I am 50+ years old with ethnically mixed hair. I use this ChI 44, almost exclusively on my bang. No matter how else I am wearing my hair, I am always stuck with the bang my brother "helped" me cut, when I was 5 years old. And with my hair texture, frizz, just frizz. It used to just either be puffy BIG BANG frizzy, or tight and drawn up frizz. SO, now that I found this, if I go out of the house I use it. It protects my hair from the heat & definitely helps it, to straighten in one flat iron pass . I have also, since I began using this about 6-7 years ago, been able to turn way down both my flat iron, and curling wand temperature. I spray some on my bang, comb through, hit it with some heat to detangle; then after it is straight i put a bit more CHI 44, in my hands(this is why the pump was helpful) & lightly apply to my bang. I pull my wand or flat iron through again, this time I curl it under, like a Bob, and I then turn it under; and immediately unplug the device, hold it curled, for however long my arthritic shoulder will let me, then toss it into a large open roller. Lastly, if possible, and as quickly as I can I blast it with cool air (usually the car A/C because I am usually doing this on the way to the doctors, or wherever I am going). Then I leave the curler in till I get where I am going, but 10 minutes usually does the trick. Even as i am typing this, i can't believe after all these years of hair struggles, I have what can be called a system or a routine. I have medical limitations, so I don't do my hair to leave the house every day. So, routing doesn't quite fit. This works better than anything ever has. When I am able to do steps using the CHI 44 guard, heat, and a curler, my bang drops from the curler & it is "fresh blowout bouncy". I am also sure it helps fight humidity etc. So, I am giving it 5 stars. With me health, and medications, I am always hot and humid and eventually my hair does frizz. But with age, I have come to realize, that for me, I care far more about my appearance upon my entrance then my departure. I do not think people pay as much attention to my flaws, as I worry about. And if they do, it's probably within the first few minutes of seeing me. So having a good bang entrance has really pleased me. Now I like i can throw the rest of the birds nest I call hair into a ponytail and get to enjoying a day out of the house. Lastly the smell, i am very sensitive to smells. This smells like "heat protection" it has the smell a good thermal protection shampoo or conditioner has. Not pleasant, but not sickening. Also, it does not linger. If it stayed I would not recommend it, but it fades quickly. My husband however did comment a few times in the closed car. I usually spray it before I leave the house, then heat straighten it, in the car etc. So, it is when I go to spray the tiny bit on my hands, before curling it under, that it bothers him. That is why I got a pump to try. It seems to work as well as the aerosol version, with the added benefit, that one quick pump into my hand doesn't fill the car with the scent the way aerosolizing it does/. I like having both pump and can. Recently, I started using a few spritzes from the hairline back a few inches into my pulled back hair. I hadn't tried this, in all the years since i found it, because i have neck problems, I am hesitant to use any kind of holding products for fear of having difficulty washing them out. This has not been a problem, leaves no flaking residue behind. And it does keep my ponytail neat. The can is quicker for this, but the pump works the same. I have used the iron guard with assistance, to help when straightening my whole head after shampoo. It was great. But, I have not tried this with the pump. I will update if I do. This product has helped me so much, I will keep eye out for any questions about it, that i can answer. Good luck if you are trying it for the first time.
