Totally NSBR - Hair Straighteners

[mariewilcox]

So Cheyanne told me that curly hair is soooo out these days and that I need to update my look :huh: I've actually been thinking for a while about going a bit shorter with longer layers and trying to straighten my hair a bit, but I am really a no-fuss kinda gal, so I've been putting it off. Since I work at home I realize I can only bother with straightening when I actually go out into the world :p

Does anyone here use a flat iron thingy to straighten their hair? Is it a royal PITA or is it not so bad? What brands are good? What should I use in my hair to protect it? (As of right now I don't use a thing on my hair - no hair dryer, no curling iron - just wash, comb, and air dry), so I'm worried about heat damage and want to minimize that.

So, give me the good, bad, and ugly. I do want to joint the 21st century (Cheyanne's words :blink:) and not look like I came out of the Farrah Fawcett age, which of course I did! LOL

[Andrea Gourley]

I wash and straighten my hair every morning because if I don't I am a frizzball :lol: The straightening part takes an extra 10 minutes after drying it but I do have very fine hair. My mum only washes her hair about every 5 or 6 days and so only straightens hers after washing it but she has very thick hair and loads of it - her pony tail is about 5 times as thick as mine!

We have GHD straighteners but I'm not sure if you have them in America

[Nettio]

I have thick wavy hair which depending on the weather (mostly how hot it is in TX) I'll either air dry curly or blow dry and straighten.

As far as tools, I swear by my CHI flat iron (http://www.amazon.com/Farouk-CHI-Inch-Ceramic-Hairstyling/dp/B0009V1YR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319046519&sr=8-1). It's amazing. As far as products there's lot of various heat protection-type sprays available. Right now I'm using the Iron Silk 07 Ultra Sraightening Spray (http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2201655&productId=xlsImpprod3100059&navAction=push&navCount=1#reviews) from Redken and I like it because it makes my hair so sleek and shiny, like I came from the salon.

I will say that I find blow drying and straightening to definitely be more work (and I do get tired of it) but it's nice because when I straighten it, I don't have to wash it every day like I do when I make it curly since the curls don't survive overnight. The most annoying part for me is really blow drying because my hair is SO thick that it takes forever. But the straightening part isn't too bad, especially if you invest in a good one like the CHI, not a $20 one from Target.

[emmasmommy]

i'd LOVE to get a CHI but i don't straighten my hair enough to justify it.

i have this one (http://www.target.com/p/Conair-Ceramic-2-Straightener/-/A-11243919) from target, and it's the best one i've had so far.

[terrab]

I got a CHI for a really good price on eBay and it was such a good investment for me. I am a no fuss kind of girl when it comes to my hair (rarely even use a blow dryer) and I have to admit that using my CHI almost makes straightening my thick & wavy hair enjoyable.

[taracotta7]

I have the Chi 1" and I love it. I have natural curly long hair and it straightens it with no problem. I have used the Chi's brand of thermal protection and also Matrix has some that I use too. I have had my chi for almost 8 years now and it is still going strong and I still love it! :)

[mariewilcox]

Thank you so much ladies! Lynette your description sounds just like mine - very wavy and thick so I just always let it curl up, especially during the summer when it's so humid! I have yet to inform Cheyanne that she's following right in my footsteps - very curly hair until about 3 years old, then wavy for a while, and then once puberty hits it goes crazy again - LOL. She's not too far from that point - hehehe, then she'll be fighting me for the straightener! Off to check out the CHI - I'll probably pass out from sticker shock by the sounds of it!

[digideb]

I have thick, wavy hair too & straighten for special stuff, like church, dates, etc. I use a GHD styler & it's AMAZING! I got it from my hair stylist. It's all she uses for herself & in her salon. They sell them in their store for $300, but she gave it to me in exchange for shooting her wedding! :) She told me if I ever need to replace it, she'll get it for me at her cost which is about $160 & I'd pay it in a heart beat! I love it that much!! It takes me NO time to straighten my hair! & you can also curl your hair with it as well!
This is the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/ghd-Professional-Advanced-Ceramic-Heat-Styler/dp/B000RZQGS8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1319050940&sr=8-3

[Jenn Barrette]

Also, I think curly hair can look modern. Maybe you just need a new cut and try some new products to "tame" the curl? I have curly hair, and tend to straighten in the Fall/Winter and wear it curly more in the Summer months.

[aly321]

I had a Chi for over 5 years, then the cord broke. When I was looking for a new one, the lady who does my hair said she went through Chi's too fast and that they didn't last. She suggested the GVP (Generic Value Product) straightener from Sally's Beauty Supply. It was $60 and had a free hair dryer with it for a promotion. I have to say that I love it. I have really thick hair, and I think that the GVP works just as well as a Chi for me.

Also- the last 2 people I have known that bought a Chi burnt their hair off. I think they are trying to make them get so hot now that it fries your hair. Don't get me wrong, I love a Chi and would never buy a straightener from Target or anything, but I think we also need to be careful with the high heat! :)

[Stacey42]

I have curly hair & I think it's really more a matter of cut than curly or straight when it comes to being trendy. I'd talk to a stylist about a cut before buying any pricy equipment. :)

I do straighten my hair from time to time. I use a large barreled curling iron to smooth it out. Works just fine & they are much cheaper than straightening wands, plus they have the added bonus of letting you do big soft curls if you want & big soft curls seem to be everywhere these days.

[digideb]

I agree with Jenn & Stacey! Curly hair is definitely still in, it would be the style you'd need to update! I actually get compliments every single time I wear mine curly (I touch it up w/a curling iron) & rarely get them when I spend the time straightening it!

[mariewilcox]

Well, I'm glad to hear that curly is trendy still ;) LOL

I wouldn't mind getting a new style either. It might be time for a new stylist also... I've had the same one for about 10 years now and she isn't very adventurous.... in fact her hair looks a lot like mine! :huh:

I guess I would like to have more than one option - straight when I feel like it and my normal curls the other times :thumbup:

[Jenn Barrette]

Maybe something like these would be a good "updated" curl look? -

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/172607675_K7jJvY8c_c.jpg

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/221152782_03aDCypC_c.jpg

Oh, and like Stacey, I am a huge fan of my larger barrel curling iron.

[kendallt]

I had a Chi for over 5 years, then the cord broke. When I was looking for a new one, the lady who does my hair said she went through Chi's too fast and that they didn't last. She suggested the GVP (Generic Value Product) straightener from Sally's Beauty Supply. It was $60 and had a free hair dryer with it for a promotion. I have to say that I love it. I have really thick hair, and I think that the GVP works just as well as a Chi for me.



I have something really similar from Sally's as well. I've been using it for about 3 years now, and I love it!

[AmberK]

I have mostly straight hair (used to be board straight before I got pg) but I have to wash, blow dry, and straighten every day. I have a GVP flat iron from Sally's Beauty supply- recommended by my hair stylist. She said they are just as good as the CHI for MUCH LESS money.

[nun69]

I think curly is still in too :) but I have a Chi that somebody gave me and I LOVE it!!!

[Nettio]

I have mostly straight hair (used to be board straight before I got pg) but I have to wash, blow dry, and straighten every day. I have a GVP flat iron from Sally's Beauty supply- recommended by my hair stylist. She said they are just as good as the CHI for MUCH LESS money.

I wonder if the CHI has come down in price? Because Amazon has it listed for around the same price as the GVP flat iron. I know I paid more than that for my CHI.

And I agree, curly hair can be modern, but it's still nice to have options.

[jessica31876]

My hair is really thick and wavy/curly (kinda a mixture really). I only wash it like every three days and straighten with a blowdryer. Ive tried straighteners and none really worked on my hair. Maybe I was doing something wrong...I dont know. Blowdrying I just brush and pull straight while drying and all the curls go away.

[AmberK]

I just saw that too! WOW- had no idea they had come down in price that much.

I wonder if the CHI has come down in price? Because Amazon has it listed for around the same price as the GVP flat iron. I know I paid more than that for my CHI.

And I agree, curly hair can be modern, but it's still nice to have options.

[Julie Billingsley]

Be careful if ordering a CHI online. They only honor warrenties from their authorized resellers and many people get fake CHI straighteners. For instance, this CHI (don't buy this!) (http://www.amazon.com/Farouk-CHI-Inch-Ceramic-Hairstyling/dp/B0009V1YR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319058518&sr=8-1) on Amazon seems to have decent ratings, but look at the 200+ people that say they got a fake CHI from this seller through Amazon. Lots of the 5 star ratings are from 6 years ago on this product. So... I recommend only getting one through a place that Farouk CHI recommends (http://www.farouk.com/Locations.aspx).

I personally have a Solia that I got from Folica (http://www.folica.com/brands/solia/flat-irons?s_cid=gaw&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Solia&s_kwcid=TC|6678|flat%20iron%20solia||S|b|601662074 1&gclid=CMyl-tDV9asCFccaQgodniTkIQ). I got it about 7 years ago and just lately it's started having problems with the cord. I'll be in the market for one soon. (Which is why I was researching the CHI.) The Solia brands has really high reviews and it is most likely what I will be getting when I get a new one. I have a 1 3/4" one and that has been great. If you have real short hair, I'd probably recommend a 1", otherwise I think the 1 3/4" is perfect. I've had my hair halfway down my back and now it's short like in my avatar, and that size flat iron has been perfect for all lengths in between.

BUT... before you buy a flat iron, I'd recommend getting it cut and telling the hair dresser you want it styled straight. Just see if you like that first before investing $80+ on a flat iron! :)

[mrshobbes]

Actually I think over here the trend is looser curls/more defined waves--at least that's what's hot here, lol. It's all because of the influence of Korean and Japanese pop stars.

I have SUPER thick hair that's straight enough, but because of the humidity it's crazy frizzy and coarse. I used to straighten it every day and man, it was such a chore. I had my hair rebonded last year (http://vanniedosa.wordpress.com/2008/08/23/facts-on-hairebonding/), and it was bliss because I literally woke up with straight, shiny hair. I worried about the damage rebonding does, but in the end if you go with a reputable salon and use a deep-conditioning treatment, it's alright. It lasted me about 10 months, too. Right now I've let the rebonded hair grow out to give my mane a rest. Luckily because it's longer it's also a bit easier to handle the frizz.

[BrattyMeg]

I think the new CHI's are kinda crap..I'm on my 3rd one (I straighten everyday) and my last 2 haven't lasted nearly as long as my first one. I read somewhere they are making them different but can't remember where I saw that.

I'm going to check out the Sally's brand next I think. Hopefully though I won't have to buy one immediately.

[pam4gators]

I am a hairdresser and the best by far is the GHD, I sell them at my cost to my clients. CHI sucks now that they changed companys that make them. They used to be made by infared but sold out to farouk and now they are cheaply made and tear up more often than not. Another this is use a thermal protector when you straiten and get really close to the scalp that is most people's problem when they go over the ends and dont get close enough to the scalp. The thermal protector that I like the best is made by kenra. I also use morrocan oil or macadamia oil when I finish and it makes it really shiney.

[EvaK]

I have used my fair share of straightening irons. I agree with the peeps who said curly hair is still in style. I very rarely use my iron, but I do love it. I need one that has adjustable heat settings. I have to use a high temp (from a quality straightener) so that I don't end up damaging my hair (very thick and on the coarse side).

I have a Croc that I adore. One of the best features on it is the auto-shutoff if you forget to turn it off. I have burnt out a few forgetting to turn them off (not to mention the HUGE fire hazard). I found the one that I have at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Turboion-Classic-Straightener-Titanium-Plates/dp/B003RR4A2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319082136&sr=8-1). I have also purchased irons from Sally's and have had no serious complaints about them.

When I do straighten my hair I have to blow dry it first and then use the iron. I can go a few days without washing it cuz it is on the dry side and I just have so much hair that it doesn't get oily. Some mornings I may have to touch up a few spots -- but it takes me only a few minutes. Oh... and my iron heats up super fast -- like just a couple of minutes.

It is good to have one for those days you want to try something a little different. I look completely different with straight hair. If your daughter is like mine you will need to hide it from her. My daughter used to borrow mine without returning it, but she now wears her hair curly and it is adorable (she has natural spiral curls). She tells me all the time that she gets compliments on her hair from other kids at school (she is almost 13 years old).

[newfiemountiewife]

I have a CHI also, it was around $170. I LOVE it, it gets so much hotter than the cheapie versions I've bought. I've had a Conair one, and one other I can't remember. When I had long hair, they just didn't do the job, and I had fairly straight hair to start with!

I have super short hair now, but I still straighten it every day to get it to go where I want it to.

[Angie4b1g]

I use the cheapie Target one and I haven't been unhappy with it, but now you all are giving me a complex. And making me wonder if I'm missing something. LOL

My hair is pretty fine/thin, though, so it doesn't take much to coax it down.

[lauren grier]

agree with the others that have mentioned it.. leave the curls/waves and just get a new cut/style :p
I have wavy hair- and use to hate it, was constantly blow drying/straightening it out and just destroying my hair :p Now i leave it be and I'm super happy with it :] Those big perfect pretty waves are all over the place and super "in style" -- people pay to have hair like that yo :p yer daughter is just being..... well, yer daughter ^_^

[Angie4b1g]

I wish I could leave my waves be. Maybe someone needs to show me how to make them work. It either hangs there like I have NO hair, or it's a giant fuzz ball. lol

[Julie Billingsley]

A couponing blog that I go to had this straightener featured today as an Amazon Hot Deal. Looks like it gets good reviews and is less than $30 right now, normally $90.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H0U5BY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=frlinw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B003H0U5BY

[NeverendingJen]

I have thick wavy hair which depending on the weather (mostly how hot it is in TX) I'll either air dry curly or blow dry and straighten.

As far as tools, I swear by my CHI flat iron (http://www.amazon.com/Farouk-CHI-Inch-Ceramic-Hairstyling/dp/B0009V1YR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319046519&sr=8-1). It's amazing. As far as products there's lot of various heat protection-type sprays available. Right now I'm using the Iron Silk 07 Ultra Sraightening Spray (http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2201655&productId=xlsImpprod3100059&navAction=push&navCount=1#reviews) from Redken and I like it because it makes my hair so sleek and shiny, like I came from the salon.

I will say that I find blow drying and straightening to definitely be more work (and I do get tired of it) but it's nice because when I straighten it, I don't have to wash it every day like I do when I make it curly since the curls don't survive overnight. The most annoying part for me is really blow drying because my hair is SO thick that it takes forever. But the straightening part isn't too bad, especially if you invest in a good one like the CHI, not a $20 one from Target.

This, almost exactly. I use the same iron and product, lol

[mila07]

I have curly hair and I use sometimes my hair straightener to style my hair, but I also use a good heat protector to avoid any damage, I use the Karmin G3 Salon Pro which has tourmaline ceramic plates and those plates cause less damage to the hair than the others, it leaves my hair soft, shiny, frizz less and super straight. I totally recommend it ! :D :thumbup: :)

[Maryask]

I have very thick curly hair, I use the Karmin G3 Salon Pro, it heats up really quick and leaves my hair soft, shiny and super straight, and I have no problem with frizz. And I can choose to straighten, wave, flip or curl my hair.

[tuneskids]

I am totally cheap and have had good luck so far with the two flat irons I have purchased in the past.
I bought one from Walmart for $20 three years ago, and it still works just fine (it is now being used by my daughter, every other day when she does her hair - can't remember the name of it though, there is nothing on the iron itself). My mom gave me her Remington wet to straight iron (like this (http://www.amazon.com/Remington-Wet-Straight-Slim-Plates/dp/B000BH3D6A/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1319347111&sr=8-9) one, but mine has 2" plates). I love it. I use mine daily, and have no issues controlling my frizzy, wavy hair with it.

[Maryask]

The best hair straightener I've ever used is the Karmin G3 Salon Pro, with ceramic - tourmaline plates to avoid hair damages, it heats up really quick and leaves hair soft, shiny and super straight, plus I have no problems with frizz. You can choose to straighten, flip, wave or curl your hair and try different hair styles. http://www.karminhairtools.com/karmin-g3pro-bk.html