Not recommended
Reviewer:
Judy
Thu May 11 2006
I ordered the Solano Mini because I needed a dual-voltage iron for travel. I ended up returning it because I was very disappointed with the results I got from it, and also the quality of the iron itself.
Normally, I use a HAI Convertible that has been going strong for 3 years now, and works great on my stubborn waves and frizz. When I received the Solano I was surprised at how much lighter it was than my HAI- but not in a good way. It felt somewhat flimsy, and squeaked a bit when the handles were opened and closed. Also, like some others have mentioned, the plates did not touch except at the tip. Unless I used larger sections of hair, it did not straighten well in the gapped part because it didn't grip the hair well. If I squeezed harder, it tended to snag my hair on the ends.
I also did not care for the "sapphire" plates. They had a rougher finish than ceramic plates (actually seemed more like painted metal to me) and my hair did not glide through them as smoothly. Also, because the plates are not beveled at the edges, it tended to crimp the hair when I tried to flip the ends slightly, as I am used to doing. Lastly, I hadn't realized this before, but my HAI has "floating" plates, meaning they give a little when you press on them. This allows them to adjust to pressure and seems to make the iron easier to use. The Solano does not have this feature.
In truth, I may have been able to overlook some of the above if the thing had produced good results, as I really needed a dual-voltage and there are not a lot of choices out there, at any price. Unfortunately, I could not get the same smooth sleek results I was used to getting with my old iron. The Solano left my hair frizzy and very flyaway, and required more passes to straighten. It was harder to use, did not leave my hair looking healthy, and seemed like it would be damaging to use on a regular basis.
On the plus side, the iron heated up quickly and did get quite hot. I did not mind the lack of a heat adjustment as some others have complained about. Even though my HAI is adjustable, I always leave it on the hottest setting (400) and it has never damaged my hair.
This was my first purchase from Folica, and I will say that their no hassle' return policy was much appreciated. That, along with the great web site, makes it likely I will buy from them again.
Solano Sapphire Hair Straightener (Mini) Review
Reviewer:
ann
from michigan Thu May 04 2006
Heats up HOT and really straightens my hair. It's great.
Great Straightener
Reviewer:
Michele
from KY Thu Apr 20 2006
We bought this for a trip to Eastern Europe. My daughter actually told me that this is even better than her Chi Straightener at home. It gets very hot and works well on all types of hair in all sorts of weather conditions. It does take a while to cool down but the free heatproof mat really helped us to pack in a hurry.
Previous reviewers have mentioned that the plates don't meet. I have no ides what they are talking about. This tool is made like every other professional hair straightener.
Very Impressed!
Reviewer:
Kelly
from Michigan Sat Apr 01 2006
I was so cautious when it came down to choosing a flat iron. I read all of the reviews for this, and other irons. I selected this one most importantly because of the dual voltage and I really wanted something for vacations in Europe. I have yet to try it overseas, but so far this iron is great! No, there isnt a way to adjust the temperature, but I feel that the standard temp is great, not to hot and not to cold! No, the plates do not touch, but do they really need to when you have your hair between them. This flat iron is great, long cord, super-efficient, it has cut down my styling time to a quick ten minutes, I love it! Not to mention it was voted Allure magazine's best flat iron, which is a big boost towards my purchasing it. I was initially worried too that one inch plates would not be enough for my thick hair, NOT the case at all! It's slim & sleek, easy to use! You'll love it too!
It exceeded my expectations
Reviewer:
Lynda Dunn
Tue Mar 07 2006
I was afraid that this iron wouldn't measure up, but I have been impressed with it overall, even compared with my chi iron, which is what I had been using before purchasing this one. I only purchased this iron because I needed something that I could bring to Germany/Europe with me on a trip I was planning...I couldn't bear to to be without a flat iron. I decided to take a chance on this one, and I'm glad I did. It works well, and is great for my purposes. Overall though, (for home use), I still think I prefer my chi. But for traveling, this iron is excellent and I am very happy with my purchase.
Nice iron for the price
Reviewer:
Shah
Mon Feb 20 2006
I bought this iron because my CHI Turbo stopped working and because I needed something dual voltage. i love how it is light and that makes it perfect for traveling but I think the CHI is a little better. This is still great quality for the price!
GOOD PRODUCT!!!
Reviewer:
SAIRA
Tue Jan 24 2006
THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE ABOUT IT IS THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE. OTHER THAN THAT I THINK ITS PRETTY GOOD....VREY GOOD FOR TRAVELLING PURPOSES!!!
Sapphire Flat Iron Is Super
Reviewer:
Sapphire lover!
Sun Jan 15 2006
This is a terrific product which has the added benefit of being a world traveler [it's dual voltage!]. It works as well as the CHI model which is not usable in the UK.
Worth the money
Reviewer:
Sabrina
from Portland, Oregon USA Fri Nov 25 2005
After a lot of fruitless searching for a travel-friendly flat iron, I came across the Solano Sapphire Mini Flat Iron. Although I was reluctant to cough up $100 for a flat iron, I wasn't having a lot of luck finding one that was both dual voltage and compact enough for my need to "pack light" for a two week trip to Italy. So I bought it.
I'm happy to report that it works great - both in Italy and here in the States. My hair is long and very thick, and yet this flat iron makes my hair smoother and silkier than it has ever been. I haven't experienced any of the problems some of the other reviewers have had, so can't comment on any of those. I would recommend this flat iron to anyone that wants to travel abroad and not have to worry about toting along a converter, which may not work anyway (I fried my old flat iron last year in London, even though I used a voltage converter.) Two thumbs up!
I'm Happy!
Reviewer:
Yasmine
from Chicago, IL Wed Nov 09 2005
I broke my CHI in UK because it wasn't dual voltage. I'm going on the road and after my chi died I know that I has to get a dual voltage one. This flat iron works as good as my old CHI. It's even better because it works every where in the world! It's true the plates dont touch each other, but it doenst cause any problems for me. I have thick hair, and works really fast! I'm usually done in 10 min!
Not Bad
Reviewer:
Anonymous
from USA Mon Nov 07 2005
This is not a bad iron. It gets the job done. It doesn't get as hot as my CHI, but still gets my hair pretty straight. As noted in previous reviews, the plates don't touch, but i looked at my CHI and the plates on that one don't touch all the way either, there is a very small gap. This doesn't prevent it from straightening the hair pretty well. My hair feels soft, although not so shiny. Overall i'm happy with it and would recommend it for those looking for a dual voltage iron. Now just have to see if it works just as well in Europe. Thanks Folica, great service!!!
the best iron
Reviewer:
A.J. Andaloro
from West Hollywood, C.A. Sun Nov 06 2005
I am a hairdresser in a top Beverly Hills Salon and I have this Iron. I have to say that out of the 6 flat irons that I own it is the best one. Its light and heats up fast and the temperature is HOT. It does not pull the hair like some reviews have said. The plates do not touch because they are not suppose to touch. Irons with the plates touching damage and pull the hair.It also is not long in length like other irons are...which make it so much easier if you are using it on yourself. This Iron is the best and I have orderd it for alot of my clients. They all love it..I highly recommend this Iron.
Works great on thick hair
Reviewer:
Dina
from Naperville, IL Thu Oct 13 2005
I purchased this product for an upcoming trip to the UK. I was a little apprehensive because of the negative reviews, but then again I didn't want to spend $150 on a special "UK edition" that I'll rarely use again. I wanted one that will work in the US also, so that is why I went ahead and bought the Solano Sapphire. I'm very glad I did! As other reviewers have noted, it is true that the plates do not completely touch. However, I have rather thick hair so this was not an issue. I would imagine that it would pose a problem for those with thin/fine hair though. Also, some reviewers mentioned that their hair gets caught and/or snagged - I did not experience this at all. I am very happy with this product and I'm going to use it as my main straightener from now on, as it works faster and makes my hair straighter than my old Wigo.
Solano
Reviewer:
Rose Costa
from Brazil Wed Oct 05 2005
I think this Straightener is excellent.Before my hair used to tabe 30min. and now it only takes 15min.(half of the time). I really recommned.
Works great and perfect for travel!!
Reviewer:
Jessica R
Sat Aug 20 2005
I love this flat iron and have used it in Europe. It is small and works great. I have really coarse hair and it does the job and heats up fast. I have had not one problem with it and the plates are smooth and don't snag. I just found that when you slide the hair through that it is better to slowly go through the hair than repeating it over and over. I use it almost every day and my hair is very healthy.
Not good for curly and frizzy hair
Reviewer:
girl from AZ
Tue Aug 02 2005
I bought this flat iron just to try it out, since I am in search of a good flat iron. I have one from Sally's which gives me ok results. I always do my hair and I take my time doing it. I have always used the most expensive products in the market, so this review is not the products i am using or how I am doing it. I was expecting similar results as I had with the CHI (the one my hair stylist uses) but I was very dissapointed. I returned after using it twice because it did not do the job. The plates don't seem to get the hair the way it should.
I am thinking of getting the Sedu since I have not used it, but if it does not work I will get the CHI.
i think it's great
Reviewer:
Kris
from new york city Fri Jul 15 2005
I used my friend's solano straightener all the time, it's true that the plates don't meet. but i didn't even notice till she told me because my hair was already perfectly straight and smooth aftre i used it. my hair is pretty long yet it didn't take long at all to straighten it. i didn't think the temperature control matters for me because the straightener work just fine (i have thin wavy hair). it is definitely great for travel.
Plates Don't Touch
Reviewer:
Patricia Mills
from HOUSTON Fri Jul 08 2005
I should have trusted the other reviewers when they said the plates on this iron don't meet...because they DON'T. That is my biggest complaint about the iron. The compact design is great and the high temperature is great, too. (It's what I really like about my full-size Solano flat iron.) If you squeeze the arms of the appliance together firmly, you can make it close on your hair a little more tightly. If the manufacturer made the plates meet, the iron would be a winner.
Shocked & Amazed
Reviewer:
Rachna
from New York, New York Tue Jun 14 2005
Impressed with the ease of the product - light and easy to use - end results is actually what I hoped for - qucik, easy and fun to use!
Solano Sapphire Flat Iron (Mini)
Reviewer:
Ania Gumulka
from Katy, TX Wed Jun 08 2005
This is the best straightener I've every had! It's so much better than my CHI. I would reccomend it to anyone 100%!
More customer reviews for Solano Sapphire Hair Straightener (Mini)
