I love this thing! I have thin hair that can look flat and doesn't hold curls very well. This crimper adds volume and texture. I have tried crimp plates so far. I have only used the second heat setting on myself (160C) and it really lasts, hair look fabulous after using it.This device is a crimper and a straightener, all in one, so seems really good value.The plates slide on and off the styler, grooves underneath holding the plates in place, then just plug in and use the button on the inside to choose the temperature required. It heats up really quickly, even when using the highest temperature setting.The added volume at the roots of hair is allowing me to get one more day in between washes because my hair isn't laying flat against my scalp, I'm getting a heat protectant spray because I'm using this thing way more than I expected to.I suggest that you does not need to stay on hair for more than a second or two and you don't have to squeeze hard. (Crimp in small sections)It just need a little more practice I suppose.