Do we really need these expensive flatirons?

[FtrDrO]

.... I was wondering if there are cheaper flatirons that are just as good to use, and are cheaper; meaning the flatirons with all of the tourmaline, ionic, ceramic features but less than $100+ dollars? I wonder, because I've seen quite a few in the bss and even target. These ones go for 60 or 70 dollars with all of this. Any opinions on this? And if you use one of the cheaper ones, could you share?

 

[MrsWatson]

I just got a generic CHI from Sallys. I LOVE it! I was using a ceramic iron made by Revlon but this one is 100 times better. I couldn't justify spending 100+ dollars on a flat iron but when i saw the generic CHI on sale this past week,i couldnt resist it for only 59.99. It did a pretty good job at str8ning my 7.5 weeks post relaxer hair...

 

[Divine Inspiration]

My Jilbere is GREAT! I don't remember exactly how much it was, but I know it wasn't more than $90. It leaves my hair silky and has never given me any problems.

 

[gymfreak336]

As a whole I think that the overall quality of flat irons has gone up along all price points. I think the most important thing to do when purchasing any heat styler is to make sure you have various temperature controls and that it produces far-infared heat. This is the type of heat that works inside out and actually can help condition the hair.

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

I'll be needing to buy a new flat iron within the next year or so. Mine cost 40 dollars and the flat iron plate is all scratched up. I only use a flat iron once a week, so I don't want to blow hundreds on one. But I will hunting for a good brand, hopefully under a 100, that will do the job.

I do also think temp. control is important. I know them CHIs be getting up to 400 degrees. Direct heat is not my friend and I would never buy something like that.

 

[MJ]

You can go to folica.com and get a really good flat iron for less than $100.

 

[fivetimestwo]

I guess for me I don't have to spend $100+ on a flat iron (my maxiglide was $85, which I thought was rather steep). However, I don't think the bottom-of-the-barrel flat irons do the job for my natural hair. I have a conair that was less than 1/2 the price of my maxiglide and it didn't do jack for my hair.

 

[Extremus]

My maxiglide was $69.99 at HSN.com, I think it was well worth the money no other flat-iron has gotten me sleeker, silkier straight hair.

 

[iris601]

What I did was fight for a CHI flat iron on Ebay. Usually if I want a product that's expensive, but want it for a cheaper, I visit Ebay. That's where I go for cellphones. As we seem to change cellphones like we change clothes.

 

[HoneyDew]

I don't think you NEED and expensive ones, but in my experiance, the higher quality ones last longer and work better. For me, a good flatiron does not smoke up and get too hot and does not have plates that atart peeling after 5 months.

But, you can get an older generation FHI (still wonderful irons) for $50-70 on some sites and ebay.

I got an H2pro for $80 and LOVE it. It is nothing but a FHI relabeled, but I love it. I own that, one 2 FHIs (one old, one never used), a Solia and a Maxi glide (yes I am gansta ). Out of them all, I like my H2Pro the best. FHI 2nd. Solia I can take or leave, and my mom uses that one anyway.

The Maxiglide I am still trying to get used to.

Anyway, I used to use a Revlon for $25 from Target and it was great! But I had to replace that thing every 6 month! Better to just get one that will last!

 

[sylver2]

Ive used many cheap flat irons from dollar store to gold n hot to others.
My MAXIGLIDE was worth every cent. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Country gal]

I use my cheap Andis flat iron and it does the trick on my natural hair. I don't even use my maxi glide.

 

[HoneyDew]

Ive used many cheap flat irons from dollar store to gold n hot to others.
My MAXIGLIDE was worth every cent. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sylver, the dollar store?

 

[sylver2]

Sylver, the dollar store?

YUP..lol ran to dollar store and bought a $9.00 flat iron. This was back in 97.

 

[MonaLisa]

I turned in my Jilbere (giving to my godsister)

and I now roll with conair for when I need to break out the flat iron.

My larger one is this:

Infiniti Nano Silver by Conair
Tourmaline Ceramic 1” Straightener

A powerful ceramic heater with ultra-high heat levels and Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology combined to produce clean, shiny, healthy-looking hair with less damage. Ionic technology and infrared energy protect hair’s natural luster.

• Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic™ and Ionic Technology
• Ultra-high heat levels - 395ºF/202ºC
• High Heat is instantly restored during use
• 30-second instant heat
• Automatic shutoff
• Temperature and Ion LED
• Ultra-slim design
• Extra-long swivel cord
• 2 N 1 heat resistant storage pouch and counter mat

* This iron sells for around $89.00. [Mo paid 46.00 including shipping on ebay]

And I have a 1/2" Conair Ceramic that I got jerked and paid 19.00 for when I could've waited a few weeks and got it for 15 bucks. I like this one because of it's ergonomic handle.

Under 50 is my limit, but I will try to get the best possible under that limit. Works for me because I use a flat iron infrequently for the most part.

 

[Kurlee]

Im sorry but my Chi Turbo puts my old gold n hot to shame

 

[pinkchocolatedaisy]

I got a ceramic one from Sally's. called Salon Creations and it seems to work for me. I think I may give this one to my mom so I can get a fake Chi or maybe a real one off eBay. That's how I roll too, get it from eBay way cheaper!

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

I use my cheap Andis flat iron and it does the trick on my natural hair. I don't even use my maxi glide.

I have an Andis too, I haven't used it in a longggg while, but it really does do the trick!

 

[Dayjoy]

I have an Andis too, I haven't used it in a longggg while, but it really does do the trick!

Glad to hear it. I bought one almost a year ago but still haven't used it. I've been resisting the PJ urge to buy an expensive one that I won't use until the one time I use it . Thanks for keeping it real!!

 

[FtrDrO]

Thanks ladies! The andis and conair infiniti were things that I noticed that made me wonder if I needed the more expensive ones. I also saw a babybliss flatiron. I haven't seen the Sally's generic chi. I'll have to check that out too. It's good to know that you guys are having good results with these cheaper ones. I don't plan on using direct heat frequently at all. But I just wanted to have a good one just for those rare times.

 

[Napp]

my andis got my 8 month post hair pretty bone straight with the exception to the ends because i didnt know about the fine toothed comb trick and my edges which still need a pressing comb to get at. now that i think about it i dont really need a maxiglide. i dont straighten often anyway

 

[Allandra]

I wouldn't say we really need these expensive flat irons, but I certainly do like mine (Sedu).

My hair stylist has an inexpensive flat iron, and it did a great job of straightening my hair (5 months post).

So, it doesn't have to be expensive to get great results.

 

[Dposh167]

Thanks ladies! The andis and conair infiniti were things that I noticed that made me wonder if I needed the more expensive ones. I also saw a babybliss flatiron. I haven't seen the Sally's generic chi. I'll have to check that out too. It's good to know that you guys are having good results with these cheaper ones. I don't plan on using direct heat frequently at all. But I just wanted to have a good one just for those rare times.

yes the generic chi is a good choice. I have that along with the solia and the generic is just as good!

 

[SilkyandSmooth]

I'm sorry but there's no comparison. My Sedu flat irons 100 times better than my old Jilbere or Gold 'N' Hot. It was worth every penny.

 

[SeatownSista]

My Sedu works better than any flat iron I have ever used. As much money as I spent replacing cheap flat irons I might as well have bought an expensive one a long time ago.

 

[LivingDoll]

I use my cheap Andis flat iron and it does the trick on my natural hair. I don't even use my maxi glide.

I cosign on this completely. I have the 1" Candy Apple Red Andis. I don't use my maxiglide either. It looks scary. I'm sending it back. I've had the Andis for about two years and the coating is starting to come off the plates. I'll gladly replace the $40 Andis.

ETA: The Andis is unbelievabe on DD's APL, 4A, dense, all naturale hair! I used a Gold N' Hot Ceramic (because the Andis plates have lost their coating) on DD for Easter...it was NO COMPARISON!

 

[1QTPie]

I do. I've had every flat iron (cheap one) under the sun and my hair laughs at it.

The ceramic (or Toumaline) plates allow my hair to get flatter and straighter with ONE pass. And I'm not burning the crap out of my hair to get some semblance of control.

 

[1QTPie]

daephae your hair is sooo pretty. I love the body it has, makes me want to layer and straighten.


*sorry for the corruption*

 

[LivingDoll]

daephae your hair is sooo pretty. I love the body it has, makes me want to layer and straighten.


*sorry for the corruption*

Awww, you're too sweet! Thanks!

ETA: Checked out your fotki...you're hair is GORG! You've come a long way since the twa (which looked awesome on you).

 

[NYAmicas]

I think my only experience with an expensive flat iron was a JADE but I've been using my Andis and its alright.I do think the expensive ones have something going for them but its also about technique.