Hair and Frenzy: Flat Iron Frenzy

Ah, round three for CHI! Perhaps some vindication? We’ll see.

This posting is part of a set of CHI comparisons Hair and Frenzy is conducting to see how CHI stacks up against other professional flat irons. So, let’s put CHI to the test against GHD based on temperature settings, materials, convenience, reviews and cost.
Battle call – CHI Original Ceramic 1” versus GHD Ceramic.

Heat Up

To kick things off, let’s look at temperature. Comparing CHI to GHD, there’s no obvious difference. Both irons come with exactly one heat setting – 370 degrees. And since the CHI and GHD offer quick heating time, these irons reach temperature within seconds.

GHD contains an internal microprocessor to provide even ceramic heat over the entire plate, avoiding hot spots. CHI maintains a similar level of heat, but it is not clear if CHI uses the same microprocessor technology as GHD. Either way both irons heat to 370 degrees and use ceramic heat technology to maintain this temperature.

CHI – 1, GHD – 1

Material Whirl

Hm, even match so far! Let’s see if we can find some differences.
Well, they are both ceramic. So, ceramic versus ceramic – I guess there isn’t much variation here either. As I mentioned before, GHD touts an internal microprocessor to spread the ceramic heat evenly across the plates. CHI does mention that in addition to ceramic plates, the coils are also ceramic, producing moist heat. Whether or not these are the same mechanics, I’m unsure but it seems the two are still in close competition.

Then, GHD brings something new to the table - floating plate technology. Basically, the ceramic plates adjust with hair to adapt to every hair textures while maintaining styling ability. So, GHD styles with heat rather than tension, CHI seems to lack this ability. This round goes to GHD for this design versatility.

CHI – 1, GHD – 2

Convenience Capability

Both CHI and GHD promise more than straightening – as styling tools that can create a number of looks. CHI features an ergonomic design, weighs in at about two pounds and features a 10’ swivel cord to ease physical strain on wrists and hands while styling.

The GHD design includes curved plates and a barrel shape for curls, waves and flips along with straightening. The styler weighs a bit less, around 1 ½ pounds, and features a professional swivel cord, along with an automatic safety shut off when the iron is left unattended for 30 minutes.

CHI and GHD seem pretty even in this category, too. Another tie.

CHI – 2, GHD – 3

What the Reviews Say

Just by comparing the number of reviews on Folica.com for each product, CHI is in the lead with over 1300 compared with just 132 on GHD. The two differ in rankings with CHI scoring 4.12 out of 5, and GHD getting 4.57 of 5 stars.

But on Amazon, GHD has 28 reviews over just 2 for the CHI Original. I figured I’d take all of the Amazon reviews and 5 pages of Folica.com reviews into account.

CHI receives well over half its reviews from satisfied customers who give the product top ranking. Sifting through the reviews most customers seem really impressed with how well the iron straightens their hair, and retains the style. On the other hand, customers complained about trouble using the CHI to create other styles like curls, and a number of customers had the CHI break or experience mechanical problems shortly after purchase.

GHD receives incredibly high marks from over 80% of its reviewers, with many customers raving about salon quality hair styles and the ability to create a variety of looks with ease. The top complaints customers wrote about were the fixed temperature setting and cost.

This round goes to GHD. Basically, even with less reviews, the GHD receives more positive feedback, the complaints seem less serious. An expensive flat iron with one heat setting is still better than a broken flat iron.

CHI – 2, GHD – 4

Final Cost

There’s a big difference between CHI and GHD when it comes to cost. From what I can tell there is $100 dollar price difference between the two. But so far, GHD was leading CHI – so maybe the extra $100 is worth it?

The CHI Original has a manufacturer’s list price of $179.95, but is available from Amazon and Folica for about $100 less. Some websites offer a warranty on CHI appliances, but the CHI website says that internet purchases from online retailers will not be covered by the CHI warranty.

GHD lists for between $250-300 but is available for less than $200 on Folica and other sites. GHD has a similar warranty policy.

Both irons are big investments, with little protection, but this time CHI wins for affordability.

CHI – 3, GHD - 4

And the Winner is…

By a hair (pun intended), GHD. The CHI and GHD irons are incredibly similar, but ultimately, the GHD won. However, it’s good to know that CHI is a great alternative to the pricier GHD styler.