Dare to Chop Off Your Hair!
Have you been toying with the idea of chopping all of your hair off and getting a sleek bob or a flirty pixie cut? First of all, bravo to your bravery! Not many women will part with their hair because they see it as a sort of security blanket and you’re one of the courageous few that forge ahead. But before you go and do anything drastic, you need to make sure that you have all of your tools in order. Sure, you can look like a movie star when you leave the salon - perfectly blown out, straightened and coiffed. But how are you going to make your new style work a few days later, when you are all by yourself, staring into the mirror and wondering, “Oh my gawd, what have I done?”
Avoid the overdramatic soloquies in the mirror by using professional tools to get professional results. More and more stylists rely on CHI straighteners to give their clients the perfect style so why wouldn’t you rely on one to treat yourself to salon quality results? There is a reason CHI straighteners may cost more than generic brands - because they deliver better results time and time again. They have the right technology to give you straight and sleek hair without damaging your gentle strands. The reason hair starts to look less than fresh when using lesser than straighteners is because of their inability to distribute heat evenly and seal the cuticle. A CHI straightener will make a major difference in your daily maintenance. And since part of the allure of shorter hair is its sleek and chic style, you need a CHI to deliver that kind of star quality power.
Kim Kardashian Straightens Hair, Justifies Existence
When it comes to the Kardashian sisters, the complaint I hear most often is that they’re famous for “nothing.” To that, I say, “Psh! They are on the E! Network, one of the last bastions of high quality, content-driven programming!” I kid, I kid. But the Kardashians aren’t famous for nothing - at least, sister Kim has made a name for herself. You see, Kim Kardashian has gotten very, very good at looking pretty in public.
Think about the last time you went out in public. Was it a quick trip to the grocery store, perhaps? A Slurpee pit stop at the nearest 7-11? Did you venture out through a throng of Twilight-obsessed preteens and their even more obsessed moms to see a movie? And what were you wearing? Did you have a full face of makeup? Was your hair carefully straightened and arranged ever so carefully? No! That’s why Kim Kardashian is famous and you’re not. Now let us never argue again.
The good news is that there is something that can be done about your slovenly appearance - something that is easy to achieve, even fun! First you have to buy a Chi straightener. Don’t settle for a lesser straightener - it’ll just fry your hair. Remember, WWKKD? (What Would Kim Kardashian Do?) She certainly wouldn’t compromise her hair just to save a few bucks! You want a Chi straightener because they’re high quality, which means they’re easier to use (they heat faster and more evenly than lesser irons) and less damaging (no cooking hair with metal plates). Then, working in 1″ sections, straighten your hair. Just pass the iron over each section once or twice, no more. Now you’re almost Kardashian-worthy! If you can commit to spackling yourself with the kind of makeup most women reserve for red letter events like, you know, their wedding day or the Oscars, you’re probably ready for your own TV show. Congratulations, you’re a celebrity!
Straightening Your Hair? Don't Forget the Back!
I can’t be the only person who had absolutely no idea how to straighten the back of her hair with a flat iron! The minute I got my new Chi straightener, I was ready to go - I had always dreamed of silky smooth straight hair, and I was more than ready to make that dream a reality. But then I realized that there was one little obstacle between me and the hair of my dreams: All that hair in the back! Maybe it’s easy when you have really short hair, but my shoulder-length locks were baffling me. The hair in front was no problem, but how was I supposed to maneuver that baby around to get the sections in the back?
Luckily, I have a very gracious best friend who took mercy on me and showed me how to straighten the right way. If you’re as confused as I was, read on! Help has arrived. The first thing you should do (after making sure your hair is totally dry, of course) is to divide your hair into two halves: The top half and the bottom half. The top half should be pinned up, and the bottom half can hang loose. Then divide the bottom half into smaller sections, and use your Chi straightener to smooth out each one. When you get to the back, it helps to have a mirror in front of you and another one behind you so you can see what you’re doing, at least until you get a good feel for it. After the bottom half is straightened, let the top half down, divide into sections, and straighten that.
It might help to practice on someone else once or twice if you’re a complete newbie. Good luck!
Heat vs. Chemical Straigheners
Straight hair is almost universally coveted by women (and men!) of every age, race and natural hair type imaginable. There’s just something about having hair that is sleek, smooth and swingy that appeals to people, even if they are ordinarily fans of their hair’s natural texture. There are basically two ways to straighten hair: With heat or with chemicals. Both have their advantages and drawbacks.
Personally, I prefer to use heat. My Chi straightener is a total lifesaver when I’m tired of looking like a frizzy mess! I just wash and dry my hair, divide it into sections and run my Chi through. Afterwards, I seal the cuticles with some shine serum. Voila! I know that some of my friends get tired of having to use a straightener day in and day out though, which is why there is the option of having your hair chemically straightened.
Chemical straighteners let you enjoy straight hair for weeks or even months on end, but they definitely have consequences. Your hair can end up dry, frizzy and damaged, and it can require a lot of work (such as deep conditioning treatments) to get it back to optimal shape. Some people have allergic reactions to the chemicals, which can lead to itchiness, rashes and more. If the chemicals are not properly applied or left on for too long, your hair can even fall out! That’s why I prefer to stick with my CHI straightener. It hasn’t led me astray yet!
Ciara's Straight Style
How does Ciara get her hair so perfectly straight?
I’m on a lifelong mission for perfectly straight hair, and the way Ciara’s locks look in this picture is basically the Holy Grail of hair care for me! It’s just so gorgeous. Her hair is straight without looking limp or lifeless, her sideswept long bangs add a perfect touch of coyness, and - most importantly - everything looks impossible healthy and shiny! I bet her stylist used a CHI straightener on her - there’s just no other way I can imagine achieving such perfect hair. I know my CHI straightener is like a secret weapon of sorts in my styling arsenal. I whip it out anytime I need to get my curly hair straight fast, without damaging the delicate cuticle. CHI makes flat irons that are super effective but won’t burn or damage hair, which is especially important if you have particularly thick or coarse hair. A lot of African American women swear by the brand for that very reason. I wonder if Ciara is a big CHI fan?! Just make sure your hair is completely dry before you begin straightening, or you could end up cooking your hair! Not only will this lead to severe damage, it will also smell terrible…trust me, I learned that the hard way. Luckily, with a high quality iron the likelihood that you’ll accidentally ruin your hair is basically nil. Buy a CHI and you won’t regret it!
My CHI is like magic
This isn't me. But this IS what I feel like when I use my CHI straightener. It's like magic.
I have long been on the quest for perfectly straight hair. All my life I have struggled with my wavy hair that has a mind of its own. No matter how much I’d try to beat it into submission, it still would bounce right back to its curly natural state. I have used creams, shampoos, conditioners, mousses, serums, blow dryers, curling irons, actual irons - like for clothes - and specific haircuts to encourage straight hair but I always came up short. I had heard of CHI straighteners but I figured they were something only professional stylists have access to. And then I noticed that they are much more readily available lately. The problem I had with the CHI was that even the most basic version was over $100. In my frugal mind, that seemed like an exorbitant cost. But then I started to add up the costs of the aforementioned products I have used over the years and I realized….I had already spent way over that amount in my quest for straight hair. So…I decided to splurge…
Let me just say…best money I have ever spent!! I have never been able to get the consistent results like I do with my CHI. I can have my hair straightened in half the time than it ever took before and the look holds for at least a day. This means I only need to “do” my hair every other day - which has made my hair look healthier than ever.
Jenna Fischer's Red Carpet Secret?
My favorite TV show of all time is the American version of “The Office,” and obviously a big part of the show’s appeal is the relationship and chemistry between Jim and Pam! Jenna Fischer is the actress who plays Pam, and I think she is so pretty, in addition to being hilarious on the show. Whenever I see her on the red carpet, she always has great hair, and I’ve long wondered what her secret is. For example, here is a picture of her at this year’s SAG Awards - love that off-center bun! Everything is so smooth, sleek and perfectly in place. I’m betting that her secret is a CHI straightener! I recently bought a CHI straightener for my own hair, and I can’t even tell you how much of a difference it’s made in my styling abilities. If you think all straighteners are created equal, you are WRONG - it’s just that simple! A high quality CHI straightener would make a style like Jenna’s super easy. All you would have to do is straighten dry hair in 1″ sections before creating a side part and then twisting hair up into a chignon, pinning it into place on the opposite side of your head from where your part is. Apply a little finishing spray to lend shine and tame flyaways, and don’t forget the chandelier earrings like Jenna’s! They really complete the look. Pam never had it so good!
Get a Professional Look with CHI
Having straight hair gives you an incredible amount of versatility when you are experimenting with different hairstyles. Unfortunately, there are a lot of us out there who were not blessed with naturally straight hair. In fact, even those lucky ones with straight hair may have trouble getting their hair to look as sleek as they would prefer. 
Luckily, ceramic flat irons are no longer relegated to only professional use. In fact, CHI straighteners are the most popular ceramic irons used by professional stylists and they are accessible to anyone who wants that sleek, salon look any day of the week.
CHI straighteners are professional tools that you can use at home. There are a few important styling tips to remember when you use your straightener, though. First of all, the CHI straightener reaches extremely high temperatures. This ability is part of what makes the CHI so effective. But if you want to keep your hair healthy, you need to make sure to use a thermal protection product on your hair before straightening. Sprays and serums designed specifically to protect your hair from heat are available at drugstores and salons. Also, even if you use your protectant diligently it is a good idea to take breaks from your straightener. Let your hair rest and try to avoid straightening everyday.
My Hair Idol: Carrie Underwood
Ever since Carrie Underwood exploded onto the scene by winning American Idol, she has become a bit of a style icon for me. I am a big country music fan and now that she is queen of the country scene, I could not be more thrilled. I love how her style is constantly evolving and that goes for everything from her clothes to her hair. I saw this picture of her and knew that I had to copy her hairstyle. I’ve had long hair but it is all one length and definitely needed an update.
I took this picture in to my stylist and, needless to say, she was thrilled to help me achieve this look. The only problem that she mentioned though is that since I have naturally wavy hair, it might be hard to replicate this exact style without a bit of work. She suggested that I do a good blow out to achieve the volume and body. No problem, I’ve done that before. But what really was going to help, she said, was if I got a CHI straightener to help define the layers and smooth out the final look. Well, I trust my stylist, so I decided to go for it. Best. Decision. Ever. It is so easy to style my hair and with the CHI straightener, I feel like I can get the straight-from-the-salon look anytime I want!
Perfectly Perfect Straight Hair
I am not going to lie: I have been striving to get Alicia Silverstone’s hairstyle since I was in middle school and she was in all of the Aerosmith videos. Yes, even before Clueless. I know it sounds silly but it is true that you always want what you can’t have. And I do not have straight, silky, blond hair. I was so jealous of the way she could just run her fingers through her hair carelessly and then her hair would just cascade back down, perfectly in place. My less-than-perfect brown, wavy hair would just mock me when I would try that move in front of the mirror. Yes, middle school was not the best time for me.
So, since then, I have tried blowing my hair straight, using curling irons to straighten it and I have bought cheap-o flat irons at the drugstore. I was definitely doing more damage than good though. Which is why the last time I went to get my haircut my stylist looked at me and said, “Honey. You need to lay off the heat.” I sheepishly confessed my Alicia Silverstone-hair-obsession and that is when things turned around. She held up her CHI straightener and said, “This bad boy should do the trick.” She straightened my hair and there it was…the cascade! My hair may still be brown but the classic cascading straightness was undeniable. I bought my own CHI Straightener that day and I haven’t looked back since.
How to Choose a Straightener
My Chi straightener is one my favorite beauty tools, hands down. I use it almost every single day to make my naturally curly hair straight and sleek, and I love that it doesn’t make my hair a dried out, frizzy mess. Here are some tips for picking a new straightening iron:
- Look for a flat iron that has ceramic or tourmaline plates; make sure they’re actually made of one of these materials, and not just metal coated in ceramic or tourmaline! These materials are much easier on your hair and won’t “cook” or damage it
- Choose an iron that has an adjustable temperature gauge; this gives you a way to control the amount of heat you use so you’re not unnecessarily frying your lock
- Find one with good user reviews online - that’s how I found my Chi straightener, and I’m totally satisfied with my choice!
- Make sure there’s a warranty, so you can replace and/or repair it if it breaks without having to invest in a brand new iron
Do You Blow Dry Before Straightening?
Do you blow dry your hair before straightening it? I know it’s important to use my Chi straightener on hair that’s dry, in order to prevent damage, but blow drying beforehand seems like way too much heat for my hair! I think I may have found a better way: A microfiber towel! Microfiber towels are way more absorbant than regular cotton towels, and they’re really gentle on your hair, unlike a blow dryer. I just got one and I wrap my hair up in it, leave it for 20 minutes or so, and then when I take it off my hair is ready for my Chi straightener! I love that it’s so much better for my hair than using all that extra heat from a blow dryer. My hair isn’t nearly as frizzy as it used to be, and it’s much softer and smoother. Get a microfiber towel for yourself and you’ll see what I’m talking about!
I Love Phoebe's Hair
I grew up watching Friends and everyone I knew loved Jennifer Aniston’s hair. I admit, she had good cuts and she continues to have good hair but I always wanted Lisa Kudrow’s hair. Phoebe always had that long, thick, beautiful blond hair and I loved it best when it was stick straight. Her hair is what I wanted to emulate. Forget the Rachel. Give me the Phoebe! I found the best way to achieve that straight look is by using a CHI straightener. I have tried other flat irons but my CHI always gives me consistent results. And my hair always looks the shiniest when I use my CHI hair straightener. To me, the Phoebe is timeless.
Tips for Straightening Hair
If you use GHD flat irons your hair on a regular basis then you need to make sure that you protect your hair from heat damage. Even if you use your flat iron less frequently, it is important to be aware that heat can be damaging to your hair but you can achieve beautiful results if you exercise care. The first thing to realize is that the type of flat iron you use makes a difference. Professional tools will yield professional results, which is why CHI straighteners are used widely by stylists. Stylists also take care to use a heat protectant spray before flat ironing your hair. They also will only use the amount of heat necessary for your hair type. The finer your hair is, the less heat you need to achieve the best results. The same logic goes for the coarser your hair is, the more heat you need.
The Right Straightener Makes a Difference
I never bought into the idea that the kind of hair straightener I used made much of a difference. I figured, as long as it had ceramic plates and produced heat, I could style my hair efficiently. I tried always to use a heat protectant spray and figured I was protecting the health of my hair that way. My point of view completely changed when I complimented my friend on how healthy her hair looked and she mentioned that she used a CHI straightener. I just assumed her hair was naturally straight and shiny but she set me straight (ha ha, no pun intended!). She swears by her CHI straightener and said she could tell a major difference in her hair when she started using it versus her old drugstore brand. You should see her hair - it is gorgeous! Needless to say, that sold me!
Superior Results With My CHI
I always wanted long, straight hair but nature had other ideas for my hair. I have always struggled with controlling my curly hair. Whenever I straighten it, it seems to be puff up and frizz out. I have tried every kind of straightener I could find at the drugstore but nothing seemed to help me out. I talked to my hair stylist and they suggested I invest in a CHI straightener if I was serious about having smooth and straight hair. It is the type of flat iron they use in the salon and they said it achieves superior results. They weren’t kidding! I never knew that straightening my hair could actually be easy. My CHI straightener has changed the way I view my hair.
Creating Sexy Hair, like Angelina Jolie's
I may not be able to get her enviable lips or boyfriend, but I can get Angelina Jolie’s gorgeous hair with my CHI straightener. My hair is naturally curly and I recently realized that having my hair straight makes me feel sexier and more like a femme fatale, not unlike my favorite actress. My favorite way to use my CHI straightener is to get the Angelina look that she had on the red carpet at the Cannes film festival this year. Straight all over with soft waves in the front, with a deep side part. The look is sultry and sweet all at once. And I love that I can use my straightener to create soft waves. Just wrap my hair around the barrel, like using traveling curling irons, and I get really natural looking waves that don’t look too fussy.
Jennifer Aniston's Hair Secrets
What is Jennifer Aniston's straight hair secret?
Ever since starring on Friends, where she made international headlines with her trendy “Rachel” cut, Jennifer Aniston has been a huge hair celebrity. Her hair always looks healthy, beautiful and totally modern. What are her hair secrets? Jennifer’s look surely begins with an excellent flat iron, such as a CHI straightener. Want to steal her sexy straight-hair look for yourself? Then begin by applying a spray-on thermal protectant to damp hair, to shield it from heat damage, before blowing hair dry completely. Next, go over your hair in sections with your CHI straightener. Finish your look with a lightweight hairspray for hold without stickiness. To get shine like Jennifer, always choose a ceramic-plated iron - the CHI straightener is an excellent non-metal option - and apply a small amount of shine serum at the end for an extra glossy sheen. Voila! You’re well on your way to Aniston-quality locks, without the Hollywood hair stylist price tag!