Chi ceramic straightener - you get what you pay for!

I lusted after the Chi for several years before finally taking the plunge. When I entered the world of hair straighteners, I started with the mid-range versions (like Hot Tools and Wigo). I spent about $30-40 for these lesser tools and found they only lasted about a year. But they worked perfectly well and I just couldn't justify spending so much more on a Chi, especially if it was going last a year as well.

But finally a sale and a gift card, along with many glowing reviews, convinced me to take a chance (though I must admit I bought my Chi at Ulta, knowing I could return it if I wasn't satisfied). I have to say I was astonished at the results.

The interesting thing is that the Chi doesn't really make my hair any straighter than my cheaper irons did, nor does it straighten it any faster. But my hair stays straighter. You know how you'll get those little kinks around your hairline on a humid day? Or you'll walk through a little mist and your hair will start to feel coarse, and the ends will turn up? Not with the Chi. My hair stays amazingly smooth and straight, even when subjected to high humidity. I believe it's because the Chi gets hotter than my cheaper irons.

Speaking of heat - be careful. The Chi does not have a temperature setting. The only options are off and "OUCH!!!" It does get quite hot and you can burn yourself easily. You can also melt plastic surfaces (and, um, the cord covering, not that I'd know about that personally, ahem :-/ ) if you are not careful about putting it down. There is no auto-off feature, so you must remember to turn it off or unplug it when you're done.

The nice thing about the 1" model (compared to 2" models) is that it's easier to grasp short hair, such as bangs and the little wispy areas around the hairline.

The other pleasant surprise is that I've had it for two years and it's still going strong. I don’t give it any special treatment – I take care not to wrap the cord tightly around it when I put it away, and I wipe it clean with a damp washcloth. That's all.

If you're new to straightening and not sure you'll keep it up, feel free to buy a Wigo or Hot Tools. They work well, and they aren't a big investment. But if you already know you're going to be a serious straightener, go for the real thing.

Apparently you do get what you pay for. Who knew?