I was going to suggest a flat iron the other day when you mentioned your disastrous hair results, but I was afraid it might be too damaging on freshly treated hair.

I hope you washed it a bunch of times right afterwards. That's a big no-no if you want to actually keep the curl, so in your case it would have helped the situation.

Another thing I'd try is some of that John Frieda serum that's made for frizzy, kinky hair. It might smooth it out enough that you won't have to mess with the hot iron every time.

I know this isn't a hair care thread, but hopefully it helps.