B.J.
I also have a Chi hair straightener and have recently learned how to curl my long, very thick hair with it. I have found that it really doesn't take anymore time than regularly straightening it, about 10-15 minutes. Investing the money into the Chi is definitely worth it, I have had mine for at least 7 years, and still works perfectly. I watched a video on youtube on how to curl your hair with it, and it was really easy. Love that it makes my hair nice and smooth like straightening it, but gives it a lot of nice curls. I just have so much hair I couldn't imagine trying to put curlers in it, I would need at least 2 sets of any kind. When I was young my mom would put steam rollers in it, and it worked for awhile. The curls I get with the Chi have stayed in until I wash my hair, about 3 days.