This curling iron really works on my hard-to-curl shoulder-length hair. The drugstore model I had bought does not. Perhaps it's because this one can get so hot (adjustable temp)and/or the metal it's made with (it's heavier than the one from the drug store) seems to be higher quality. And it does not damage or singe my hair. It works so well, the larger 1 1/2" version may have done the job, don't know...will stay with this one. Perhaps the slightly smaller, but still fairly large, barrel makes it so I don't have to hold it as long, maybe requiring less heat? The only thing I wish were different is that it does not have an automatic shut-off, and I keep leaving it on by accident--which would be a problem with young children in the house. Am wondering if the spare springs are needed because others do the same? Anyway, this curling iron has dramatically improved the look of my fine hair. I use it to add body at the ends, not for curly curls, but am sure it would also work well for curlier styles.