There are few hair device manufacturers extra iconic than GHD. When the model launched its first hair straightener in 2001, it modified the very panorama of hairstyling itself. There is a motive why its usually the hair straightener of selection that you’re going to discover in swish salons and unique gyms.
GHD is the reliable and classy selection that will get the job executed. I bear in mind the very first time I attempted the Unique Hair Straightener, when 13 year-old me received a pair in a raffle at my native hair salon (scream). Since then, GHD has been a everlasting staple in my haircare routine, and has remained essentially the most revered hair straightener model amongst principally all the wonder consultants I do know. I’ve tried varied GHD fashions (from the GHD Duet Style to the GHD Duet Blowdry brush), however as a magnificence editor I am usually requested: “What are the most effective GHD hair straighteners?”
With GHD providing eight totally different sorts of hair straighteners, it may be a bit of tough (to not point out overwhelming) to decide on the best one for you. Since launching the Unique hair straightener in 2001, GHD retains innovating on the basic with new and improved know-how (you may discover the newest tech within the Chronos fashions, that are GHD’s newest providing).
Nonetheless, there are additionally varied stylers, such because the Max, which have wider plates which can be higher suited to curly, thick and lengthy hair varieties. When you’ve received quick hair, the Mini options narrower plates that make styling bobs and pixie haircuts a lot simpler, in addition to styling fringes. Then, you even have the Platinum+, Gold and the Unplugged to think about. I am going to admit, even I used to be a bit of confused between the variations between every GHD hair straightener.
So, to search out out which is the most effective GHD hair straightener for you, I’ve put all of them to the check first-hand. After an entire month of straightening my hair and buckets of warmth safety mist later, this is my trustworthy overview of each GHD hair straightener so you may select the one which’s the right match for you and your hair. As somebody who has additionally tried a number of hair instruments and hair straighteners such because the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener and Shark FlexFusion, I am fairly arduous to please, so I am placing them via their paces. Scroll forward for all of the deets, in addition to footage of my hair after styling so you may see the outcomes for your self.
How I Examined
I put every GHD hair straightener to the check over the course of some weeks to get a really feel for every one. I’ve lengthy, thick hair that has a slight wave and is vulnerable to plenty of frizz. That being mentioned, it is essential to recollect I am a magnificence editor who has been working within the hair business for a few years, so I am a protected pair of fingers relating to suggestions for all hair varieties.
I examined every one on my pure hair texture and famous how properly is straightened and smoothed, in addition to how properly it really works to twist or wave my hair, preserving in thoughts all hair varieties within the course of. I’ve documented my ideas beneath with after footage after straightening my hair with every mannequin.
The Finest GHD Straighteners, Tried & Examined
- GHD Chronos Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (£299)
- GHD Chronos Professional Hair Straightener (£289)
- GHD Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (£209)
- GHD Platinum+ Professional Hair Straightener (£239)
- GHD Gold Hair Straightener (£189)
- GHD Original Hair Straightener (£139)
- GHD Mini Slim Hair Straightener (£159)
- GHD Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener (£299)
1. GHD Chronos Max
GHD
Chronos Max Vast Plate Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated extensive plate (43mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 35 seconds
Different key options: HD motion-responsive know-how measures hair for optimum 185°C warmth, computerized sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine, wishbone hinge
The decision: That is GHD’s latest mannequin and it was my favorite by a mile. I’ve used the unique Max Hair Straightener for a number of years now on my very thick and lengthy hair (hairstylists hate to see me coming) as the broader plates make all of the distinction, making styling faster and simpler, with every stroke accommodating extra hair. I used to be curious to see if the brand new Chronos Max may very well be higher, and it exceeded my expectations. It completely straightened my hair in a single cross, and I did my complete hair in 5 minutes flat. The extensive plates imply you do not have to go again and again particular person sections to get a superbly glossy look, which additionally means you are exposing your hair to much less warmth injury over time, too. I noticed a noticeable distinction in shine—it actually left my hair so shiny, clean and frizz-free. When you’ve got curly, thick or lengthy hair, I might extremely advocate going for the larger-sized plates as it would make your life a lot simpler while you’re coping with lots of hair. Nonetheless, if you happen to additionally need the choice to make use of your hair straightener as a hair roller, I might personally go for the smaller sizes (such because the Chronos, Platinum+, Gold or Unique) as they’re simpler to twist with, IMO. It may be executed with the broader plates, however I discovered it left a softer wave reasonably than a curl. Whereas the brand new mannequin is dear, I feel this can be a worthwhile funding if you happen to straighten your hair loads and need a hair straightener that will get the job executed with each pace and magnificence.
For
- Wider 43mm plates supply sooner styling (3 times quick than earlier fashions)
- Works higher on thick, curly and lengthy hair varieties
- Leaves hair shiny and glossy (with 85% extra shine in comparison with earlier fashions)
- Lengthy-lasting outcomes
- Much less warmth injury, as you solely have to go over every part as soon as
- Wishbone-shaped hinge makes clamping hair simpler
In opposition to
- Vast plates aren’t good for curling hair, so if you wish to use your styler to twist it’s possible you’ll favor fashions with smaller plates
- It is the costliest GHD mannequin
- Could also be too huge for these with quick or positive hair
- Just one temperature setting
2. GHD Chronos
GHD
Chronos Skilled Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated (26mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 20 seconds
Different key options: HD motion-responsive™ know-how measures hair for optimum 185°C warmth, computerized sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine, wishbone hinge
The decision: Just like the Chronos Max, above, the Chronos options all the identical newest know-how however this time within the basic 26mm measurement. This one heats up in simply 20 seconds, so there’s minimal ready round. The plates glide via my hair, leaving it straight, clean and silky in only one cross. It took me a bit of longer compared to the Chronos Max (with 43mm plates), so you probably have thick, lengthy or curly hair, it’s possible you’ll be higher off spending an additional £10 for the broader plates. Nonetheless, you probably have mid-length hair or shorter and have straight/wavy or positive hair you may be simply positive going for this measurement, which I personally suppose is extra versatile and simpler to twist with. Each the Chronos and Chronos Max function a “wishbone” hinge which makes clamping the hair extra seamless and easy, too. It isn’t an important element, however it does make for a extra luxurious expertise as you straighten your hair compared to the older fashions.
For
- Quicker styling (3 times sooner than earlier fashions)
- Leaves hair shiny and glossy (with 85% extra shine in comparison with earlier fashions)
- Lengthy-lasting outcomes
- Much less warmth injury, as you solely have to go over every part as soon as
- Wishbone-shaped hinge makes clamping hair simpler and easy
- Excellent for straightening and curling hair
- Excellent for mid-length and shorter hair
In opposition to
- These with thick, lengthy or curly hair could discover these plates too small in comparison with the Max measurement
- Costly in comparison with different fashions
- Just one temperature setting
3. GHD Max Vast
GHD
Max Vast Plate Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated extensive plate (42mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 30 seconds
Different key options: Twin-zone know-how measures hair temperature with two sensors for constant 185°C warmth, computerized sleep mode after Half-hour of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine
The decision: I’ve owned the Max Vast Plate Hair Straightener for about 4 years now. Whereas the brand new Chronos Max above is my favorite, this has been my reliable hair straightener that will get the job executed shortly. The extensive plates (43mm) are wider than the opposite fashions (which common about 26mm), so you may get via bigger sections of hair. This not solely hastens your styling time, however in my expertise additionally reduces warmth injury as I am not needing to go over sections repetitively for a clean end. It glides via the hair, leaving it feeling and looking tremendous shiny. If cash have been no object, I might go for the Chronos Max solely as they really feel simply that bit extra luxurious to make use of. However if you wish to save on the distinction, I feel the unique Max remains to be good and can prevent £80. The one factor I might say is that if you wish to curl utilizing your hair straightener, these are a bit of extra tough with the extensive plate, and leaves extra of a free wave reasonably than a conventional curl.
For
- Vast 42mm plates are 70% bigger than different GHD fashions, providing sooner styling vs the Unique hair straighteners
- Works higher on thick, curly and lengthy hair varieties
- Leaves hair shiny and glossy (80% extra shine in comparison with earlier fashions)
- Lengthy-lasting outcomes
In opposition to
- Vast plates aren’t suited to curling
- One of many dearer fashions
- Could also be too huge for these with quick or positive hair
- Just one temperature setting
- A bit of heavier than the opposite stylers
4. GHD Platinum+
GHD
Platinum+ Skilled Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated floating plates (26mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 20 seconds
Different key options: Extremely-zone know-how measures hair temperature to ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate at 185°C, robotically adapt to your hair’s thickness and your styling pace, sensors monitor warmth 250 occasions a second, computerized sleep mode after Half-hour of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine, wishbone hinge
The decision: I used to be actually impressed with the Platinum+ Skilled Hair Straightener. It feels luxurious to carry and use, barely needing any effort to type because it glides via your lengths. The floating plates flex to accommodate each motion, making them a dream to make use of whether or not you are straightening or curling your hair. What’s most spectacular is that they robotically adapt to your hair’s thickness and your styling pace to supply optimum outcomes in your hair. I truly discovered these heated up loads faster than 20 seconds (extra round 10 seconds once I examined them), so if it is pace you recognize then these are a terrific pair to spend money on. The wishbone deal with (which can be featured on the Chronos and Chronos Max) makes them really feel actually easy to make use of—no have to vigorously clamp down in your hair right here. I discovered they left my hair actually glossy and clean in only one cross over every part, and it lasted properly into the next day after styling. I truly received lots of compliments on the shine after utilizing these, too. They’re one of many dearer fashions amongst GHD’s hair straighteners, coming in at £239, however if you’d like one thing that look and feels a bit of extra glossy whereas delivering professional-looking salon outcomes, I would not hesitate to advocate the Platinum+—the Chronos does ship elevated outcomes, however solely fractionally.
For
- 26mm plates are perfect for most hair varieties and lengths
- Sensors monitor warmth 250 occasions a second
- Leaves hair shiny and glossy
- Wishbone hinge makes styling easy
- Lengthy-lasting outcomes
In opposition to
- Nonetheless fairly costly compared to the Gold and Unique fashions, however extra inexpensive than the newest Chronos mannequin
5. GHD Gold
GHD
Gold Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated (26mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 25 seconds
Different key options: Twin-zone know-how measures hair temperature to ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate at 185°C, computerized sleep mode after Half-hour of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine
The decision: Previous to proudly owning the Max hair straighteners, I used these Gold hair straighteners for a number of years. One factor that’s at all times enjoyable about GHD is it usually presents limited-edition colourways, designs and collaborations—my pair pictured above have been designed with Lulu Guinness in 2018. The Gold would not have essentially the most up-to-date know-how, however I stand by the truth that it’s nonetheless a very good hair straightener. Whereas it would not glide fairly as easily via my lengths because the extra superior, newer fashions, or go away it fairly as glossy-looking, it does go away my hair wanting glossy with just some passes on every part. They’re very versatile, reaching each glossy, straight appears to be like and curls and waves relying on what type you are wanting to realize. This can be a good middle-ground pair to attempt if you’d like one thing extra superior than the Unique whereas preserving the fee underneath £200. It is nice for straightening however does a terrific job at creating waves and curls with a professional-looking end.
For
- Twin-zone know-how ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate
- Excellent for straightening, curling or waving hair
- Feels extra premium than the Unique
In opposition to
- Does not embrace the freshest know-how featured within the newer fashions
- A good bit dearer than the Unique
- These with thick and curly hair textures could favor the broader plates of the Max, and the boosted know-how of the Platinum+ or Chronos
6. GHD Unique
GHD
Unique Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated (24mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 30 seconds
Different key options: Single-zone ceramic know-how measures hair temperature to ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate at 185°C, computerized sleep mode after Half-hour of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine
The decision: That is the icon that began GHD’s legacy, and is has not too long ago been given an improve to be even higher. It is essentially the most inexpensive of GHD’s hair straightener providing and is an excellent choice if you wish to take pleasure in every thing that is good in regards to the model’s hair straighteners whereas preserving the fee to underneath £150. Since I have been evaluating the entire greatest GHD straighteners, one factor that stands proud is how light-weight this one feels compared to the newer fashions. If you wish to journey along with your hair straightener, you do not have to fret about this taking over valuable weight in your suitcase. The plates are narrower, and whereas this wasn’t an enormous downside for me, you probably have very thick or curly hair it would notably take much more time to type as you may want to make use of smaller sections. On my hair, I wanted to go over sections a number of occasions to get a poker-straight end. Nonetheless, this can be a very reliable hair straightener you probably have mid-length to quick hair or have a hair texture that is on the straighter and finer aspect.
For
- Single-zone know-how ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate
- Excellent for straightening, curling or waving hair
- Probably the most inexpensive hair straightener from GHD
- Very light-weight compared to the opposite fashions
In opposition to
- Barely smaller plate measurement than the newer fashions
- Could require a number of passes for thicker and curly hair varieties
- Does not really feel as luxurious to make use of as the newest hair straighteners above
7. GHD Mini
GHD
Mini Slim Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated (15mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 30 seconds
Different key options: Twin-zone ceramic know-how measures hair temperature to ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate at 185°C, computerized sleep mode after Half-hour of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine
The decision: Whereas they may not be the best straightener for my hair size, you probably have a brief coiffure akin to a pixie or bob haircut, or have a fringe, the Mini is about to change into a game-changer in your hairstyling routine. These are GHD’s narrowest hair straighteners (coming in at 15mm extensive) that make straightening fringes a breeze. They’re additionally nice for brief haircuts, because the slim plates will let you get proper to the basis, whether or not you are going for a glossy look or need to add curls to your hair. After all, these aren’t essentially the most sensible for lengthy hair varieties, however they are a worthwhile addition if you happen to’re enthusiastic about getting a fringe or going for a brief haircut. They create tighter curls than the opposite hair straighteners. Personally, I discover these nice for capturing the frizzy flyaways that congregate round my roots and crown, which the opposite hair straighteners could not get to fairly as simply.
For
- 15mm plates are nimble sufficient to type proper on the roots
- Good for styling fringes and shorter haircuts akin to pixies or bobs
- Twin-zone know-how ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate
In opposition to
- Not appropriate for lengthy hair
8. GHD Unplugged
GHD
Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener
Plate: Ceramic coated (15mm)
Warmth: 185°C
Warmth-up time: 45 seconds
Different key options: Journey-friendly cordless design, dual-zone ceramic know-how measures hair temperature to ensures even warmth throughout the entire plate at 185°C, USB-C charging means it could actually charged from plug, laptop computer or automotive, options battery indicator, 20-minutes of use at full cost, computerized sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity, 2.7m swivel twine, comes with heat-resistant journey pouch
The decision: Lastly, we’ve GHD’s cordless providing, the Unplugged. Whereas I am but to get my fingers on a pair on the time of writing, these will let you type your hair with out being tethered by a twine, which is fairly cool. Magnificence director, Shannon Lawlor, has had the chance to attempt these, although. “If I used to be anyone who was non secular about straightening my hair, I might in all probability take into account the Unplugged certainly one of my most cherished magnificence merchandise. They’re lighter in weight than the entire different cordless straighteners I’ve tried, and slip into your purse with ease—they usually actually do ship GHD outcomes on-the-go. It is actually price noting although that they are very costly and also you solely get round 20-Half-hour of cost out of them, so that they’re extra of a fast touch-up device,” she says.
They’re appropriate to tackle the airplane (apart if you happen to’re travelling to or from Japan, the place the principles differ) and can be charged through a USB-C port, which suggests you may cost them up from a plug, and even your laptop computer or automotive which could be very neat. Nonetheless, they do require two hours to totally cost and solely presents 20 minutes of styling time earlier than working out. For the value, I might personally need a bit extra styling time for the 2 hours wanted for a full cost. Plus, you probably have thicker or curly hair, 20 minutes is hardly sufficient to type your full hair. Nonetheless, you probably have shorter or finer hair, these are a terrific choice for fast touch-ups on the go, whether or not it’s heading from the workplace to after-work plans or simply to maintain in your bag on standby.
For
- Transportable and handy for on-the-go styling
- Compact and light-weight design
- Features a heat-resistant journey pouch
- Might be charged up from a plug, your laptop computer or automotive
In opposition to
- Restricted utilization time per cost
- Not very best for longer styling periods on thick or lengthy hair
- Larger worth level for the cordless function
- On the primary use, it should be absolutely charged for 120 minutes
- Solely 20 minutes of use per cost
- Slower heat-up time
