hey,
i have used a few different straighteners on my hair since school really. I jumped on the ghd bandwagon but i really wouldnt recommend them to be honest - overrated and expensive. About a year ago my hairdresser recommended Tiaff straighteners to me, they are ceramic and really glide over my hair. But it still looks smooth and healthy. Which is my main concern when i'm buying straightners. I have long hair so i use the wide paneled straightners. If you go to
www.serious-metal.com which is a website for professionals (but anyone can buy there) then they are really cheap (about 70 quid i think). They also sell styling brushes (YS Park combs too) which are really good to use with irons - smooth it out even more! I dont know where else you can buy them but serious metal is a pretty good site and reasonable - don't be put off that its for professionals. ooH Also if you're not happy you can send them back.
Go for the Taiffs, you will love them