At first, I loved this item and thought it was the best purchase I had made for my hair. I have had the straightener for about 6 months. As of a few weeks ago, I was straightening my hair when all of a sudden a spark came from the straightening iron, nearly burning my face and could have possibly set my hair on fire. After getting in touch with Farouk (the company that owns Chi)to get a new one or get my money back, they informed me that since I did not purchase the iron at a professional salon, they could not grant me a new one or a refund, for it states this in the warrenty. I am now battling with the store that I purchased it from and it is starting to look like I am out of [the purchase price].