That said, what are these manufacturers really charging you for?  Are you making an investment in a quality hair styling tool that offers all the best features or are you just shelling out your precious dollars to pay for the hair straightener brand name?  By that, I mean are you spending the extra money because it’s a worthy tool, or are you spending your bills to get a product with a well-known name?

After the astronomical popularity of CHI flat irons in the past 3 to 5 years, I began to wonder what the big deal was.  Many of my friends have purchased this brand of product with little to no satisfaction.  I, being the frugal shopper that I am, bought a less-known brand because I thought it was a better value.  Boy, was I right!  I ended up getting a Karmin G3 Pro Styling Iron primarily for the adjustable temperature and extensive warranty.  After a little more than a year, my straightener was still goin’ strong while my friends’ were suffering from cord problems and broken plates.

This caused me to do a little research (mostly to back up my “I told you so” to my CHI purchasing friends) and found that a lot of people have suffered from similar problems.  As soon as the 1-year warranty expires, the CHI tends to go south.  And comments and forums about these problems are all over the internet.  This begs the question “WHY ARE YOU PEOPLE STILL BUYING THIS PRODUCT?”  My Karmin was a 3-year warranty and after 2 1/2 years I have yet to encounter a problem.  I told you so!

The only answer is that people are purchasing the name.  They are either uninterested or unaware that there are much better, if lesser-known, products that will work better and last longer, but for a lower price.  Just the other day my roommate (and friend) borrowed my Karmin, realized I was right, and ordered one online right away.  I told you so…