I could have used that in 1963. It's exactly what my hair looked like, except the blonde part, after a night spent sleeping on rollers.

I thought a flat iron is supposed to make your hair straight. I never got that much curl with a curling iron. Am I missing something here?

I think there is a difference, mostly regarding temperature and how well the iron grips/pulls the hair. I use mine to curl my bangs under just a smidge. You need a pretty small iron for that. Maybe 3/4 or 1 inch. I have a 3" to actually straighten my hair. Also, you should check out TJ Maxx, they often have CHI.

I can't answer the flat iron question, but can recommend a mousse for volume. I have a bit of wave in my hair and usually just blow dry and use my fingers, round brush when longer. I have been using Kenra (brand) Platinum thickening mousse. It does a great job with volume and doesn't feel like glue. My hair isn't oily so I don't have to wash daily, but because of bad bedhead, I do have to at least wet and blow dry daily. With this I can do that and not need more mousse until I wash again.

Yes and no. I had a CHI (not adjustable temp) for a long time and really liked it. Of course, it died the day my hair was cut to a pixie. I needed another flat iron - right - now - and the closest stores didn't have high end ones so I grabbed an Andis 1" ceramic iron. It's adjustable temp (I leave it on high and my hair isn't damanged, ymmv) and the same size as my CHI. I figured if it was terrible I'd replace it. It works the same and is great. No need to buy something more expensive. That said, my sister has a inexpensive flat iron, adjustable heat and all, I think is terrible. (Con Air I believe) If what you're doing works for you, why did you want to switch? Were you looking for something faster? I use mousse on my hair, but I can get it to curl without while using a flat iron. For the look I want, the hold is better with product. I currently curl my hair with one.

one I have - Andis 1"

Joanie - You can actually straighten or curl your hair with one. If your hair is longer it gives a different look than a curling iron.

SheelsBack - In the demonstration, the CHI adds more volume and curl than my brush/blow dryer, so that's the only reason I would consider switching.

lizbeth - Does the mouse just add body or does it help hold a curl?

I use a GHD flat iron to curl my hair. I find it easier to manuever than a curling iron. I watched a couple of those videos & they do give you some good tips about how to angle the flat iron to get a certain type of wave. I use a mousse also & it does help hold a curl/wave & add body. I've never had much luck styling my hair with a brush/blow dryer - lack of coordination?

my DD#1 gave me a flat iron for Christmas, and she and GD#1 insist that it can curl, too. Can never get my hair to do that with the flat iron, though. Either crappy technique or my hair texture.