STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Take a look at Marshall's or TJs for a good deal on a chi. When I use a straightener, I leave my hair very slightly damp (steam will rise as you straighten.) I brush out the length of hair that I am about to straighten, and when I straighten, I hold the iron at an angle to create a curve in the hair. This will give you nice rounded ends vs. stick straight. Once you play around with it, you'll figure out what you like best. Every woman should have one!

ETA: regardless of the brand you buy, look for ceramic plates -- they're much less damaging to your hair.

-- Edited by D on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 10:47:47 AM

I have wavy hair and probably straighten it 70% of the time. I have a Chi and I really like it but have heard great things about other brands too. I try to use a heat protectant spray on my hair before I use the iron on it to prevent damage, so I would look into one of those as well. The brand I use for that just happens to also be Chi.

Third on the CHI, but look for a good deal. Another way to get one for a decent price is to get one of the 20% off coupons for Bed Bath & Beyond. Also, be sure to pick up a good heat protectant styling spray. CHI makes its own, but I don't know what people think of them.

The CHI (like all high quality flat irons) gets ASTRONOMICALLY hot, by the way. Just be aware of that. It's good for straighening your hair with minimal damage (because you won't have to go over the same chunk of hair again and again), but it is a potential burn and melt issue (like be careful where you set the iron).