I spent $144 on a Farouk Chi Flat Iron at our upscale salon, expecting value for the money.  Within TWO years, under normal use, the iron started to short out.  I called the salon and they sadly reported that they had discontinued all association with Farouk Chi 6 months later due to repeated reports of unhappy customers.  Upon contacting Farouk, they wouldn't honor replacing it unless it was under 1 year old! For 1/3 the money my friend got another brand iron that has lasted twice as long and is still going!  DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY on this product!  Lesson hard learned....