akgirl
New Member
Hey Ladies, I've got some great information.
For one, the FHI Runway has been on my number one list of irons that I wanted because it has 100% ceramic plates and people RAVE about it. However, the quality of the irons has been a big lately issue apparently.
I spoke with the manager at misikko.com that sells the FHI Runway, along with the Hana Elite Flat Iron (also 100% ceramic plates). Apparently most of the expensive irons we spend money on are not 100% ceramic. See here to see the post on the truth about flat irons: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=412244&highlight=
I told him I noticed that I have been having a hard time finding a supplier that actually has them in stock. He said that's because FHI has significantly reduced production of these irons due to their quality issues that customers have been finding. That's a red flag for me because the iron sells for $300-$500. Most sites I have encountered have been waiting on the iron to come in. Even folica doesn't have it right now!
Two, it has white plates which many many people say have turned brown very quickly. The Hana Elite has black plates so it always looks nice.
Three, the Runway has 6 ceramic plates that are stacked on top of each other and glued together. The Hana Elite is purely ceramic with only one solid layer.
I asked him why their website seems to push the Hana Elite iron instead of the FHI Runway...if Hana was paying them extra or something. He said no, and that they push the Hana Elite because it is a great quality flat iron that is more affordable...and they see hardly returns on this flat iron which is better for their business.
The Hana Elite retails for $229 on their site. I just ordered one. I also am in love with their customer service at this point. For one, it's a Sunday and I called not expecting to speak with anyone. But the manager answered, let me place my order and gave me a break on the shipping (which is normally free for people that live in the contiguous United States, but I don't...I live in Alaska). I have a strong appreciation for good customer service.
He said ceramic is one of the safest and most effective mediums to flat iron your hair with, which I've read other places too.
This isn't a post to bag on the Runway, I still believe it's probably an amazing flat iron due to the 100% ceramic nature of the plates. I've been reading that pretty much if your iron is 100% ceramic (which is hard to find), then you'll get great performance most likely. The purpose of this post is to help with some more info for people that are/were on the fence like me with deciding on the best flat iron to buy.
Also, their site (like most others I've seen) says the Runway is in stock, but it is not...I asked him (I forgot to mention to him that this is misleading). I got tricked like that with beautychoice.com and the Runway isn't even in stock, so now I have to get my money back. A lot of these sites seem to be patiently waiting for the runway to come back in...but with no ETA. The guy at misikko did say that they are on the priority list for FHI when they DO get the Runway sent out though. And their price isnt' bad $299 there.
One last thing, since the irons ARE 100% ceramic, you need to be a lot gentler and nicer to them. The plates can break/chip easier.
OH I ALMOST FORGOT, the Hana Elite has a 2 YEAR WARRANTY. The Runway, has a 1 year.
Anyway, once I get it next week, I will let you guys know how it works on my natural 4ab hair!
For one, the FHI Runway has been on my number one list of irons that I wanted because it has 100% ceramic plates and people RAVE about it. However, the quality of the irons has been a big lately issue apparently.
I spoke with the manager at misikko.com that sells the FHI Runway, along with the Hana Elite Flat Iron (also 100% ceramic plates). Apparently most of the expensive irons we spend money on are not 100% ceramic. See here to see the post on the truth about flat irons: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=412244&highlight=
I told him I noticed that I have been having a hard time finding a supplier that actually has them in stock. He said that's because FHI has significantly reduced production of these irons due to their quality issues that customers have been finding. That's a red flag for me because the iron sells for $300-$500. Most sites I have encountered have been waiting on the iron to come in. Even folica doesn't have it right now!
Two, it has white plates which many many people say have turned brown very quickly. The Hana Elite has black plates so it always looks nice.
Three, the Runway has 6 ceramic plates that are stacked on top of each other and glued together. The Hana Elite is purely ceramic with only one solid layer.
I asked him why their website seems to push the Hana Elite iron instead of the FHI Runway...if Hana was paying them extra or something. He said no, and that they push the Hana Elite because it is a great quality flat iron that is more affordable...and they see hardly returns on this flat iron which is better for their business.
The Hana Elite retails for $229 on their site. I just ordered one. I also am in love with their customer service at this point. For one, it's a Sunday and I called not expecting to speak with anyone. But the manager answered, let me place my order and gave me a break on the shipping (which is normally free for people that live in the contiguous United States, but I don't...I live in Alaska). I have a strong appreciation for good customer service.
He said ceramic is one of the safest and most effective mediums to flat iron your hair with, which I've read other places too.
This isn't a post to bag on the Runway, I still believe it's probably an amazing flat iron due to the 100% ceramic nature of the plates. I've been reading that pretty much if your iron is 100% ceramic (which is hard to find), then you'll get great performance most likely. The purpose of this post is to help with some more info for people that are/were on the fence like me with deciding on the best flat iron to buy.
Also, their site (like most others I've seen) says the Runway is in stock, but it is not...I asked him (I forgot to mention to him that this is misleading). I got tricked like that with beautychoice.com and the Runway isn't even in stock, so now I have to get my money back. A lot of these sites seem to be patiently waiting for the runway to come back in...but with no ETA. The guy at misikko did say that they are on the priority list for FHI when they DO get the Runway sent out though. And their price isnt' bad $299 there.
One last thing, since the irons ARE 100% ceramic, you need to be a lot gentler and nicer to them. The plates can break/chip easier.
OH I ALMOST FORGOT, the Hana Elite has a 2 YEAR WARRANTY. The Runway, has a 1 year.
Anyway, once I get it next week, I will let you guys know how it works on my natural 4ab hair!
Last edited:
