price difference in flat irons/straighteners (haircut, best, stylist, stores)

[foma]

What's the deal with the price difference?

I got a haircut a few months ago and my stylist recommended a straightener for my already straight hair. At first I thought it was weird but I was impressed by the look so I went to my local Ulta to get one. The one I bought was for $30 but saw straighteners for upwards of $100. The same with Target and other stores I visited.

I'm confused why there's such an extreme price variance. With blowdryers, I've seen them sell between $20-50 so why such a big difference between high end and low end straighteners? If I'm damaging my hair with the "cheap ones" I'd like to know!!

[emi__]

Often, the cheap ones aren't made with top-of-the-line materials or precision. For instance, I used to have some cheap Conair flat iron. It snagged my hair and often overheated. Now I use a Bedhead iron and it works wonders without massacring my hair.

So, yes, there is a difference besides price.

[foma]

So what would you say is a fair price range for a decent one? I guess $30 is "too cheap"? Or, when looking for a "good one", what specifics am I looking for? I've never snagged my hair on my flat iron nor Do I feel like it's overheated but I'm pretty "obvlivious" to these kinds of things so if I know at least what to look for in a flat iron, like the material it is made out of or something, than maybe I won't have to worry about how much damage I'm doing to my hair!

[EireRoisin]

If you're using your flat iron to basically smooth already straight hair, I wouldn't worry about the damage. I have curly/wavy coarse hair, so I need to go over each 2" section 3-4 times to get it smooth. That's where the real damage comes in. As far as snagging your hair, your best bet is to make sure the iron your using has rounded edges and at minimum a ceramic coated surface. I used a ceramic coated $40 Hot Tools iron for three years and my hair was never damaged from it - the snagging happened when I wasn't careful or crammed too much hair in. I also like the ones that heat up to 430 degrees, but you shouldn't need or use heat like that on your hair.

The funny thing is there are high end and low end names that are made by the same people, same specs but since one has a name and one doesn't you automatically think the pricier is better. For example, Conair and Babyliss are made by the same company. You can check out reviews at folica.com for more info on them. Solia, Sedu, Solano, Chi, HAI, Phi, etc are always favorites, but I have had a Hot Tools that did the job and right now I have and love a BaByliss Pro-TT Tourmaline that I got at Bed Bath & Beyond using my 20% off coupon! You can get the Bed Head one there too. The only thing I would avoid is the wet to dry ones because I just can't see it being good for your hair or time efficient. Good luck!

[foma]

Mine says it's ceramic so from what you've said, I should be OK.

Are you supposed to use the flat iron when your hair is wet or dry? Or somewhere in the middle? I used it when my hair was wet and heard my hair "sizzle" so I figured that's probably not a good idea!!

[EireRoisin]

NO!!! lol - don't make your hair sizzle! There are specific irons that are supposedly ok for wet hair, but a regular one shouldn't be used on wet hair. You should try to either (ideally since yours is straight) let your hair dry naturally or blow your hair out first, then use your flat iron on dry hair. You don't necessarily have to use a shine or glossing serum, but you should use something (thermal spray or serum) to coat your hair for any damage protection.

[foma]

The coat to prevent damage ... do you put on your hair before you use the iron, or after? Or does it depend on what you buy?

[pitt_transplant]

The thing you want to look for is temp control option on a flat iron. With strait hair you can set it really low temp and avoid damage. Spray with heat protection before you iron. Works best if you seperate it in sections to get an even coat. I do it in a lazy way. I ponytail half my hair on top of my head and get the underneath parts with spray and iron. Let it cool and then do the top the same way.

Its better to do 5 strokes on a low temp than 1 stroke on a really hot temp.
Do not hold the iron on your hair. Slide it through just like you would a brush.

[foma]

y'all have been a great help and given me a lot of info ... thanks!!