There are many hair straighteners out there that do a great job, and others, not so much.
Brands such as CHI are considered the standard and a powerhouse in the hair straightener industry, with other competitors trying to catch up. Other competitors can rise to the occasion, such as Babyliss and HSI Professional.
However, how will you know which straightener to buy? This article compares and contrasts Chi vs. Babyliss flat iron as well as CHI vs. HSI straightener, and a full comparison of the three to help make your choice easier.
CHI vs. Babyliss Flat Iron
CHI Flat Irons
CHI has many products that have been around for ages that are ideal for beginners. Despite being an industry leader, the price for its CHI Original 1-inch is excellent for the budget-conscious, and its design makes hair straightening less intimidating.
CHI also has professional flat irons, such as the CHI G2, designed for more experienced users with different settings. The CHI Expert Classic line fits the bill for professionals as well.
Most of CHI’s most popular products are the ceramic plates, although titanium and tourmaline options are available.
CHI Pros:
- Easy to use
- Beginner-friendly
- Ergonomic design
- Budget-friendly
- Great for thin hair
CHI Cons:
- Some products are too simple for professionals/experienced users
- May not get hot enough for thicker hair
Babyliss Flat Irons
Babyliss is known as a European brand and has made headway into the United States with its BabylissPRO products. Its most popular product line is the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium, which comes in various settings and sizes.
BabylissPRO is a rising favorite for many professionals, but also for those who have experience with flat irons. The BabylissPRO Nano Titanium comes in many forms, such as Digital, Ultra-Thin, Prima Ionic, and more.
Titanium-plated products are available, as well as ceramic tourmaline.
Babyliss Pros:
- Suitable for thick, coarse hair
- Higher temperature max at 450°F
- Lightweight
- Stores heat settings for styling convenience
- Ultra-thin flat iron
Babyliss Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
- Not ideal for beginners
CHI vs. HSI Straightener
CHI Hair Straightener
CHI hair straighteners come in all sizes and plate types, mostly ceramic and tourmaline. There are titanium options available for those who want a more professional look.
In particular, the CHI Pro G2 Digital Titanium Infused Ceramic is the most popular hair straightener from CHI, as it’s a combination of the two most popular plates. This allows the heat to distribute more evenly, suitable for all hair types.
CHI Pro G2 Pros:
- Combines titanium and ceramic plates for better results
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly
- For most hair types
- Auto-shutoff available
CHI Pro G2 Cons:
- No swivel cord on some products
- No heat sensors
Other popular CHI Flat Iron we love:
HSI Hair Straightener
HSI hair straightener products are the fastest growing choice for those who are budget-conscious.
Specifically, the HSI Professional Glider is a ceramic and tourmaline hair straightener suitable for beginners and gets the job done at half the price of other brands, notably CHI.
Because it’s infused with tourmaline, which produces negative ions allowing water molecules to penetrate the hair, it may be more effective in reducing frizz and static.
HSI Professional Glider boasts of 8 mico-sensors to evenly distribute heat, which is useful for reducing damage.
HSI Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for travel
- Adjustable heat, with a wide temperature range of 140°F to 450°F
- Reduces frizz and static
HSI Cons:
- Ceramic and tourmaline only, not titanium
- It takes more time to heat up
- Limited plate sizes
- No sleep mode
How to Choose a Hair Straightener to Buy
Here’s what to look for when choosing the right hair straightener for you.
Budget
Most hair straighteners range from $29.99 to $159.99, maybe more. There are flat irons that have been around for ages that are considered the standard, like the CHI original 1-inch that is very affordable.
Other CHI products, such as the newer CHI G1 and CHI G2, tend to be double the price. Also, the type of plate matters, as titanium is more expensive than ceramic.
Plate Types
There are three types of plates:
- Ceramic: Most effective with heat for its value, as the heat spreads out more evenly. Some straighteners have a ceramic coating, and it may wear off over time, losing its effectiveness to distribute heat evenly.
- Titanium: Can heat up the most, very quickly—ideal for thick, curse coarse hair—more pricey than other plate types. If you want to dive deep, read the differences between ceramic and titanium flat irons.
- Tourmaline: Also called ionic plates, producing more negative than positive ions, which are decent for damaged hair and reducing frizz.
Related: Tourmaline Vs Titanium Vs Ceramic Hair Straightener: Know The Differences
Plate Size
The most common plate size is 1-inch, but other sizes are available, such as .75-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.50-inch.
If you have fine hair, you may not need anything more significant than 1 inch, as bigger plate sizes apply more heat, possibly damaging the hair.
Also, a 1-inch or .75 inch may be better to carry in a bag if you travel. If you have thicker, more coarse hair, a wider plate may be a better option.
Plate Shape
Flat irons usually have sharp edges, but plates with round outer edges can be more adaptable and easier to curl hair.
Heat Settings
Consider adjustable heat settings to control high heat, as very high temperatures are harmful to hair.
Hair Style and Type
Do you have fine hair? Thick hair? Damaged hair? All these matters when choosing which straightener to buy.
Fine hair has different needs than thicker hair, such as smaller plate size and adjustable heat settings to ensure the hair doesn’t get damaged. Thicker hair would need a wider plate, possibly a titanium plate, as opposed to ceramic.
Conclusion
CHI vs. Babyliss Flat Iron shows that while CHI is a popular standard, Babyliss provides alternatives for professionals and experienced users to enjoy.
Also, depending on hair type, the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium may be a better option, as it has a higher max temperature for thicker hair.
CHI vs. HSI Straightener also shows that HSI Professional has its advantages for those who want budget-friendly hair straightening that reduces frizz. In contrast, CHI hair straighteners provide more options for different hair types, at a cost.
Overall, it comes down to your budget, hair type, and other factors you may consider when choosing which hair straightener to buy.
