Flat Iron Buying Guide
Everyone asks me “Which flat iron is the best?” and I always answer, “What is your hair type?” before I answer with a specific flat iron. Unless you’ve tried it firsthand, chances are the iron you are thinking of buying might not be the best one for your hair. Let’s narrow down the choices with a few key questions.
Which plate width?
Determine which plate width you need – one inch does not fit all. Selecting a plate width for your specific hair length will save you styling time and prevent damage. Not all irons come in all sizes so this can help you narrow down your selection.
Fixed or variable temperature settings?
Flat irons come in fixed or variable temperature settings. The type that works best for you depends on your hair’s texture and your styling needs.
Is your hair thin, delicate, damaged or fine? Choose a flat iron with a variable temperature setting so you can control the heat and keep the iron from getting too hot.
Is your hair thick and hard to straighten? A fixed temperature would be a good choice for you so you can crank up the heat on those pesky pieces that just won’t straighten.
Is your hair is somewhere in between? Most likely you will be fine with either choice. My personal preference is a variable setting – I like control.
Does it create curls?
Most flat irons today will create curls, but (ahem) the curls are only as good as the user who creates them, so brush up on those curling techniques.
Which Technology?
Ok, this is really the source of most flat iron confusion. Most flat irons on the market today have similar straightening technology, but which is best? Again, that depends on your hair type and styling needs.
Ceramic/Ionic
Almost all professional grade flat irons are Ceramic and Ionic these days. This technology is important in generating negative ions to smooth the hair cuticles. What you may not realize is NONE of the flat iron plates are 100% Ceramic. That’s a myth. All plates are infused with Ceramic (and/or other materials) to straighten and smooth the hair. I kid you not!
Industry research shows that pure Ceramic plates would be too soft to get the job done, so all manufacturers (this means all of them!) use Ceramic along with a much stronger, heat conducting surface such as Aluminum, Titanium, etc. to straighten the hair’s cuticles. And boy do they work.
Aluminum
Some older, lesser quality flat irons are pure Aluminum. These irons are usually referred to as the “drugstore variety” and do not contain Ceramic. This is why you notice a huge difference when you upgrade to a pricier iron – the addition of Ceramic.
So you know what Ceramic does, but what about all of those other materials you keep hearing about? Tourmaline, Nano-Titanium, Nano Silver, Nano anything? These are additional materials used in the plates to enhance the smoothness of the plate’s surface, generate additional negative ions to smooth your hair quickly, and create a snag free glide down the strands. Here’s a breakdown:
Nano
This is a process where the material, say Tourmaline, is micronized into superfine particles and infused into the plate surface. Whenever you see Nano, think teeny, tiny pieces of a smoothing material infused into the plates. Nano-Ceramic, Nano-Silver, you get the idea.
Ceramic and Nano-Ceramic
Smaller particles of Ceramic to contribute to your smoothing process. This is good for every hair type. Most flat irons with Ceramic technology provide silky, straight results but there are a variety of price points. As for most irons I’ve tried, the pricier Ceramic irons really are better. Plus the more expensive irons usually come with additional features and benefits so be sure to look into this if you are considering a Ceramic iron.
Nano-Titanium
Super smoothing surface, great heat conduction, straightens hair up to 40% faster. Is it necessary? If your hair is hard to straighten, this is one of the best materials out there for you, newer technology but comparable to Tourmaline. If you want the latest technology you’ll like this.
Nano-Silver
A smooth surface that eliminates bacteria on the appliance creating a germ-free environment every time you use it. Great for a stylist, or germ-a-phobe. It straightens hair well, but do you have to have it? Probably not.
Nano-Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone known for its negative ion generating and smoothing properties, and is infused into the flat iron plates. This is earlier technology than Nano-Titanium and Nano-Silver. I sometimes find that Tourmaline causes static, but still a very good material for smoothing most hair types.
Does it come with a warranty?
The warranty is another biggie to think about. Some manufacturers will only honor a warranty if you buy the flat iron in a salon. I would consider that a fine idea if the salon in my area carried every flat iron. Truth is, they don’t. But I have noticed the irons they do carry are way more expensive than online. What gives?
If you are buying a flat iron in a store or online, look for a flat iron that has a 1 year warranty or longer. We’ve all heard the rumors about a certain flat iron that breaks after only a few months. Honestly, it does. You might want to think about it. ‘Nuff said.
If you use a flat iron every day you want it to last. Make sure you select a flat iron guaranteed to survive your daily styling habits. If you use a flat iron sporadically, go for a less expensive Ceramic iron without all the technological bells and whistles.
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NEW 4 BOTTLES FAROUK CHI FLAT HAIR IRON SILK INFUSION 8 BidsUS $5.52 Time Remaining : 1h 27m |
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CHI 1 Pink Dazzle Flat Iron Hair Straightener NIB 11 BidsUS $82.00 Time Remaining : 3h 13m |
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NEW 4 BOTTLES FAROUK CHI FLAT HAIR IRON SILK INFUSION 2 BidsUS $1.25 Time Remaining : 5h 27m |
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CHI 2 Flat Hair Iron![]() ![]() US $75.00 Time Remaining : 5h 53m |
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CHI 1 CERAMIC ORIGINAL FLAT IRON HAIR STRAIGHTENER NEW 12 BidsUS $80.00 Time Remaining : 7h 27m |
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CHI ORIGINAL 1 HAIRSTYLING FLAT IRON W HEAT MITT 0 BidUS $70.00 Time Remaining : 7h 59m |
Chi Flat Iron Review
Chi Flat Irons are one of the most admired flat irons today. The Chi flat iron pioneered the use of ceramic plates in the history of hair straighteners. Hence Chi hair straighteners are well known for their quality and long standing goodwill in the industry. Chi hair straighteners work for curly and frizzy hair too. Most people swear by the Chi hair straighteners and admit that had they not been there, they hair would have been in knots. Chi hair straighteners come in many varieties, the most popular being the Chi Flat Iron.
The Chi flat iron is comparatively cheaper than its competitors but has a better quality. The handle is ergonomically made which means that your hand won’t get cramped while you straighten your hair. The design is pretty neat and intelligent too. The Chi flat iron has a long chord that is about 10 feet long and a swivel base, so there is no danger of you getting entangled in it. Moreover, you don’t need to stand near an electrical outlet, so you can sit at your dresser and straighten your hair.
The ceramic heating plates of Chi Flat Iron are smooth over the hair and do not cause them to break. Earlier copper coils caused a lot of friction in the hair when they were used, which lead to a lot of hair loss. Another good point about the ceramic plates is that they have a tendency to heat evenly. So, you don’t need to worry about over done spots in your hair. Most hair salons use this technology, so you can do the same thing at home and save money.
Most flat irons tend to damage colored hair but Chi Flat Iron is different. The technology used in Chi flat iron causes it to emit negative ions that help in hair sealing and minimizing shaft damage. This also helps to lock the color for colored hair.
The Chi flat hair iron has some other uses too. You can use it to style your hair into curls, crimps and flips. So this is more like an All in one tool. Chi flat iron is one of the best hair straightener for your hair.
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NEW 4 BOTTLES FAROUK CHI FLAT HAIR IRON SILK INFUSION 8 BidsUS $5.52 Time Remaining : 1h 27m |
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CHI 1 Pink Dazzle Flat Iron Hair Straightener NIB 11 BidsUS $82.00 Time Remaining : 3h 13m |
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NEW 4 BOTTLES FAROUK CHI FLAT HAIR IRON SILK INFUSION 2 BidsUS $1.25 Time Remaining : 5h 27m |
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CHI 2 Flat Hair Iron![]() ![]() US $75.00 Time Remaining : 5h 53m |
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CHI 1 CERAMIC ORIGINAL FLAT IRON HAIR STRAIGHTENER NEW 12 BidsUS $80.00 Time Remaining : 7h 27m |
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CHI ORIGINAL 1 HAIRSTYLING FLAT IRON W HEAT MITT 0 BidUS $70.00 Time Remaining : 7h 59m |
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The Best Ceramic Flat Irons Reviewed
Farouk CHI Flat Hairstyling Iron
The Farouk Chi Ceramic Flat Iron is the probably the top selling ceramic flat iron these days. It heats up in seconds and stays hot - temperature reaches up to 410 Degrees. It has a long 10 foot swivel cord which makes it comfortable to style entire head. Also it is great for not just straightening but also flipping and curling your hair. Hair comes out shiny and smooth after one pass. The draw backs are first it has no temperature control and second many people have had problems with it breaking down within months. Even so I have friends who swear by it and say it it worth every penny and the shortcomings.
Ceramic Tools Professional Flat Iron
The Ceramic Tools Flat Iron and is very economical and provides very good results. It heats up fast and stays hot evenly. Unlike the CHI this one comes with 25 different heat settings which go up to 446 degrees and it has on on/off switch with an indicator light.I also like the soft grip handle. It has rounded edges which help hair glide easily and allow for curls or flips also.
Solia Ceramic Flat Iron
The Solia is also a very popular brand for straightening irons and they also claim you can use it on damp hair or dry hair. I don't recommend that kind of heat on wet hair but some people claim it works great and does not do any additional damage to your hair. The Solia does heat up fast and goes up to 450F. It maintains it temperature and the iron plates are smooth and don't snag hair. The handles are very comfortable and the extra long 9 foot cord is ideal.
All the above ceramic flat irons work very well. After you take into account some of different features and your budget I think you will be happy with whichever one you select. Hope this information helps you decide which ceramic flat iron is best for you.
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Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1![]() ![]() US $95.75 Time Remaining : 16d 14h 3m |
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Used Solia Pink Limited Ed 1 Flat Iron 4 BidsUS $41.00 Time Remaining : 22m |
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Solia Pro Mini Ceramic Ion Styling Travel Flat Iron NEW 0 BidUS $17.95 Time Remaining : 1d 22h 5m |
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Solia Professional Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1 1 4![]() ![]() US $99.00 Time Remaining : 2d 10h 54m |
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NEW $225 Solia 1 1 4 Flat Iron Travel Set Case Tote![]() ![]() US $125.00 Time Remaining : 25d 1h 52m |
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SOLIA Black Professional Ceramic 1 2 MINI FLAT IRON 0 BidUS $17.95 Time Remaining : 5d 7h 38m |
Ceramic Flat Irons Vs Tourmaline Flat Irons
There have been some cutting edge developments in recent years in hair styling technology. One in particular is the use of tourmaline plated flat irons.
Metal plated flat irons have become outdated, and were replaced by ceramic plated flat irons several years ago. Ceramic flat iron technology has recently expanded to include the material known as tourmaline. Tourmaline is a semi-precious gem that is crushed to a fine powder then infused in the ceramic plates of the flat iron. It reacts to heat by becoming charged as it attracts impurities to itself like a magnet. It will also destroy odors like smoke, pollutants and perfumes. When tourmaline is heated, it is a natural source of negative ions and far-infrared heat, and it produces a far greater number of negative ions than plain ceramic plates.
When combined with ceramic, tourmaline has proven to be the best material on the market that can be used flat iron plates. Tourmaline-ceramic (commonly referred to as just tourmaline) plates product much better results at less damage to your hair. The main differences between flat irons with ceramic and tourmaline-ceramic plates are discussed below.
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NEW T3 EVOLUTION 83888 SE CERAMIC TOURMALINE HAIR DRYER![]() ![]() US $104.95 Time Remaining : 16d 15h 29m |
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NEW T3 TOURMALINE FAHRENHEIT 450 SINGLEPASS 1 FLAT IRON![]() US $89.95 Time Remaining : 5d 4h 22m |
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NEW T3 Tourmaline Diffuser II FOR 83808 83888 ORIGINAL 0 BidUS $9.99 Time Remaining : 1d 8h 44m |
There far fewer differences between ceramic and tourmaline plated flat irons as there are between ceramic and metal plated flat irons. Ceramic and tourmaline plates perform almost equally when it comes to styling results and hair damage, but tourmaline performs slightly better.
The most significant differences between the two materials are:
Hair Damage
Flat irons with ceramic plates are better at preventing damage to your hair than metal flat irons are because they produce negative ions. Tourmaline flat irons are even better at preventing heat damage, because tourmaline is designed to produce more negative ions. The negative ions protect your hair cuticle from damage by locking in the hairs own natural moisture, while reducing frizz and static electricity.
Ionic Technology
As mentioned before, tourmaline plates produce more negative ions than ceramic plates. Aside from protecting your hair from damage, the purpose of the negative ions is to help to neutralize the positive charge that is present in dry or frizzy hair, which makes it straighter and silkier. The negative ions work to diffuse all of the excess water in the hair into tiny particles, enhancing the moisture balance of the hair while reducing frizz and static electricity, making the hair smooth and shiny.
Selection
Most companies that manufacture high end professional flat irons have models with both ceramic and tourmaline plates, but the selection is sometimes limited. There are many more choices when it comes to plain ceramic compared to tourmaline, but tourmaline flat irons are becoming more and more popular, so there are more available now than there were a year ago.
Styling Time
Most tourmaline flat irons take only 25 seconds to straighten a section of your hair, while ceramic flat irons may take a slightly longer time. The less time spent straightening your hair, the less damage that occurs.
Price
Even though tourmaline flat irons are better for your hair and use more advanced technology, tourmaline flat irons are usually less expensive than ceramic flat irons.
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NEW T3 EVOLUTION 83888 SE CERAMIC TOURMALINE HAIR DRYER![]() ![]() US $104.95 Time Remaining : 16d 15h 29m |
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NEW T3 TOURMALINE FAHRENHEIT 450 SINGLEPASS 1 FLAT IRON![]() US $89.95 Time Remaining : 5d 4h 22m |
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NEW T3 Tourmaline Diffuser II FOR 83808 83888 ORIGINAL 0 BidUS $9.99 Time Remaining : 1d 8h 44m |
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T3 Tourmaline EVOLUTION Dryer PRO 83888 NEW MODEL 73888![]() ![]() US $118.88 Time Remaining : 17d 6h 33m |
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NEW T3 TOURMALINE BESPOKE LABS FEATHERWEIGHT HAIR DRYER![]() US $99.95 Time Remaining : 17d 58m |
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T3 Bespoke Tourmaline HairDryer Featherweight Evolution![]() ![]() US $104.01 Time Remaining : 24d 1h 32m |
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T3 Bespoke Labs ColorLock Hair Press 83900 Tourmaline![]() ![]() US $42.95 Time Remaining : 17d 6h 20m |
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T3 Tourmaline Wet or Dry Prof Ionic Flat Iron 1 3 4 0 BidUS $60.00 Time Remaining : 3d 1h 40m |
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T3 Pro Wet Dry GLOW Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron 1 5 8![]() ![]() US $69.99 Time Remaining : 12d 11h 9m |
Benefits Of Buying A Flat Iron On Ebay..
If you are thinking of buying a flat iron online then you have probably been overwhelmed with the sheer volume of sites available, ranging from actual brand name sites like ghdhair.com to flimsy 2 page sites that look like they have been created by a 10 year old.
Smart consumers are taking advantage of aution sites like eBay to get the best deals and save themselves lots of money. Whether you are looking for brand new still n the box or second hand for even more savings here's 4 great reasons why you should sign up and get bidding on eBay.
1. Price - Without doubt the biggest advantage of buying a flat iron on eBay is the cost savings. No longer is eBay just a site for regular users selling their old stuff online. Salons and resellers have eBay stores now and sell directly through the site, passing on hugh savings to consumers.
2. Security - Features like seller reputation on eBay allows you to see what type of selling history a seller has. You can also view feedback other buyers have entered. A seller with a 100% positive feedback is a very trustworthy seller and you can guarantee that you will get a good deal. Compare this to the thousands of websites out there selling fake flat irons and it's easy to pick the winner. If you buy from one of those sites you can kiss your money goodbye.
3. Refunds/Paypal - Another great security feature is the ability to pay with Paypal. Paypal will offer buyer security up to $20,000 so you can file a dispute and get your money back if there are any issues. Sellers need to be verified by Paypal to offer this so you can be comfortable that sellers offering Paypal buyer security are legitimate.
4. Free Shipping - Due to the competitive nature of selling on eBay and the lower operating costs for sellers a lot of them offer free shipping. This results in even more savings.
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NEW IONIKA 1YELLOW BUTTERFLYHAIR STYLING FLAT IRON 0 BidUS $19.99 Time Remaining : 16m |
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Leonardo 1 Hair Straightener FLAT IRON Classic ZEBRA 0 BidUS $29.99 Time Remaining : 20m |
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Used Solia Pink Limited Ed 1 Flat Iron 4 BidsUS $41.00 Time Remaining : 22m |
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InfraShine Ceramic 1 Flat Iron Brand New In Box BNIB 2 BidsUS $46.00 Time Remaining : 22m |
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Antique French SUPERB FLAT IRON W LEAVES 0 BidUS $20.00 Time Remaining : 43m |
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CORIOLISS CLASSIC HAIR STRAIGHTENERFLAT IRON PURPLE 0 BidUS $38.99 Time Remaining : 1h 8m |
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Leonardo BLACK POUCH CASE for Flat Iron Straightener 0 BidUS $6.99 Time Remaining : 1h 15m |
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NEW 4 BOTTLES FAROUK CHI FLAT HAIR IRON SILK INFUSION 8 BidsUS $5.52 Time Remaining : 1h 27m |
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FLAT CORDLESS HAIR IRON STRAIGHTENER CURLER WHITE O618W 0 BidUS $109.00 Time Remaining : 1h 28m |
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Corioliss ClassicPro Ceramic Flat Iron Purple 110 240v 0 BidUS $37.03 Time Remaining : 1h 34m |
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CORIOLISS DRAGON HAIR STRAIGHTENERFLAT IRONPurple Ink 0 BidUS $44.99 Time Remaining : 1h 49m |
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Babyliss Pro Ceramic 1 2 Mini Straightening Flat Iron 0 BidUS $21.95 Time Remaining : 2h 10m |
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MiNi Iron hair Straightener Ceramic flat Compact 0 BidUS $9.99 Time Remaining : 2h 13m |
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NEW PRO FLAT IRON IONIC CERAMIC HAIR STRAIGHTENER 0 BidUS $19.99 Time Remaining : 2h 27m |
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NEW CERAMIC FLAT IRON HAIR STRAIGHTENER PINK S806P 0 BidUS $39.00 Time Remaining : 2h 43m |
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How to spot a fake GHD
If you are considering buying a GHD hair straightener online then this article will help you make sure you don't get ripped off and end up buying a fake.
Fake GHDs and other flat irons are everywhere on the internet at the moment. Mostly built in China, they are sophisticated copies that look identical to the original, come in the same packaging, have the product DVDs, even the authentic hologram on the cable.
The big difference of course is they are made with sub standard materials, low grade ceramic plates, or sometimes not even ceramic plates, cheap electrical components and heating elements that will end up damaging your hair in the long run.
Here's some things you need to remember when buying a GHD online...
1. Authentic GHDs are sold by GHD and registered salons and agents. If the price advertised seems extremely low, then you can bet it's a fake copied iron made in China.
2. Try not to buy from websites that are not affiliated directly with GHD. If you are unsure you can email them and ask some questions. You will usually find that the fake retailers will ignore your email.
3. Try buy through a site that offers buyer protection on sales like eBay. When buying through eBay and Paypal you are protected up to $20,000 normally and can file a dispute very easily, making it easy to reverse your payment. Also the advantage of buying through eBay is the use of the seller reputation score and feedback. You can be confident that if a seller has a 100% positive feedback and a high seller score they have been doing business for a while and any any unhappy customers would have made their point known. This is an excellent resource for peace of mind.
Make no mistake there are plenty of fake GHDs being advertised on eBay and other auction sites. The benefit of buying through these sites as opposed to regular sites is the buyer protection. Don't be afraid to email the eBay seller, ask questions, check their feedback from other buyers. Any reputable seller will be happy to answer your questions and offer serial numbers etc to check.
Follow this simple advice and you can get yourself a great deal.
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MK4 GHD Hair Straightener Latest Model Styling Iron![]() ![]() US $198.36 Time Remaining : 6d 12h 5m |
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GHD IV Styler Hair Straightener 24 BidsUS $122.50 Time Remaining : 8h 39m |
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GHD Rare Edition Hair Straightener Used Near Mint 8 BidsUS $41.00 Time Remaining : 14h 3m |
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Brand New Blue Serenity Ghd Hair Straightener 13 BidsUS $100.00 Time Remaining : 1d 4h 27m |
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Limited Edition Purple GHD Hair Straightener 43 BidsUS $51.00 Time Remaining : 2h 20m |
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GHD MK4 Hair Straightener PINK Limited Edition 2 BidsUS $151.50 Time Remaining : 3d 3h 52m |


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