I need to start off by saying that I rarely get excited about straighteners, my hair is a wavy mess and so your standard, run of the mill straighteners do absolutely nada for my hair other than making it look slightly “crimped”. So skeptical was I about the hype around the launch of the new L’Oreal Steam Pod 3 straighteners, that when offered the chance to review them, I accepted, safe in the knowledge that this would result in their first luke warm rating.

So, it is with a rather large slice of humble pie that I am forced to admit that the hype around these game changers is real. This review could almost be two words; THEY WORK. But that wouldn’t be the most interesting of reviews and am guessing you want to know more, so here goes.

It isn’t just that they work, it’s how they work. I know it has something to do with the steam, according to the manufacturer it “delivers a continuous flow of high pressure steam to both seal and smooth the hair”. Plus, even though it looks enormous, it is actually quite light and ergonomic to use.

I am one of those who is prepared to suffer for my art and this is clearly evident in the damage to my barnet after 30 plus years of inflicting all manner of brutality to my hair (I came of age in the 90s, so you know, SUN IN was my bestie). So, it is with some relief to discover that this object of fabulousness results in 78% less hair damage and there are 3 heat settings. In all honesty, I can only find one less than positive thing to say about it and that is the comb (which is attached to the plates) it is designed to further smooth the tresses but my hair is so thick it just wasn’t a good add on for me but thankfully it is detachable and so detached it is and all is well with my (newly straightened) world. Run, don’t walk to get this!