I am going through cancer the 3rd time bout of chemo and this wig makes me feel ALIVE! I receive more compliments and serious comments where I get my hair colored. 88R is silky and beautiful. The curls do soften up. When I first removed it from the box I believed it was the wig I need and it loosens with gentle finger pulling and relaxing the curls. Yes, I also was very skeptical to purchase it. Don't listen to the negatives and get it, you will not be disappointed!