It straightens my hair really well and works great for short hair.There's one thing that I don't like about it and it's that when you clamp it down, the base of the plates do not touch unless you squeeze it quite a bit. You can see the gap in the picture I uploaded.That said, it's not a major problem, but more of a minor annoyance.I have a short pixie cut. This grabs my hair perfectly. What I love the most about it; it's temp controlled. I didn't want a flat iron with a pre-set temp. I am glad to be adjust the settings. I don't use it often, but I really do like it.I just love this flat iron. It's for short hair and doesn't burn my ends since it has what other 1/2 inch flat iron don't usually have which is a heat controller. Besides that it has thick plates which is good for women with coarse thick hair. Also it doesn't leave lines/marks like others do. I wish this came in the 1 inch too. I hope it last me for years to come since in time like everything else they stop making them eventually. The seller had a great price on this and got it in the time expected. Thanks!!I have fine hair that is chemically relaxed. I condition really well, use a straightening balm to blowdry, then I spritz a little serum in and flat iron. It gets very silky and it does not feel dried out at all. It even straightens the hair at the root really well. I was extremely surprised. I, however, would not recommend this for someone who has thick hair. I imagine it would take a long time for it to get straightened because the plates are only a 1/2 inch wide. It works for me though.Best flat iron I've every owned.I would recommend this item to any and everyone!!!!!I am African American with course hair, and this gets the job done every time.It arrived quickly and was the exact item depicted.***6 MONTH LATER***Its been 6 months, and while I've put my flat iron through hell (I drop it once a day if not more) its currently at the end of its life span. I am debating on whether I will be buying a Chi again or a Bliss this timeThe flat iron is perfect, glides smoothly & gets the job done. I love Chi products & of course this one didnt let me down :) it is GREAT for really short hair or tighter curls.At first I thought it was broken because the light blinks, but it works great! And it's also the perfect size for short hair! I would have preferred it to have a little more curve to the barrel, but its ok, I love the temperature settings! I received it very quickly and I even received a sample of the smooth shine. Awesome retailer!Worked when I first turned it on then died in the middle of completing my hair. It wasn't in new condition because it didn't come bubble wrapped like all chi flat irons I've had and seen... nor did it come with the included warranty... I returned it and had to wait 6 days for a refund. This seller should state if the products are used like this one was.