Customer Reviews

Caruso C97958 Professional ION Steam Hairsetter

5 star:		(94)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

In response to the user that said it took her five minutes to heat each roller, she must be unfamiliar with how the steam setter works. I have been using Caruso steam setters for over ten years now. If you leave the roller on for longer than 15 SECONDS then it is too long. Perhaps the unlearned user doesn't realize that the roller doesn't need to HEAT, but is instead powered by steam. I would recommend this product because it is an improvement on the past steam setters (I started out with the setter that required you to put salt in the water).

Also, I would like to say this, these rollers make the PRETTIEST spiral curls I have ever seen. Every time I style my hair with them, I receive compliments. Further, the sets can last for days.

Of note, I am an african american woman with a relaxer, so this is a product that can be used on all hair types.

I've also used caruso since the "salt" days, I still have my old salt travel steamer (it still works), but I bought the new ion one because it was actually cheaper to get the set than to replace all of the old curlers. The curls do indeed last for days, and i've seen no difference between this ion and the old salt version, as far as curls go. Yes, the ion setting is loud and makes an annoying noise, but you don't have to use the ion setting. A couple of tips, if your curls don't last for days, or "fall" after an hour or so, it is probably that you have hard water. This happened to me when we moved into a new home and was quickly (but not cheaply) resolved by getting a water softner. Also, if you use distilled water in the steamer, you won't get mineral build up and the product will last longer. love it!

Remember the paradigm shift you had to make when you first got your microwave?
If you tried to cook like you did on the stove or oven the results were disastrous!
Well, the same is true with the Caruso and conventional hot curlers.
1. The C. does not heat up, it holds a small amount of steam that takes no more than 30 seconds to fill the chamber.
2. If the sponge gets wet, you have waited too long and have to wait for it dry out.
3. The curlers are dry when you crank those locks and your hair never gets wet.
4. Your curl should be set after just a couple of minutes so if you run out of curlers by the time to get the nape of the neck,
remove the ones you first set and reuse them.
5. The unit itself does not heat up exactly, as soon as you have steam you are ready to go - mine take about 2-3 minutes.

[update: After a few months, the steamer worked as well as previous versions, so I would give it 4 stars instead. The problem was I was still using rollers from past steamer purchases. They were still in good condition, so I decided to use them up and then move on to the new rollers. But I didn't get a good curl using the older rollers, so I gave a disappointed review. The new rollers, though, are different (thicker maybe) and when I used them with the new steamer everything worked normally. I wish it had said somewhere that performance would be effected using the old with the new. But now I have to get more new rollers to work with the machine.]

I, too, have been using the steamer since the salt version -- and I think the original was the best model. It gave a better, stronger flow of steam and the steamer lasted longer than all the later models I've bought. I didn't mind having to add salt and I wish the company offered both the no-salt and salt models.
This is probably my 5th Caruso steamer-- I use them until they die. It has been a fantastic curler and a better, hair-healthy alternative to rollers and curling irons. It's been quick and easy to use and creates a strong, lasting curl. I've been recommending it for years.
This newest version seemed interesting: new shape, an "ion" feature and having an "off" button for the first time. Two small gripes: 1)When using the "ion" steam it makes a fairly loud ticking noise-- can't use when others in the household are still asleep. 2)I can barely see the water line mark on the inside of the reservoir. Big gripe: whether I use the ion or regular steam, neither gives the quick, strong curl that lasts all day. This time when I take off the roller, the curl is limp, still damp and it doesn't hold very long-- and I've gotten this result even when I've left the roller in for half an hour.
I think something important has been lost in it's sale to a bigger company and technological "improvements." I'll still use the steamer until it dies, but my devout loyalty to this product will end with this version. (sigh) :(

I have personally used this product since 1992 when I bought it from an infomerical. I received my second one in 2000 for a Xmas present because I wanted the newer version that did not use salt. I gave my 1992 to my sister and as far as I know it's still working. I love it. I am african american and my hair is naturally thick and kinky. On my relaxed hair it curls beautifully and lasts for days. The steam does not damage my hair like regular heat does. If it works on my thick hair it should work on anything if used properly. It produces steam within a minute of being turned on. I just put one roller on the post, count from 8-10 depending on the current of the steam, shake it off then roll it. I am done in 10 minutes and can immediately take out the first roller to reveal my curls. There is no way it takes five minutes for one roller. In 5 minutes, I am half way done rolling! My rollers are dead so I went to purchase another set last night and couldn't find it in the store so I bought a regular ion roller set. It sucks. It took 15 min just to heat up and didn't curl my hair nearly as well. It's going back. Now that I have found I can still order Caruso online I will do so after typing this review.

I've used these curlers also since the earlier version where you had to use salt. And I agree that with the salt the curls were a little tighter. However, it's such a great alternative to the hot curling iron that damages you hair. I'm on my third one (an original and two replacements) and using the curlers doesn't take up that much time. If you keep the curler on the post and it absorbs too much steam the hair will be too wet and then it'll take time for the hair to dry. It takes me less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

I have been using the steam hairsetter for two weeks now and really like it. I have gotten numerous compliments on my new curly look (from guys and girls alike), and it's much safer for my hair than using a curling iron--plus it lasts longer.

I am African American with relaxed hair that just skims the top of my shoulders. I've discovered that an all-over set with medium-sized rollers works well for me. I use one of those headbands with the teeth and a clasp in the back to pull my hair off my face.

Many reviewers have indicated the sets last for days. Unfortunately, I don't sleep well on such hairstyles, so I have to do it over everyday. However, with a bit of practice, I have been able to set my hair, blow dry it, and remove the rollers in about 25 minutes.

RECOMMENDATION: Order a couple extra sets of rollers at the same time you purchase the steamer because it doesn't come with enough to set your hair with all one size. Depending on how curly you want your hair to be, I recommend getting at least two more sets (6 each) of the medium or large rollers (Caruso Professional Caruso Extra rollers medium (674902) or Caruso Professional Caruso Extra rollers large (674903)). Plus, I use the wave clips instead of the roller clips that come with the steamer (wave clips are usually silver, and I found a set of 12 on the hair and beauty aisle at my local grocery store). The roller clips leave creases, whereas the wave clips don't and allow the hair to dry faster.

RECOMMENDATION: When setting the hair, try using a little moisturizer or shine gel on the ends. My hair usually doesn't frizz, but after using the steam rollers, the ends frizzed a little; I assume it was because of the steam. Rubbing a little bit of shine gel on the ends before rolling my hair solved the problem.

My only criticism: you can only enjoy this product if you actually get it in working order! The first time I ordered it, the post that holds the roller in place on the steam unit was broken off. Plus, the steam unit wasn't functioning properly. To Amazon's credit, they overnighted a replacement at no further cost to me. Unfortunately, the post on THAT one was broken too! Plus, neither one had the right mix of rollers in them! It says it comes with 6 each of petite, small, medium, large, and jumbo rollers, but neither package contained any large rollers at all. VERY irritating! Thankfully, the roller post isn't an absolute necessity; you just have to be a little more deliberate about placing the roller directly over the steam.

If not for these issues, I would've given it an overall rating of 5.

Fast, easy and curls last a long time. I had one about 5 years ago and worked it to death. Just make sure you clean it regularly as indicated. Hard water deposits build up and can clog the steams vents.

I have used the Caruso hairsetter since the salt days as well, probably at least 15 years. I have long very heavy hair, the set lasts me three days! It does loosen a little as the days go by. The curlers take some getting used to but once you get the hang of it you'll never want to use anything else. I go to the hairdresser once a month and she agree's with me that I get a better set and it looks nicer with the Caruso curlers then with anything she has. In fact when I go to get my hair cut and colored I take my Caruso with me and set my own hair while there because I've been doing it for so long I can set it in about 7 minutes which is way faster then she can it. She has two other clients that do the same thing. If you are having trouble getting used to setting your hair with this appliance just keep plugging away at it I promise it will get better as you get used to it and you don't have to worry about the heat drying your hair after coloring or perming. I can't say enough good things about this set!

I live on a island that is hot and humid, gives a great hold. I use a pick for my hair so the curl holds longer. Does all types of hair.