errr, when it was really long the weight pulled some of the curl out and I tried the heated type, which are still packed away unused since, I looke like a 'lager can' lady (remember them?)
I.m a hairdresser and would say the best tool for curling is curling irons. You can buy these on line from most good stockist. Just choose the size of the barrel. will send you link for my site and you may find something on there. The ones I use in my shop are ceramic and fab http://hubpages.com/_040hub/Hair-advice-work-i n-progress.
Sounds ridiculous but some of the best curls I've ever seen (loose ones) are made with GHD straightners! If you start at the root and clamp some hair, then twist the straightner through 360 and just pull through slowly it makes a curl. Try it.