This review dives into the Chi Lava One-Inch Volcanic Lava Ceramic Curl Shot, a unique curling iron boasting a cool shot feature for faster curl setting. Priced around $120-$130, it's a premium tool promising salon-quality results at home. We put its performance to the test, focusing particularly on the effectiveness of the innovative cool shot function. Our all-day wear test evaluated both curl definition and longevity, comparing curls created with and without the cool shot button to determine if it truly lives up to its claims.This comprehensive review explores the curling iron's design, ease of use, and overall performance. We'll detail our experience with the horizontal curling technique, discuss the tool's heat settings and heat protectant recommendations, and ultimately assess whether the Chi Lava Curl Shot is a worthwhile investment considering its price point and unique features. Discover whether this high-end curling iron delivers on its promise of long-lasting, bouncy curls and whether the cool shot function provides any noticeable benefit.
Pros And Cons
- Creates very pretty, tight, bouncy, and defined curls
- Curls hair quickly (5-10 seconds per section)
- Cool shot button helps set curls for longer-lasting results (although the reviewer didn't notice a significant difference)
- The barrel does not get excessively hot, even when touching the face
- Initially felt uncomfortable to use due to its size and shape
- Pricey (around $120-$130)
Read more: 10 Gorgeous Curls with a 1-Inch Curling Wand
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Chi Lava One-Inch Volcanic Lava Ceramic Curl Shot arrived in attractive packaging, secured with a magnetic closure – a nice touch. The included glove, while seemingly unnecessary, is a thoughtful inclusion for added safety. The price point of around $120-$130 is higher than some curling irons, but the unique cool shot feature immediately intrigued me. This is a significant selling point which I have never seen before in similar products.
The curling iron itself has a unique design, differing from traditional vertical curling irons. The larger barrel and horizontal design initially made me a bit apprehensive about its ease of use. It looks substantially different from other curling tools I’ve used, and its size appears to pose some challenges to maneuverability.
The Curling Process
Before starting, I applied Chi 44 Iron Guard heat protectant to my hair. The curling iron heats up to 370°F (188°C). The instructions recommend a horizontal curling technique, which initially felt awkward but I eventually adapted to it. The size and design of the barrel do require a slightly different technique than more traditional curling irons.
I tested both with and without the cool shot button. The cool shot feature provides an immediate cooling effect, which helps to set the curl more quickly and more effectively. While the initial large size felt a bit cumbersome, I quickly got used to it and found that it created beautifully defined and bouncy curls.
The Wear Test
To test the cool shot feature, I curled one side of my hair using it and the other side without. I then left my hair untouched for an hour, then later three hours to observe the curl’s longevity. The goal was to see if the cool shot truly made a difference in curl retention.
After the first hour, I honestly couldn’t tell any difference between the sides. Both sides held their curls beautifully. After an additional 3 hours (a total of 4 hours), the curls remained virtually identical. This surprised me – the cool shot didn't seem to significantly extend the life of the curls.
Final Verdict
The Chi Lava Curl Shot produces beautiful, bouncy curls quickly and efficiently. The cool shot function is a unique selling point, but in my wear test, it didn't provide a noticeable improvement in curl longevity compared to curls created without it. Although I didn't find a significant difference in the curl’s longevity, the tool’s performance is still commendable.
The initially intimidating design and size proved to be manageable and even comfortable after some practice. While the higher price point may deter some, the quality of the curls, the speed of styling, and the overall performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking salon-quality results at home. It may not be necessary to use the cool shot function. The ease of use and the quality of the curls are good reasons to consider this tool regardless of this feature.