Best Reviewed
Flat Irons
- Best flat iron Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron *Est. $115
- Budget flat iron Conair Instant Heat 2-inch Ceramic Straightener *Est. $21
- Wet/dry flat iron Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron *Est. $25
- Professional straightening iron FHI Heat Runway Iron *Est. $450
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Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
Best flat iron
- Ceramic plates
- Heats up quickly
- Holds heat well
- Long-lasting styles
- Fixed temperature
- No auto shutoff
Users say the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron heats up quickly and cuts down on overall styling time. Several reviewers say that only one or two swipes with the flat iron perfectly straightens hair. While one prominent reviewer's tests show less expensive models to be equal or better in performance, consumers disagree, saying the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron's ceramic plates create smooth and silky hair that lasts until the next wash. Although some owners complain that the flat iron begins to wear out after a year or two of use, others insist that proper care will keep it lasting longer. The CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron has only one fixed temperature (392 degrees Fahrenheit), which may not be hot enough for really thick, curly hair and may be too hot for fine and/or damaged hair. If you need a flat iron with a greater temperature range, experts suggest the FHI Heat Runway Iron (*Est. $450). However, this professional flat iron is much more expensive -- nearly four times more.
We found the most thorough review of flat irons at ConsumerReports.org, where seven models, including the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, are tested and compared for performance, ease of use and features. User reviews at Folica.com and Amazon.com are plentiful and give good insight into real-world usage and durability.
| Farouk CHI 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Hairstyling Iron | |
(1,985 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org editors try out nine flat irons in this brief report. Editors conclude that price, wattage and extra features don't make much difference in how well the irons work.
Review: Hair Straighteners, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Jan. 2009
2. Folica.com
Owners posting reviews at Folica.com praise the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron for working well without causing excessive damage to hair. While some claim it is durable and lasts long, others say that it doesn't work as well after a year or two of use. The support for this flat iron at Folica.com is massive; more than 1,900 reviews have been written.
Review: CHI Ceramic Flat Iron (Original 1" CHI), Contributors to Folica.com
3. Amazon.com
Of the more than 1,700 reviews posted at Amazon.com for the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, more than 1,000 owners give it a perfect 5-star rating. Overall, Amazon.com customers say that the CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron cuts down on their styling time and is easy to use. However, a few warn that the warranty is not valid if purchased through an unauthorized retailer, including Amazon.com.
Review: Farouk CHI 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Hairstyling Iron, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Cosmo GirlDetails/Subscribe
Thousands of CosmoGirl readers along with the magazine's editors as well as celebrities vote to choose this list of nearly 50 products. A CosmoGirl reader from Colorado is quoted saying that the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron heats up quickly, is easy to use and produces styles that last until the next shampoo. However, there are scant details about methodology here, and it isn't clear if other flat irons were tested.
Review: Kiss of Approval Awards 2008, Ellen Billis, Sept. 2008
In this lengthy video, the unidentified reviewer says CHI flat irons cut styling time in half and that they last long if they are properly cared for. She prefers the less expensive Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron model, saying that it works just as well as the pricier ones.
Review: Fave Flat Iron Breakdown, Editors of Pursebuzz.com
6. Slate.com
The Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron comes in in third place in Slate.com's hands-on comparison test of seven models. Reviewer Torie Bosch says it is comfortable to use and has a great swivel cord, but complains that it has no temperature adjustment and causes ends to look frayed.
Review: Set Me Straight, Torie Bosch, April 24, 2007
Several users at MakeupAlley.com say the Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is their favorite, straightening hair quickly and reliably. At least one user, however, says the swivel cord is faulty and causes the iron to eventually short out. Others also complain that it isn't very durable. Users must provide an email address to register for the site in order to read reviews.
Review: Hair Styling Tools -- Farouk CHI -- Chi Ceramic Flat Iron by Farouk, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
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