Sep 11 2009
Anyone have a Chi?
So let me preface this by saying: I have crazy thick wavy uncontrollable hair, but have always wanted nice smooth straight shiny hair. 
I’ve tried straighteners in the past to no avail, but my friend keeps telling me to get a Chi. Amazon.com has this one for $65.77 shipped — which as far as I can tell is a pretty darn good price. But before I disappoint myself again: Are these all they’re cracked up to be? Do you use one? Do you need special hair care products to get good results?
(Reading more… should I get the Solia instead?)
14 Responses to “Anyone have a Chi?”
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I have a Chi and love it!!!! My hair is not ringlets, but I have very wavy thick hair that gets rather frizzy and poufy if I do not straighten it. In my book this is the best invention ever…I know that may seem strong, but it work great in my hair. Maybe your friend will let you try theirr straighter and you can see if the Chi works for you.
I have thick, wavy, crazy, frizzy hair as well! I don’t have a Chi, but I do have a cheaper version and it also works great. I also find that the skinny ones like Chi or Zoe are easier to work with. I also recommend using a hair straightening serum by Redken; it’s called “Smooth Down Heat Glide”. it helps with the straightening but also leaves your hair very shiny and protects your hair from the heat. Little on the pricey side, but worth the $$.
I was going to get a chi, but was disappointed that there wasn’t heat settings on it. I ended up going into Sally Beauty supply and getting this: http://www.sallybeauty.com/flat-iron/SBS-646600,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair09-06 on sale for 54.99 I think. It is the best investment I’ve made for my hair, ever! I absolutely love it!
I don’t have a Chi, but have a Solia. I bought it from folica.com, and spent HOURS reading the reviews of all the different options- on that site people post their before and after pics which i thought was helpful to find someone with similar hair to me. I would guess it was around $80, but was well worth it. I know folica sells chi straighteners though, and if I remember correctly I found a 20% off discount code on retailmenot. Check that site to compare the price with amazon. I use Chi silk infusion, and it smells a bit like men’s cologne but works great. My hair is down to the very bottom of my back, is thick, and a bit frizzy, so I use my straightener all the time.
I have also had the Japanese ionization done- was AMAZING!! i think in the Chicago area it is quite expensive, up to $800, but I had mine done in Vancouver Canada where authentic Japanese salons are easier to come by so it was closer to $200- then you don’t even have to straighten it!! Here though, it is mostly high end salons that offer it and their prices just aren’t worth it!
this is the one i got
http://www.folica.com/Solia_Tourmalin_d1558.html
and this is the silk infusion
http://www.folica.com/CHI_Silk_Infusi_d2300.html
I got the professional InfraShine one, but have heard the Chi is equivalent. I have curly hair and have used a “cheap” straightener in the past. At a salon, a girl used this on my hair and on the first section, my jaw literally dropped! You won’t regret it!
if you are considering the solia, i checked retailmenot and they have a 10% off coupon for folica, which brings it from $83 down to just under $75, with free shipping….$10 cheaper than amazon, unless you are trying to use up amazing g/cs
Thanks everyone! Keep em coming
. kristine — yes, I was looking at Amazon specifically because I have some gift certificate funds over there — I saw some of the items were cheaper on folica but would cost me more out of pocket. Although I could keep the Amazon funds for the holidays … hmm.
And yes, I have very thick, wavy, frizzy hair — I have a cheap straightener that does nothing, so it’s in the back of a closet…
I have a Chi and LOVE it!! I have an Elite chi with temp settings. I’ve had it for 2.5 years and it still works and almost looks like new! EBAY IS THE PLACE TO BUY A CHI! I got mine for $30-35!!!! Just be patient and you’ll win one that others aren’t bidding on!! My sister wasn’t so patient and paid $60….ahhh, way too much!
I have a Remington ceramic straightener from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I love it! It is pink and brown. You can adjust the heat settings up to 200 too. Check it out online too! I think it regularly is $39.99, and I used the 20% off coupon and I think I paid around $34. I have a friend who previously used a Chi and she said she thought mine worked just as good as the Chi. The Remington is wider than the Chi though, so keep this in mind. HTH someone!
the Solia goes up to 410 degrees….
Chi is the best one EVER!!! Love it!!!!! You will too! And that’s a great price!
I had a cheaper version, and I didn’t like it. I found a Chi for $50 shipped on Ebay. I LOVE it. I agree the skinnier ones are way easier to use. I love that the Chi heats up in about 7 seconds, and I don’t really think the heat is to hot, it is perfect everytime. It makes my hair feel smoother. I could use a good hair protectant first, but I am so bad at picking out the right product for my hair. Good luck!
I have never tried a Chi but recently purchased the Jilbere de Paris Titanium Tools Professional Flat Iron (1-inch) @ Sally Beauty Supply and its been amazing. Currently $49.99 and there is a coupon out for $5/25 (cannot seem to post a link, sorry).