~ The Best Flat Irons For Your Hair ~

Lucky for me, my future sis-in-law, Kristy, is a fantastic hairdresser (and amazing person)! Score! She's been doing hair for the past 10 years and now runs her own beautiful salon here in Utah...Salon Synergy. So, any time I need my hair done, advice, product...I know where to go. Rebecca asked me a while back to do a post on the best flat irons for hair...I know what I use to straighten the party on my head...but, I wanted to hear the advice of a REAL pro.

Here's the scoop, courtesy of Kristy:

Her Favorite Flat Iron - T3 Bespoke

This picture is of the newer version, the Wet/Dry. This will straighten your hair and dry it at the same time so that you don't have to damage it twice (first, with the blow dryer). It heats up to 450 degrees and won't even lose heat when applied to cold/wet hair! This is made out of "tourmaline" which increases ionic energy which equals sealing the cuticles of your hair...which equals less frizz. We like less frizz, yes we do. Kristy also likes the T3 because it is more "rounded" than the others, which makes the iron double as a curling iron...rather than kinking iron. The other bonus of buying a T3 (from a reputable shop) is that it includes a 4 year warranty. That's huge. I can't tell you the number of flat irons we have gone through in my family. The extra cost is probably worth it. This model retails for $200. Or, the older version (not a wet/dry) is just as well loved. It retails for $160. I know, I know...not the Wal-Mart prices you like to hear but you will get your money's worth.

2nd Place Flat Iron - Farouk Chi

Holy Cow, the Chi has drastically dropped in price! Back when I bought mine it was around $150. Now you can find them for $69...but make sure they aren't imitation! There are imitation ones made that are only ceramic plated...which leads to product buildup and burnt hair. Buy from a store that has a good reputation. The Chi is a great iron. It's solid ceramic and has a big following! Kristy has found that the standard black color seems to hold up longer than the cutsie pink or patterned ones that are sold. These will likely retail upwards of $100 dollars in a salon.

3rd Place Flat Iron - Babyliss

A lot of women who want to save money buy the Babyliss from Kristy's salon. It retails at $75, but you can now find the even better Chi iron for even less! The Babyliss is only ceramic plated and has just a few month warranty. But, it is a far better iron than what you will buy at Wal-Mart. Not to dis on Wal-Mart, but Kristy claims the cheaper the iron the more product build-up, the less heat it puts off, less ions, and the irons usually aren't very rounded on the edges for good curls. Don't waste your money.

Basically, this is what it comes down to....if you want a good, solid, reputable flat iron that is a great price then get a Chi. If you want to go for the gold and a 4 year warranty tickles your fancy then you want a T3. Why I even mentioned the Babyliss...I don't know.

What's been your experience with flat irons???