The CHI brand is a household name in the world of professional hair care—trusted globally for delivering high-quality styling tools at accessible prices. If you’re looking for a flat iron that delivers consistent results for everyday use, the CHI G2 and CHI Original are two standout options worth considering.
While both are top-tier stylers from the same brand, each model comes with its own strengths and design philosophies. To help you determine which one aligns best with your hair care needs, this guide offers a side-by-side comparison of the CHI G2 and CHI Original.
In This Comparison:
- Overview: CHI G2 vs. CHI Original
- Design Differences
- Performance Comparison
- Price Breakdown
- Final Recommendation
CHI G2 vs CHI Original: Product Overview
CHI has been a pioneer in professional-grade hair styling tools for decades, renowned for its innovative technology and salon-quality results. Among their diverse range of flat irons, two models consistently receive high praise: the CHI G2 and the CHI Original.
CHI G2
The CHI G2 is a modern, professional-level flat iron that features titanium-infused ceramic plates for enhanced durability and ultra-smooth styling. It boasts a digital temperature display with presets for fine, medium, and coarse hair. This tool heats up rapidly and includes a temperature lock feature to avoid accidental changes during use.
CHI Original
The CHI Original is a timeless classic in hair styling. As CHI’s first-ever ceramic flat iron, it remains a favorite for its simplicity, reliability, and user-friendly design. Its ceramic floating plates use advanced ceramic technology to create smooth, frizz-free styles with minimal effort. Though it lacks adjustable temperature controls, it delivers consistent performance at a fixed heat level.
Both flat irons are versatile enough to straighten, curl, flip, and style—yet cater to slightly different user preferences.
Design Comparison
CHI G2
- Appearance: Sleek and modern with a matte black finish
- Plate Width: 1-inch plates, 4 inches long
- Plate Material: Titanium-infused ceramic
- Temperature Range: 180°F to 425°F
- Display: Digital with color-coded presets
- Cord Length: 11 ft swivel cord
- Hair Compatibility: All hair types, especially coarse and thick hair
- Available Colors: White/Rose Gold and Graphite
- Product Dimensions: 12.25 × 3.375 × 7 inches
- Key Features:
- 40-second heat-up time
- Auto shut-off after 1 hour
- Color-coded heat settings for different hair textures
CHI Original
- Appearance: Minimalist and classic black design
- Plate Width: 1-inch
- Plate Material: Ceramic floating plates
- Temperature Range: Fixed temperature up to 392°F (202°C)
- Cord Length: 9 ft swivel cord
- Hair Compatibility: Suitable for all hair types
- Available Colors: Onyx Black
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches; 1.2 pounds
- Key Features:
- Fast heating with flash-quick technology
- 1-hour automatic shut-off
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
Performance Breakdown
CHI Original
As CHI’s first ceramic flat iron, the CHI Original remains reliable for everyday styling. Its ceramic plates heat quickly and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for users looking for simple, effective results. However, the lack of adjustable temperature settings may be a limitation for users with specific heat preferences or very coarse hair.
CHI G2
The CHI G2 takes things up a notch with its titanium-infused ceramic plates, which provide even faster heat-up times and more precise heat control. Its digital interface and color-coded presets allow users to tailor the heat settings based on their hair texture, giving more control during styling. This makes it especially suitable for people with coarse, thick, or color-treated hair.
Summary
While both flat irons offer professional-level results, the CHI G2 is more versatile and customizable. The CHI Original is perfect for those who want a no-fuss, classic flat iron, while the CHI G2 is geared toward users who want more features and flexibility in their styling routine.
Price Comparison
Based on pricing from Amazon and CHI’s official website:
- CHI G2: ~$147.91
- CHI Original: ~$99.98
The CHI Original is clearly the more budget-friendly option. However, the additional features and enhanced performance of the CHI G2 may justify the higher cost for users who require more from their styling tools.
Which CHI Flat Iron Should You Choose?
Choose CHI G2 if you:
- Want a modern, feature-rich flat iron
- Need adjustable temperature settings for precision styling
- Prefer a longer cord for salon-like mobility
- Have thick, coarse, or difficult-to-style hair
Choose CHI Original if you:
- Prefer a classic and simple design
- Don’t need adjustable heat settings
- Are looking for a budget-friendly but dependable flat iron
- Are new to styling tools and want an easy-to-use option
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to choosing between the CHI G2 and CHI Original, your decision should reflect your hair type, styling preferences, and budget. Both models deliver excellent results and are well-suited for daily use. If you want simplicity and affordability, the CHI Original is a solid pick. But if you’re after more advanced controls and styling flexibility, the CHI G2 is worth the investment.No matter which you choose, both flat irons uphold CHI’s commitment to quality and durability—making either one a smart addition to your styling routine.