The first time I used it I shampooed & conditioned, then placed a plastic cap on for about 1 1/2 hours before rinsing and the results were just ok - nothing that stood out. On Sunday I shampooed & conditioned, but this time I left the conditioner in and brushed my hair back in a protective pony tail. I went out and was in the hot california sun for about 2 1/2 hours (DH, DS and I took a long, long, long walk). When I got back I was amazed that my very curly,wavy hair had almost dried straight in the front where it was pulled back and my hair was so nice and soft. After a long and disappointing rollersetting, saran wrap and pressing, my hair remains the softest I can remember it being. Did you DC using heat? That made the difference for me.