there are a multitude of flat irons available with a narrower space; I have cheap flat irons and one good quality one, the latter works much better.....

The only time I have frizz problems is when I use the tiny rollers because the curl is too tight. My hair is shoulder length and very straight so I usually use the medium and large rollers and make spiral curls. I absolutely love my Caruso. As far as holding up, mine have held up great. I bought my first on in like 1989. I was only 18 and didn't have a credit card so my mom ordered it for me off of TV. I still have it and it still works. I bought 2 more at Target a few years later (smaller travel sized ones) because they were on clearance for $5 and those still work great too. I would say that it takes me about 5 minutes to roll my hair and another one minute to take out the rollers and style it. I usually dry my hair first and put the rollers in, then let them cool/dry while I do my makeup. The only thing you have to be careful of is to not get the rollers too steamy because the steam won't evaporate as fast and will leave your hair wet. If I'm in a hurry, I roll then hit the rollers with my hair dryer to hurry up the process a bit. After I got my first Caruso my friend was so amazed that she made me try them on her hair. We used the large size on her hair and were amazed at the results. She has thick hair that is all one length and down to her waist and when I took the rollers out she had spiral curls that were shiny, springy, and curled her hair all the way up to her middle back. It was gorgeous. One other word of wisdom: when the rollers are in place, your head is HUGE, so don't try to get dressed or anything (unless you have zippers or buttons down the front) while they're on your head.

anitamo, this is a direct quote from the Peta website (I know many people have strong opinions about Peta... but there is lots of information at lots of other different sources...): "After two decades of touting their "no animal testing" policies, Avon, Estée Lauder, and Mary Kay have quietly resumed paying for cruel tests on animals - without letting consumers know about this stunning about-face. After confirming with each company that chemicals are being dripped into rabbits' eyes and that substances are being rubbed onto animals' skin because of requirements of the Chinese government in order to market products in that country, PETA has downgraded the companies to our "do test" list." You can't imagine how disappointed I was/am about Aveda. I should have noticed earlier, this info is from early 2012. I've been using their products, never noticing that their anti-animal cruelty statement now includes the disclaimer "except where required by law". Now I have to start all over..... Here is a link that might be useful: Article from Jezebel

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.