I think seperate units are the way to go IMO. I have yet to find one that does a great job both ways. For a flat iron GHD is hands down the best one out there. Curling irons I don't use often enough to give an opinion. Enzo makes a nice one. Both of these are investments though that will last you years. I bought both of mine off folica online. Be sure you get coupon codes though. My hair is naturally curly and pretty difficult to straighten and the GHD makes it pin straight all day. I cannot say enough good things about it. I ad a CHI and a Solaria before it, both lasted less than a year. I am on 3 years with this bad boy and it is still ticking.

look for an engineered wood with an aluminum oxide finish. Almost all of the newer prefinished woods have them. They are very similar to the finish on laminates except that it can be recoated many times. You never actually get to the 'wood' as your walking on the finish. Have no idea why someone would suggest solid wood. Engineered is much more stable and if you want wood its just as durable as anything else. Brazillian will change color 'darken' rather dramatically and with its smooth finish will tend to show everything, but for ease of cleaning you have a good product. I'm a former district mgr for Bruce Hardwood.

Jerzeegirl: I have a less expensive one (Conair from Sally's, don't remember exactly - maybe $40?) that I got to try it out. I figured I'd see how much I used it, if I could use it properly, and then, if I wanted something better or if it died quickly, upgrade. I know nothing about titanium; but when I bought mine, the stylist strongly recommended ceramic Sweeby: I just had my hair whacked from mid-back to chin-length. I had stick-straight hair before babies, but those pregnancy hormones gave me some tiny waviness at the ends. My stylist talked me into trying Curl Conscious Creme from Belle du Jour. I got it at the salon, which is Aveda-affiliated. This was just last Saturday - so I'm still experimenting - but I do see more waviness and crazyness. It's not a heavy creme, btw. Feels more like a light conditioner. Hth - Cate (can you tell I'm procrastinating today? Posts everywhere!)

Carol, it was the Atrovent that did it. I am back on the Albuteral, but I am afraid to use it. I was switched after a reaction to the Albuteral. I only need it a couple of times in the spring and fall. The insurance companies won't let me have anything else because I didn't go to the ER when I had my reaction to the Albuteral, and don't consider hair loss a good enough reason with the Atrovent. I have the Albuteral filled, but haven't really needed it, tho probably should have a couple of times. The Albuteral will also cause me to loose my hair, but I always just figured it was a winter shed when I would have a lot extra in the shower drain. After my experience with the Atrovent, I know better. Tami