Ladies, i just purchase my 2nd flat iron the other day, it is a conair infinite (1-3/4"). retail at $60, and it seem to works ok (i have pretty straight hair to begin with) I am just wondering what if the more expansive brand like chi solia or really works that much better?

It depends on how often you straighten.

If you only do it a couple times a week, you should be fine with a Conair or some other cheaper iron, especially if you're using it on a low setting to just polish up a blow out.

However, if you're using it every day on difficult hair, the Chi is certainly worth every penny- I have stubbornly curly hair that I rarely ever straighten, but I used a Chi iron once and my hair stayed moderately straight for like four days (that never happens with my cheapy iron). The Chi irons are also far less damaging, so better for daily use.

I don't use a flat iron, but as I understand it, the more times you need use it on a particular section of hair to get it straight, the more you damage your hair. A chi flat iron is suppose to only need one or two swipes over the hair (so obviously less damage). But, if you only use yours once in a while, I don't see a problem with it.

As a side note, you can find new Chi flat irons on ebay for pretty inexpensive. Another place to try is Folica Beauty Supply. They tend to have great sales!

I use a flat iron every day. I know it's bad for my hair, so I make sure to use a high-quality iron AND use heat protectant products. The iron I currently use is by i-Tech. Like the Chi (which I used to use - mine lasted for about 3 years), it is used by professional stylists.

I was using a lower-quality iron in between my Chi breaking and getting the i-Tech, and I definitely noticed a difference! My hair broke and split after a few months with the low-quality iron. I definitely recommend spending the money to get a ceramic iron (not just ceramic coated) or tourmaline. Those materials help prevent the hair from being damaged, as they conduct the heat evenly. Of course, flat-ironing IS a heat process, so it will damage your hair.

My hair is not curly and not straight, so I have to do something to it. It doesn't have an even wave and I LOVE straight hair, so I opt to flat iron. Of course, if I went to Nick, he would likely give me a bob and my hair would look like a triangle. But since I have neither the money nor the inclination to go to Nick, I don't have to worry about that :-)

the better the quality the better it works and protects your hair.
CHI is absolutely worth the money. one swoop and hair is totally flat. (and the 'do lasts longer). sometimes you get what you pay for, and this is one of those times.

i have a ultra-chi which i totally love and its my fav color i bought it for about 75 dolors at a local store called ulta my sis bought one around 250 but umm same product so find one at a great price and not a nock-off plus i use products that work for my hair like design line get it pressed flat iron spray by Regis i put it in after i take shower take out excess water then blow-dry then i apply chi silk infusion straighten and blow cold to set. i sometimes us bio-silk to but in all sometimes expesive vs cheap is always the deal but remember if you use products that work for your hair this can really play a part for your hair because (I use products that work for me from cheap to more pricey but its worth it) so shop around and remeber just cuz it cost more or has a flashy name use what works for you and good luck !!!

thank you for all the feedback. the conair i got is 1-3/4", sale at TJMax for $30.00 so technically, I pick up a $75.00 (retail) for only $30.00, it was a steal. My hair is pretty straight, with some wave at the end, but the iron does give it a more polish look. I think i will take it back either way, i turn out that i can't really do any curl on a 1-3/4". So it looks like i need to get a 1 or 1-1/4" so i can play around getting some curl at the end.

Has anyone hear anything feedback about this other brand call Solia, seem to be getting some great review. How much difference do you is there between a 1" and a 1-1/4"?

I had a Solia for a while and although it was a great iron it was no better IMO than the much cheaper iron I bought at Sally Beauty Supply called "Titanium Tools". The only reason I stopped using the Solia is because it fried when I tried to use it with a European current coverter overseas a couple of years ago.

I have a Paul Brown. Just one swipe finishes my very difficult hair; I haven't noticed any damage. A Conair wouldn't straighten it, no matter how may times I tried. And, I have a Maxi-Glide, which is so heavy that it would take a crane to finish my hair.

On another note, I want to replace a curling iron for a friend. Any thoughts? Gold or Ceramic?

I have a ceramic Chi. Love it. I upgraded from a cheaper one and can really tell the difference. I also have the Chi hair dryer. It dries so much better. FHI is also a good professional style. I got both of mine from overstock.com for about half price. I have also seen them at TJ Maxx.

I personally swear by my T3. I had one for a few years, it held up to a lot of usage, and it finally died a few weeks ago. I replaced it with a newer model, which I love even more (and not just because it's hot pink). I also use heat spray on my hair before I flat iron, which helps keep it in good shape and gives it extra shine.

I borrowed a Chi from my friend when I was in Saint Lucia last year and I forgot my flat iron (which would have been a disaster since my hair is miserable without one). It worked well for me, but I'm still attached to my T3.