Curly, Frizz hair - GONE!

Let me sum up my hair: long (well below shoulder length), naturally curly (which also mean naturally frizzy), and thick.

For years I wore my hair curly - but of course even that was a process.  I can't let my hair dry on it's own - it has to be blow-dried completely with a ton of styling products.  UGH!

A few years ago I decided to try straightening my hair.  First I tried the Paul Mitchell flat iron (see my other review on that one, coming soon).  When that died, I got the Chi because everyone raved about it.

I really LOVE the Chi flat iron.  I shopped around for the best price - seeing it places as much as $175.  I found it cheap at BJ's wholesale for only $80.  The barrel is thin, about 2" wide, so for long and thick hair it does take a little but longer than a wider iron.  The advantage to a smaller width iron, though, is that it is easier to get close to the scalp and also easier to do shorter hair with.  Especially layers or bangs.

I have used other irons here and there that friends, etc. had - from the inexpensive $15 ones to ones even more than the Chi.  I really think the chi is the best.  I have the system down so I can section my hair and iron it all in 20 minutes.  The Chi has a ceramic surface on each side of the iron that slips easily over hair.

My Hispanic friend has course, super-thick, super-long hair and the Chi sliders right over her hair and leaves it sleek, smooth, and shiny as well.

One thing I did have a problem with:  The cord swivels on the end that is attached to the Chi and can cause problems.  I had my Chi for a little over a year when the connection started to get loose.  Eventually the cord did not work at all and the iron had to be replaced.  Of course, I use the iron every day - sometimes twice a day if I got caught in the rain or went out at night - so it definitely got a lot of use.  I am relatively careful with things - no dropping or misuse - so I was disappointed it didn't last that long.  I also had the same issue with another brand with a similar cord style - maybe the cord style just is not that durable.

Overall, though, I highly recommend this iron.  I have seen it work on many different hair types and styles.  I also love it because I barely have to use any products.  When my hair is styled curly - I need lots of gel and hairspray to keep it tame.  With the Chi, I use a tiny amount (about the size of a dime) of heat-protecting cream and that is it - no gel, no hairspray, nothing.