I originally reviewed the Conair Curl Secret in 2014, when automatic curling tools were still fairly new and honestly a little intimidating. The idea of a tool that pulled your hair into a chamber to create curls sounded both innovative and slightly terrifying at the same time.
Fast forward more than 10 years, and surprisingly, I am still using the same plum-colored Curl Secret today. Considering how many beauty tools come and go over the years, I think that says a lot.
As my hair has changed over time, so has the way I style it. My hair is naturally wavy, but it can also become frizzy if I let it air dry on its own. Over the years, it has also become a bit thinner, which means I am always looking for ways to create polished styles without making my hair feel stiff or overdone.
While I do not use the Curl Secret every day, it is still one of the few tools I reach for when I want curls that truly last.
What I Still Love About the Curl Secret
The biggest reason I continue using the Curl Secret is simple: I still love the type of curls it creates.
Traditional curling irons can definitely create beautiful curls, but I never seem to get the same long-lasting, tighter curl pattern that I get from the Curl Secret. I also love that the curls can look completely different depending on how much hair you use at a time.
- Smaller sections create tighter, more defined curls
- Larger sections create softer, more relaxed waves
- Tight curls naturally loosen into softer curls by the next day
Most of the time, I actually prefer starting with tighter curls because I know they will relax throughout the day and into the next morning. Sometimes I like the second-day hair even better because it looks more effortless and natural.
I still appreciate that the tool feels beginner-friendly compared to a traditional curling iron. I think most of us have burned ourselves at least once trying to curl awkward sections of hair, especially the back sections. The Curl Secret removes a lot of that frustration and makes curling feel less intimidating overall.
The Reality After Using It for Years
As much as I still enjoy this tool, I also think long-term reviews should be honest about the downsides.
The biggest negative has always been the time commitment. If I want tighter curls throughout my entire head, the process can easily take me anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how carefully I section my hair.
Because of that, this is definitely not the tool I reach for on rushed mornings.
However, if I am going for softer beachy waves and using larger sections of hair, the process moves much faster and feels more practical for everyday styling.
There is also a bit of a learning curve when first using it. If you try to put too much hair into the chamber at once, the tool can occasionally tangle or get stuck. Once you learn the right amount of hair to use, though, it becomes much easier and more consistent.
Products I Use With It
One thing I have learned over the years is that second-day hair usually works best for holding curls. Freshly washed hair can absolutely be styled with the Curl Secret, but I have found the curls last much longer when my hair already has a little texture to it.
If I am curling freshly washed hair, I usually prep it first with Kristin Ess Dry Texture Spray to help give the hair more grip before curling. I also always recommend using a heat protectant with any hot tool. One of my longtime favorites has been Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray. Because heat styling can be hard on hair over time, I also try to pay attention to healthy hair care tips that help keep my hair feeling softer, smoother, and less dried out between styling days.
As for hairspray, I personally prefer lighter hold products because I still want movement in my hair. I do occasionally use Aussie hairspray for evenings or events when I really want everything locked into place, but it definitely creates more of a firm hold and can make the hair harder to work with the next day.
How It Compares to Other Curling Tools
Over the years, I have tried other styling tools, including the L’ANGE HAIR Le Duo Grande. While I know many people love it, I personally did not get the same long-lasting results from it that I still get from the Curl Secret. The curls fell much faster on my hair, and I simply preferred the tighter, more defined curl pattern that the Curl Secret creates.
That does not mean the Curl Secret is the newest or trendiest styling tool anymore, because it definitely is not. Beauty tools have evolved a lot since 2014, and there are certainly faster options available now. Still, after more than a decade, I continue to keep this tool in my beauty arsenal because it creates a look that I genuinely have a hard time duplicating with anything else.
The Newer Version Honestly Looks Tempting
One thing I recently discovered while revisiting this review is that Conair has completely revamped the newer versions of the Curl Secret compared to the original plum-colored model I still own.
These older photos were taken when I first reviewed the Curl Secret years ago, but I thought it would be fun to include them since I’m somehow still using the same tool today.
Even looking back at these older photos, I still love the curl pattern the Curl Secret creates compared to most curling irons I’ve tried over the years.
The updated version now includes features like:
- preset curl types for defined, loose, or wavy curls
- multiple curl direction settings
- cordless and rechargeable styling
- dual voltage for travel
- improved tangle protection
- ceramic technology for more even heat
The feature that immediately caught my attention was the ability to alternate curl directions automatically. That is actually something I think makes a huge difference in how natural curls look because curls going in different directions help keep them from blending together too much.
At the same time, it is hard to justify replacing a tool that still works well after more than 10 years. My original Curl Secret continues to create long-lasting curls that I genuinely struggle to duplicate with other styling tools, so for now, I have a hard time giving it up completely.
Is the Conair Curl Secret Still Worth It?
For me, the answer is still yes.
No, it is not the fastest styling tool, and yes, there is a slight learning curve in the beginning. But if you are someone who struggles with traditional curling irons or simply loves long-lasting curls, I still think the Conair Curl Secret holds up surprisingly well all these years later.
In a world where beauty tools constantly come and go, I think there is something to be said for a product that still earns a place in your routine more than 10 years later.