The best ghd straighteners in 2024 as reviewed by beauty editors
Our beauty experts' comprehensive guide to every ghd straightener on the market
Best ghd straighteners 2024: Jump menu
1. Best overall: ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
2. The bestselling one: ghd Original IV Styler
3. Best for travel: ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener
4. Best for curling and waving: ghd Gold Styler
5. Best for thick or long hair: ghd Max Hair Straightener
6. Best for short hair and bangs: ghd Mini Professional Styler
7. Best for shiny results: ghd Chronos Hair Straightener
8. Best for drying and styling: ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
9. Best for a smooth blowout: ghd Duet Blowdry 2-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush
The best ghd straighteners have advanced smoothing powers and have been a go-to in the hairstyling industry for decades. But those who want to invest may not know where to start when it comes to these tools' capabilities. That's where this guide comes in: woman&home's beauty editors are big fans of the cult brand's tools and have rigorously tested them all over the years.
Ghd has long held the title of makers of some of the best straighteners ever since it launched the Original Styler 23 years ago. The brand has also won many awards over the years and is the flat iron of choice for many top stylists. But with six additional straighteners now in its portfolio – including two wet-to-dry stylers – it's not always easy to know which model is right for you at a glance.
"I've had a ghd styler in my kit bag forever," says leading hairdresser Adam Reed, the brand's global ambassador. "I remember the first time I used one and being blown away by what it could do. I still get the 'OMG effect' every time I use it to create something new."
From the best wide plate stylers for thick and curly hairstyles to cordless straighteners for on-the-go styling, ahead we've drawn on our years of experience testing and using the best ghd straighteners to give you a thorough run-down of each tool.
Best ghd straightener deals
From the gym to your daily commute, style your locks any time, any place with these cordless straighteners from ghd. Offering 20 minutes of wire-free styling, this handy tool allows you to straighten or curl your hair whilst on-the-go. Equipped with its innovative Dual-zone technology and ceramic heaters, this styler ensures an optimum temperature of 185°C throughout the plates, to help avoid heat damage whilst also providing quality results. Oh, and did we mention it's had its price tag slashed by 30%?
Right now you can score over £94 off the popular Duet Styler, which works to dry and straighten your hair from wet - allowing you to skip your normal hair dryer step - and does so at an optimal 185°C.
Save £30 on ghd's highly-loved Platinum+ hair straighteners. Equipped with the innovative ultra-zone™ technology that predicts the unique styling needs of your hair. This shine-enhancing tool can create a myriad of hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose waves.
The best ghd straighteners at a glance
Best overall
RRP: £239
If you're looking for a sleek, straight finish with minimal damage and an easy-to-use design, this is our standout pick. The Platinum+ also has predictive technology, which adapts to the hair's density and thickness.
The bestseller
RRP: £139
The Original styler from ghd is the one we probably all bought as our very first hair straightener, and this upgraded version continues to be the bestselling hair tool from the brand. We still love how easy it is to use and it's one of the best for anyone new to straightening their hair.
Best for travel
RRP: £299
With up to 20 minutes of battery life, this lightweight, cordless styler is one to pop in your bag for trips away when you need to save on bag space. Its nifty shape makes it perfect for quick styling top-ups as well as use around the crown or any other harder-to-reach areas.
Best for curling and waving
RRP: £189
This was our favourite ghd tool for not only straightening the hair but also creating gorgeous curls and waves. It's lightweight, heats up very quickly, and can be easily manoeuvred to create curly styles that won't do too much damage to the hair.
Best for thick or long hair
RRP: £209
The plates on the Max are double the width of the standard ghd styler's plates, so if you have particularly thick and/or curly hair that takes a while to straighten, this is the option for you. We loved how smooth our hair looked after using the tool, with minimal damage and frizz.
Best for short hair & bangs
RRP: £159
This miniature ghd straightener has a plate width of half an inch and is the perfect styler for short hair, bangs or baby hair touch-ups. And although it's small in size, it works just as great as the ghd Platinum+.
Best for shine
RRP: £289
The newest addition to the line-up, the Chronos Styler levels up ghd's already-impressive tech. Promising to style hair three times faster than the ghd Original, it features HD motion-responsive™ technology and quicker heat-up and auto shut-off times.
Best for drying & styling
RRP: £379
The Duet Style is one of ghd's newer innovations, which works to dry, smooth and straighten the hair from wet. Once you've finished drying, you then activate the "shine shot" to straighten your hair at the usual 185°C.
Best for a smooth blowout
RRP: £379
The brand's latest innovation, the Duet Blowdry is an oval shaped blow dryer brush that combines gentle airflow with heated bristles for a smooth-yet-voluminous look. Expect shiny results with bounce.
The best ghd straighteners, reviewed by our beauty experts
Why you can trust Woman & Home
The best ghd straightener overall
1. ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
ghd's most premium straightener is often pitted against the Dyson Corrale – but if you are weighing up the Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+, there are a few things to consider. The Platinum+ features predictive heat technology, intelligently adapting to the section of hair being styled's thickness and density – meaning more control, less damage and fewer split ends. We loved the speedy heat-up time, a tiny 15 seconds, while the wishbone hinge made styling feel easier than some of the older models.
Thanks to the smooth plates, we could straighten and wave hair in record time, which meant less time exposed to damaging heat. (Do note that less damage still means you need to take care with heat and use heat protection, especially if your hair is brittle or colour-treated. There is no such thing as a damage-free straightener.) Another plus is that, if something goes wrong, the Platinum+ comes with a three-year warranty, while all other ghd hair straighteners come with two (apart from the newest tool, Chronos).
"ghd Platinum+ is a one-stroke wonder. It gives the best results and incredible shine in just one stroke," Reed says. "The thing I love most about it is that it has made things so easy. The wishbone hinge takes all the effort out of styling as it keeps the hair perfectly in place, and the finish it gives is spot on for today – beautifully smooth while retaining volume and movement. No matter whether a client has super thick or incredibly fine hair, I know that by using the Platinum+ I will get a consistent result and a beautifully smooth finish across every hair type.”
See our full ghd Platinum+ hair straightener review
The bestselling ghd straightener
2. ghd Original IV Styler
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
"The ghd styler is the original and the best. In fact, it’s fair to say it’s genius," says Adam – and we have to agree with this high praise. Can you believe it was 21 years ago when the ghd Original Styler first landed on shelves? A total game-changer, the hot tool quickly became world-famous; now, two million are sold every year across the globe. While it remains a bestseller, the team at ghd has decided to give the Original Styler an upgrade, using the latest technological advancements.
When testing, we found there was something pleasingly familiar about this tool, while also offering a sense of "newness" with its souped-up features. The difference is that the plates now boast a gloss coating, and we did notice even sleeker and smoother results. The ceramic heat technology is as effective as it ever was, but it now ensures there’s no extreme heat, using the optimum styling temperature of 185°C. Design-wise, it retains its classic sleek look with slim plates, which made curling, waving, and straightening super easy.
This is the most simple and straightforward styler we tested and, in our opinion, it would be almost impossible to go wrong with it. It does take a little longer to cover the entire head compared to the Max or Platinum+ models, but the slimmer handle allowed us to get right into the hairline when styling. The new version also features single-zone technology so that the heat is evenly distributed across both ceramic plates to help effortlessly style your hair. "[The] ghd Original is the perfect tool for those starting out on their ghd journey and wanting to create beautiful, simple styles with shine and smoothness," Igor Rago, ghd Italy's art director explains.
See our full ghd Original IV hair straightener review
The best ghd straightener for travel
3. ghd Unplugged Cordless Styler
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The ghd Unplugged joins the wave of cordless stylers that has hit the market in recent years, including the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener and Babyliss 9000 Cordless Hair Straightener, and it brings plenty of useful features to the party. At first, we thought it had a slightly chunky appearance, but this styler is actually extremely lightweight considering that it packs in a battery. Weighing in at 35% less than the Platinum+, and measuring just under nine inches across, it did feel noticeably compact and was easy to manoeuvre when we put it to the test. It still features the standard ghd specs, too, such as dual-zone heaters and ceramic plates, as well as the smooth styling experience we’d expect.
Now, about that battery life. A full charge lasted us 20 minutes – which takes about two hours to power up. If you have fine hair like our tester, this is probably sufficient, but if you have thick and/or curly hair, or lots of it, or both, you'd probably use Unplugged as a topping-up tool rather than for a full styling session. That said, this tool does make charging easy thanks to its USB port, which we could easily plug into our laptop – and could use to charge in the car too – to give it a boost. Overall, it's a great pick for travel and touch-ups.
The ghd Unplugged is naturally a favorite with professional stylists, thanks to how easy it makes styling on the go. “Ghd Unplugged offers a new level of flexibility and creativity for styling " says Manuele Mameli, hair stylist to mega-influencer Chiara Ferragni. "Whether it’s styling touch-ups at a photo shoot or a quick style transformation in the back of a taxi during long days at fashion week, Unplugged is my sleek-styling essential.”
The best ghd straightener for curling and waving hair
4. ghd Gold Styler
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Gold is a great pick for anyone who likes to change up how they style their hair. With a curved design and rounded barrel, we found we could create curls and waves at a quicker rate than with any other pair of ghds. Top tip? Leave the ends of your hair free of the styler to create undone beach hair waves. If you'd rather go smooth and sleek, the floating mechanism on the plates helps this styler to move easily down the hair shaft without snags.
Heat-wise, to us these straighteners felt quick to warm up, probably taking about 25 seconds, and are pleasingly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. You can also expect an even temperature without hot spots due to the highly intelligent heat sensors in each plate. This allowed us to enjoy highly controlled styling without repeat passing through the hair – a big tick in our book. If you’re after styling versatility with a nod to heat protection, the Gold should suit your needs. Reed explains: "The ghd Gold styler glides through the hair, delivering a constant safer-for-hair heat of 185ºC to ensure hair is perfectly styled but is not damaged."
There’s no ionic technology here to keep static at bay, so they may not suit those with particularly frizzy hair, but we still achieved a smooth, sheeny look with this tool. ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold is a common debate and we found that both are great stylers for regular use. While we recommend the Platinum+ for those concerned about the drying effects of heat-styling on delicate or damaged hair, this hits the gold standard if you want to learn how to curl hair with straighteners perfectly.
The best ghd straightener for thick or long hair
5. ghd Max Styler
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you have thick hair, a curly hairstyle or a natural hairstyle that you’d like to smooth out every now and then, the ghd Max is undoubtedly one of the best straighteners for curly hair out there. With broader-than-standard plates that are double the width of other ghd models (two inches vs. the usual one inch), we were able to hold and smooth out larger sections of hair in one go. This significantly cut down the overall styling time.
These generous proportions also allowed our tester's hair to be styled at a consistent 185ºC, which is a godsend for anyone who worries about having to repeatedly pass over and frazzle individual sections. For us, this also sets it apart from other brands’ irons that are designed for thick hair, as many rely on styling at a higher heat, which can cause damage over time.
Of course, the downside of having larger plates – which we experienced firsthand – is that they do take slightly longer to heat up than other ghd stylers. That said, the time you’ll save during styling thanks to its bigger design will more than make up for it. We would also point out that it's harder to create curls with this tool due to the plate size, though it does create a very loose, undone wave look. But if your main hair straightener uses are to smooth and straighten, this is the one for you.
See our full ghd Max hair straightener review
The best ghd straightener for short hair and bangs
6. ghd Mini Hair Straightener
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Our first impression of this miniature straightener was, how very cute! With a plate width of just half an inch, this pocket rocket of a hot tool allows for precision styling that lends itself particularly well to both bangs hairstyles and pixie haircuts. Despite its minute size, the ghd Mini still offers the same styling power as other ghd models, including the Gold and Platinum+.
Due to its smaller size, we did find that the Mini feels a little fragile in the hand, though we didn't once experience any issues while using it; the two-year warranty also set our mind at ease. It has simple controls and features ghd's signature styling temperature of 185ºC, which removes any guesswork, while the floating plates gave us a smooth, snag-free straightening experience.
If you have shorter hair and find that it has a tendency to stick out at an angle when using conventional-sized straighteners, or that larger tools often leave a dent in the top of your hair, then you’ll likely fall in love with the ghd Mini. Styling every section did take a little longer when we tested, but the seamless results made that worth it in the end.
The best ghd straightener for shiny results
7. ghd Chronos Hair Straightener
Specifications
The Chronos is ghd's latest straightening innovation. HD motion-responsive™ technology adapts to your styling, with the tool promising to straighten hair in a single stroke. Powering up in just 20 seconds, it also sleeps after 10 minutes of inactivity, improving on the 30 minutes seen with most of the brand's other straighteners.
Acting digital beauty editor Aleesha Badkar notes that, though it's similar to it's predecessor, the Platinum+, it's a great tool. "It works wonders on long, thick, curly and frizzy hair in just minutes – something I've only seen before with the Platinum+ and the Dyson Corrale – and it wasn't too hot for the finer hair types we tried it on, too. It is a bit of an investment and you can probably get something that will work just as well for a bit less, like a ghd Gold styler or a pair of Cloud Nine straighteners, but it definitely topped the leadership board for me when it comes to smooth usage and a shiny finish."
See our full ghd Chronos review here
The best ghd straightener for drying and styling
8. ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
As ghd is excellent at creating both hair dryers and straighteners, we had high hopes for this. Shall we start with the good? The Duet styler is clearly a very advanced piece of kit. It combines targeted airflow with four slimline plates on either side of the central air vents and does a pretty great job of drying and smoothing hair in one fell swoop.
Our thick-haired tester found it took only a few passes on each section of rough-dried hair to achieve the same result she would with a separate dryer and straightener. It also doesn't knock every inch of texture from the hair as flat irons sometimes can, rather it smoothes and styles. The main benefit here is convenience. Only using one tool is less hassle and you'll spend less time styling. It also benefits hair health, as the dryer gets up to 150ºC and the plates 120ºC (both lower than ghd's standard 185ºC temperature). Although if you do rely on higher heat to get a sleek finish, you can use Shine Shot mode to do so.
And the not-so-good? It's larger than other ghd straighteners and we've found it can be trickier to get it very close to the root in thicker and/or curly hair types. That said, you have to factor in that this is a hair dryer as well, in which case you could actually say it's quite small. It's also a little noisy at first, although we found it quietened down with use. You will also need to practice a few times to get the knack, as is the case for any new technology – but that's what this is, something new and exciting and another option in ghd's roster.
See our full ghd Duet Style Review
The best ghd straightener brush for a smooth blowout
9. ghd Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Having first broken into the "wet to dry" category in 2023, the Duet Blowdry is ghd's latest launch. At a glance, it appears like many other best hair dryer brushes in terms of its design, which features a vented oval brush head with bristles. But it is fairly unique in that – similar to the Glide – the bristles and barrel plate are heated, too. Not only that, it's been designed to style without causing heat damage (though you should still apply heat protectant before styling, naturally),
Our tester has curly hair (a loose type 3, for those familiar with the curly hair types system) and as such found that it's best to hold it in place at the roots for a moment or two before brushing through to ensure it's smooth throughout, particularly given the size of the brush head. "One area in which this tool really wowed me was styling my very grown out curtain bangs," says Contributing Beauty Editor Lucy Abbersteen. "I was able to 'swoop' them with ease, as I would with a blow dryer brush, but the heated bristles bolstered this styling and helped to create lasting lift and shape."
It is an advanced tool that marries hair drying capabilities with smoothing heated bristles, so that is naturally reflected in the price tag – which, at £379, is up there as one of the most expensive ghd tools. But it's the talk of beauty editors right now due to the smooth results and shiny finish it creates with relative ease, so worth looking into if a voluminous blow dry is your go-to look.
How we tested the best ghd straighteners
When you’re considering paying three figures for a hair tool, it needs to tick all the boxes. To that end, we analysed everything from size and weight to ease and speed of styling, as well as each styler's price tag. Hair type also plays a role, as the best ghd straighteners for curly, thick, or long hair will not be the same as for fine hair or particularly travel-friendly, and we assessed how well each works on different hair types. Our testers thought about the following factors when trialling each ghd styler:
- Design, including size of plates
- Any unique or interesting technology
- Ease of use
- If it worked on any head of hair or suited specific types
- Results, including smoothness of finish
- How long results lasted
- Price
We've taken every one of these considerations into account to write this thorough guide to the best ghd straighteners, so that you can make the right choice (and investment) for both your hair type and styling needs.
Your ghd straightener FAQs, answered
How to choose the best ghd straighteners for you
- Hair type: If you have curly or very thick hair (or both), the wider plates of the ghd Max will work well, while something slimline and simple like the Original IV Styler is great for fine and straighter hair. Length is important, too, as very short hairstyles need narrower plates, such as those of the ghd Mini, while those with very long hair may appreciate the predictive technology of the Platinum+. For those with hair that lacks volume, the Glide or Duet Blowdry brushes may appeal, as they smooth without completely flattening sections.
- Styling abilities: Each model on this list is designed to straighten hair, but do you also want to create curls and waves with your tool? If so, a model with a curved barrel, such as the ghd Gold, would be a smart choice. Think about how often you straighten, too. If daily, it makes sense to invest in a tool that inflicts less damage on strands. If you are only an occasional user of heated tools, a more basic model without hair health benefits will likely suffice.
- Budget: ghd is a premium brand and none of these stylers come at bargain bucket prices. However, often the newer the model (and the technology), the higher the price. If your budget is smaller, consider an older device like the Original IV or Gold. Both are still high-performing tools but, as they aren't the brand's latest, they cost less. This is also true of shopping events like the ghd Black Friday sale, when slightly older models usually have more generous discounts.
Do ghd straighteners turn off automatically?
The agonising question we all ask ourselves after leaving the house in a hurry: Did I forget to turn my hair straighteners off?” Despite trying to recall the moment you put them down, you often cannot remember whether or not you turned them off – making your journey to work or a social engagement far from stress-free.
But when it comes to these tools, all ghd hair straighteners are programmed to switch themselves off automatically after 30 minutes (with the exception of the Glide's 60 minutes, Chronos' 10 and the Unplugged's three). That's one less thing to worry about.
How hot do ghds get?
All ghd tools reach an optimum temperature of 185°C. This number has been specially chosen because, according to the brand, it is scientifically proven to produce a long-lasting style with minimal resulting damage to individual strands. (The exception is the hot air stylers, Duet Style and Duet Blowdry, which style at 120°C when drying your hair.)
This is based on the brand's own research, which found that anything above this temperature can cause structural damage to your hair. Yikes.
How long do ghds last?
Most ghd straighteners come with a warranty of two years – sometimes as many as three – which gives you some peace of mind when making this big investment. That said, many users have claimed that their styler has lasted upwards of five years. The trick is to take good care of your tool, cleaning it between uses (once cooled down, of course) and storing it in a heat-resistant bag.
If your hair straighteners aren't maintaining an even heat, or are taking longer to style, it might be an indication that they're past their best. Some experts recommend replacing them after four years, but you may find they're still performing very well
How to heat protect hair when using ghds
“One of the best hair care tips, which is very often ignored, is using a heat protective spray on your hair before using any heated tools," says hairdresser and Hairlounge owner Charlotte Mensah, ghd global ambassador. "If you do, you’ll love how your hair looks even after the styling wears off. Follow this commandment, and your hair will really thank you for it." Below are some of the key ingredients to look out for when shopping for heat protection for hair.
- Humectants: These act as water magnets that help draw in and retain more moisture. Glycerin, panthenol and propylene are all types of humectants that can often be found in heat protectant sprays to deliver hydrated, healthy hair results.
- Amino acids: These work as strengthening and conditioning agents, but in the world of haircare, their main function is to supply nourishing antioxidants to repair surface damage. For example, keratin is a structural protein that helps strengthen strands, restoring and repairing heat and colour damage.
- Natural oils: These protect the hair cuticle while locking in moisture. They work especially well for thicker, curly or natural hair, as these types can often take on heavier product without being weighed down. Coconut oil helps to repair split ends and shields your hair against the effects of heat-styling tools – plus, a little goes a long way.
Best ghd hair care products to use with straighteners
RRP: £23.95
Heat protection for hair is an absolute must no matter what style you're planning to create with your ghd straighteners. This one has added benefits, smoothing frizz as well as defending the hair.
RRP: £18.95
A serum makes a great last step of your hair straightening routine and adds gloss and shine, as well as smoothing out flyaways for a polished final effect. (This is also useful if you're hoping to disguise the look of split ends).
RRP: £18.95
For a bouncy blow dry, a decent root lift spray can really help create texture and volume. Simply spritz at the roots evenly over the scalp to boost fine and limp hair. As an added bonus, this nifty spray also contains the ghd Heat Protection System to protect your hair while using straighteners.
RRP: £18.95
For even more volume, ghd's lightweight foaming mousse is a great first step before drying and straightening your hair. Apply at the roots and throughout the length of the hair for added volume.
Make further savings on your next purchase with the latest ghd discount codes
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Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist and self-confessed skincare aficionado with over five years’ industry experience. Emma has worked for some of the UK’s top women’s titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience spans online and print as well as producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Val Garland. Asides from working with them behind the scenes, she’s also had the chance to interview the likes of Patrick Ta, Pat McGrath, and Sam McKnight for all their insider tips and tricks.
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