Ugh, that's the worst feeling when a tool just quits on you in the middle of a job! It feels like everything is breaking sooner these days, from small appliances to bigger stuff. My old hair dryer lasted almost a decade, but the one I bought two years ago is already making weird noises. For a flat iron, I've heard good things about the Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium ones from other stylists, they seem to hold up. Definitely a good reminder to always have that backup ready to go.