as the heated ceramic plates straighten. IMPORTANT: Ensure the arrows on the side of the Steampod are facing down during use.
Step 5. Repeat for each section and voila! Swishy, smooth TV commercial hair.
Steampod 3.0 Before and Afters.
That's all great in theory, but I know what you really wanna see... Before and after photos.
So here they are - the first image shows how the Steampod straightened Hannah's coarse, frizzy hair, and the second, how I used the tool to create glossy waves.
Steampod 3.0 Review.
Let's start with the cons. If you want to use this tool to curl your hair, it's a bit trickier to manoeuvre than thinner tongs or wands.
And if I'm gonna be really picky, the fact you have to fill up the water cartridge before use could be annoying if you're running late, styling on the go, or just plain forgetful. That's it.
Onto the good bits. Other than being able to get great hair 2x fasterˆ and with 78 per cent less damage* (tick, tick and tiiiick), you don't really have to sacrifice on any features in order to get these results.
The Steampod heats up just as fast as any hot tool I've used, the wide-style plates mean you can get through more hair quicker, and the swivel cord makes reaching the hair at the back of your head easy.
And yep, it does sound a lot like an iron, but that's how I knew it was working.
While Hannah found the tool did a great job of straightening, I was impressed by the shape of the waves I was able to create. Once I got the hang of the technique, I really enjoyed my loose, bouncy JLo hair.
Hot tip: If you've got long hair like mine, you'll get the best waves from curling each hair section in two parts rather than in one long motion.
But the thing that sealed the deal for me? I got (almost) three days of smooth, shiny hair out of the one styling session, and anything that prolongs hair wash day is a solid win for me.