First off, I am loving all these reviews about burnt hair. If you haven't used this before- don't start on the hottest setting! Try and start on the lowest and work your way up. I have really long hair and curls normally do not stick well with any other curling iron. I use the hottest setting on my hair and my curls hold all day and then some. I don't use any product and I normally just let my hair air dry. Because I've been using this for years, I use it on the hottest setting and know how long to keep it in for. The only reason I do not rate this 5 stars is I always have to replace mine every year or two. It gets super squeaky in the spring and it hurts my ears, and it breaks really easily if you drop it (I have tile floors). But it works great....