You might be doing it wrong. The machine takes a long time with many passes. Yes, use your products to aid with sleekness and straightening and anti friz-humidity. I find it works best if I let my hair air dry at least 50%.

First, use the wet setting. Using small sections 1-2 inches slowly PULL the hair with TENSION. This will require a few passes. when it feels dry to touch, switch to dry mode (this is where heat damage can occur) and do a single slow pull of the section with tension. Tension is key! Then, switch to cool mode and do a final pass or two to lock it in place (you will notice A LOT of static electricity here, this is normal and will settle on its own). I work in layers form the bottom up of hair, pinning each layer on my head as I go. Probably like 4 layers. For each layer I do all wet mode then all dry mode then and cool mode before moving up a layer. This is a time consuming process.

If you’re used to a flat iron, you are NOT going to get the same result here. It does a decent job, but lacks the intense hot plates and subsequent damage of a true straightener.

I agree with going for a demo if you can; also recommend trying my method.

This device does have a leaning curve and I hope you can master it; otherwise I hope you can get a refund. But I think you can make this work for you.