REMINGTON Pro Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand, Digital Controls + 10 Heat Settings, Black/Pink, CI95AC4

I was a little hesitant to purchase this curling wand when I saw how many reviews were solicited in exchange for a free product, but after doing extensive research on all the reasonably affordable ones out there, I settled on this one for the design and features, as well as price. Among my criteria was that the product have a lower tendency to break or explode or whatever. (It got pretty scary to read some of those reviews out there!) However, I am pretty pleased with my purchase. I take good care of it and it works well for me.My caucasian, light brown and now slightly graying hair has always been straight. I leave it long for several years then donate about 12-15 inches and end up with a short hairstyle for a bit while it grows back. I had just cut my hair again recently to a bob length, and I noticed my hair is now starting to do some natural waves in the back, but it's not quite curly and not quite consistent. To help style my short haircut, I thought I'd try curling it. My hair has never been good at holding a curl, though I would love to have curly hair. The joke was that I'd be curly for about an hour, then BOOM - sad and straight again. However, I'd only used curling irons in the past. By this time, I only had one left (gave the others away), and it was a large barrel one that basically curved my short hair in to a classic bob style.Wanting more of a modern, wavy and messy look, I watched many YouTube tutorials to see what kinds of short hair looks I could achieve with various styling tools. The wand seemed interesting, so I researched them online and ultimately decided on this one. I have an old Remington Vortex hair dryer that has lasted for over a decade now, so I was glad to go with Remington again, hoping quality was still something I could find with their newer products (though we all know, "they sure don't make 'em like they used to").The first time I used this thing, I put the included, black, stretchy, safety glove on and went to work. It was fun to do, but the glove, as almost everyone on YouTube says, just tends to get in the way once you learn the technique and how to avoid being burned. So I now never use the glove. Of course, I did manage to burn one knuckle on the barrel just one time. It really hurt, but it was a small spot and healed after a week or so. Just be extra careful, this thing does get HOT!I do not use a heat protectant product on my hair. I never have used one. If I start to see heat damage, I may change my mind, but I think my usage should be light enough not to fry my hair. However, I've only had this item for 2 months now, so time will tell if this heat will damage my hair in the long run. I cannot donate damaged hair, so I am doubly interested in keeping my hair in good condition. I don't like using a lot of products, but I like using aloe vera gel in my hair, so I will usually have a little of that in after washing, to help with hold.I created loads of spirals on the top half/layer of my head and was amazed at how long my curls lasted - ALL DAY! I slept on them and they were still pretty perky the next day, even. My coworkers and I were in disbelief at how different I looked with these amazing curls. After brushing, I got some good waves, at least. I keep the temperature on the default 356 degrees F when I do my hair, for fear of hair damage and also, because I see pretty good results at that temperature anyway. I don't seem to need any more heat. I may be able to get away with a lower temperature, but have not tried lowering it much just yet. I have played with using small and large pieces to curl, to see how it varies the style. I tend to prefer the smaller pieces in a more defined spiral shape, at least at the top layer.Note that there is a cool tip on the end of this wand. Some wands do not have this tip, and are heated through the entire barrel, right through to the end. I do not take the chance of holding onto this tip, for fear of still managing to burn myself on the edge. I don't trust myself. However, it may be a factor in your decision to buy this item if you are afraid your hair will wrap over the end and thus not get heated/curled on the ends. Some folks like the messy fish-hook ends, and some prefer curls all the way down. I tend to prefer curls all the way, but I have mixed it up and done it both ways. What I do find is that I need to be mindful of where I wrap my hair in relation to the tip and the edge between the heated surface and the tip, as there is a crack that can snag a hair or two (rarely) and also if I wrap on the tip, I won't get the curl on the end of the hair. Just something to consider.I have had this curling wand for about 2 months now. I don't use it every single day, but I have used it about every other day for a while. I use it a little less frequently now, just because I sometimes don't have time, I'm lazy, style it up, or just go casual and let my hair air dry for the day.The wand heats up rather quickly, compared to the curling irons I grew up using. (I'm in my 40's.) I usually turn it on when I start to do my make up (which takes me about 10 minutes), for convenience, but I could probably wait to turn it on when I'm done or almost done with my make up and it would still be ready to go in a minute or two.The temperature lock is useful, as the 3 little buttons are flat and might get pushed while working on curls, so I'm glad for that. I always lock it right away when I turn it on. You lock it by simply holding down the "-" button. You unlock it the same way, so you can then turn it off. I also always unplug it after turning it off, just to be sure it's not left on accidentally. I don't want anyone to drop anything onto it and have it melt whatever, or accidentally snag it or hit it and get burned.After it's COMPLETELY COOLED down, I like to use the included glove as a protective little sleeve for the barrel, in case I drop anything that might scratch the surface. (I would not put it on a hot barrel, as I don't think it is completely heat proof, just heat resistant - the glove may melt if left on a hot surface too long.) If you put the tip of the barrel into one of the fingers, it just covers the entire barrel.I do not store the wand in my bathroom drawer because I don't have much space in there with all my combs and brushes in there that might scratch it, so it either stays out on my counter top (while cooling) or I place it under my bathroom sink for storage (once cooled). I want this appliance to last a very long time, so I take good care of it. The barrel has a nice, smooth coating on it, and I would not want it to get scratched or damaged. I want it to remain smooth and in good working order. I suggest you take care with your appliance as well. (Remember: the warranty does not cover stupid.)One last dumb thing is that the marketing photos and videos make the barrel look like a very soft, pearly pink color. It's not. It's plain pink. Pink is not my favorite color, and I would have preferred a softer, pearly pink, but it's not a deal breaker for me.Overall, its a simple and effective product and very affordable for the quality. I enjoy using it and I have not had any problems with it thus far.

So, I've never written a review, but I thought this would be a good starter! I am really starting to love this. I got it yesterday (Friday, August 12) and I used it right after the UPS guy handed me the box. It started up well and heated up extremely fast. After reading reviews and watching YouTube videos I knew to use the glove once I was starting off, but halfway through my hair I decided that I wouldn't need it. BIG MISTAKE. I burned two of my fingers really bad, it was REALLY painful. Beware of the heat! And wear the glove! Don't be an idiot, like me! But while I was using it, it was really difficult for me to get used to it, it was a bit awkward, I've never had any luck with curling irons, I've stuck to curling my hair with my straightener (Remington S6500 Sleek and Curl Ceramic Pearl Multi-styler Hair Straightener, 1 Inch), but after watching a bunch of YouTube videos and reading reviews, I decided to try this out. It was difficult to get used to and the curls were awkward. After getting burned, I wanted to return it.But I showered, tried it again later that night and the curls were a lot better. I slept on them and woke up with amazingly cute waves! I was super excited that 2nd day curls looked this cute. After a busy day of walking around the mall, Wal-Mart, and being outside, they looked the same as when I woke up! I showered and just curled my hair to have 2nd day curls for church tomorrow, and it was even easier to use! It took less than 10 minutes and I have a lot of hair! I'm falling in love with this curling wand, and I'm pretty sure by the end of the week I will be a pro, practice really does make perfect! :)This curling wand is cute, heats up really fast, and is easy to work with after a few times of practicing! It's an even bigger plus that I have a Remington Pearl Straightener to match this, although I don't think I'll be adding to the collection for a while!So, the bottom line is, yes, get this curling wand! It's affordable, cute, and totally worth it after practicing a few times!Erica