We compared the ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold – so which tool is better for you?

Our beauty experts put these two classic ghd stylers head-to-head to find out which pair of straighteners is the best one for you

ghd Gold and ghd Platinum on a brushed peach background
(Image credit: Future / ghd)

Anyone in the market for new hair straighteners will most likely end up browsing the ghd portfolio. The hair styling brand is known for their quality styling tools that are built to last, but that doesn't mean deciding on one model is an easy task. So our beauty experts have compared two cult classics – the ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold – to help you decide which ones to invest in.

Throughout our combined years of testing, the woman&home team has found that ghd consistently creates the best hair straighteners, hair dryers and curling tools on the market, thanks to its line-up that caters to a variety of hair types. The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold are two of their biggest sellers, and both have a lot to offer. But at slightly different price points and with unique standout features, it's worth doing a testing deep dive to see which one suits your hair needs better and if it's worth it for you to spend on the more expensive model or not.

Two of the best ghd straighteners, these tools will give you shiny, sleek and long-lasting results. Here's our thorough analysis...

Best ghd deals

Recent updates

These deals are checked weekly and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.

ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
£50 off
Save 21%
ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener: was £239 now £189 at Amazon

Boasting an innovative ultra-zone™ technology that predicts the personalised styling needs of your hair for you, you can now save £30 on the iconic ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener. Enhancing the shine of your strands, this styling creates a myriad of hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose waves. Plus, you'll be treated to a paddle hair brush and handy travel case.

ghd Gold Hair Straightener Gift Set
£19.90 off
Save 10%
ghd Gold Hair Straightener Gift Set: was £199 now £179.10 at Cult Beauty Global

Enjoy a 10% saving on this ghd tool gift set, which we dubbed one of the best ghd straighteners thanks to its ability to create salon-worthy curls and waves. This lightweight styler not only heats up fast but can also be easily manoeuvred to create an array of hairstyles - without causing too much damage to your strands. The set is completed with a paddle hair brush and portable travel bag case.

Make further savings on your next purchase with the latest ghd discount codes.

Quick comparison: Which one should you buy?

ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold: Our beauty experts' full comparison

Specs

For those interested in the specifications of each model, we've put together an easy comparison between the two so you can decide which tool is best suited to you...

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Header Cell - Column 0

ghd Platinum+

ghd Gold

Temperature settings:

185ºC

185ºC

Weight:

0.3kg

0.45kg

Cord length:

2.7m

2.7m

Available colours:

Black, white, icy blue, fondant pink (limited edition)

Black, white, icy blue, fondant pink (limited edition)

Auto shut-off:

After 30 minutes of inactivity

After 30 minutes of inactivity

Added extras:

Ultra-zone predictive technology, and precision milled, ultra-gloss floating plates

Dual-zone technology, gloss finish floating plates

Review rating:

4/5

4/5

ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ Design

Collage of GHD Platinum+ and GHD Gold side by side on white background

The ghd Platinum+ (left) and the ghd Gold (right) stylers

(Image credit: Future/Emma Stoddart)

ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ User experience

ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ performance

ghd Gold (top) and ghd Platinum+ (bottom) stylers next to each other on a grey linen background

The ghd Gold (top) and ghd Platinum+ Styler (bottom), which were put to the test in this thorough head-to-head

(Image credit: Future/Emma Stoddart)

ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Which styler is best?

Boasting advanced technology, both of these two tools are in leagues of their own, offering professional salon-worthy results in a speedy time – all while minimising damage and without snagging on strands. Design-wise, both the Gold and Platinum+ set to make an elevating addition to your dressing table, but also have a luxurious feel when holding them.

But while both ghd stylers are seriously intelligent and great investments, there was undoubtedly one straightener that came out on top. When weighing up between the two, we'd say the Platinum+ takes the lead – just. Its more advanced technology and user-friendly design gives it the edge over the Gold.

That said, the significant price difference between the two has to be factored in here, as the Platinum+ costs £70 more, so it's worth considering your hair type before choosing which tool to invest in. Those with thicker, coarser or naturally frizz-prone hair (or hair that's all of the above) would benefit from the Platinum+ as it styles more quickly. This would also be the clear choice for those with dry or damaged hair, thanks to its ultra-zone technology preventing the hair from being exposed to excessive heat.

However, if your hair is on the finer and thinner side or doesn't require significant styling to achieve a straight finish, the Gold would still be a worthwhile investment that meets all your hair's needs (and that saves you a few pennies, too). If you're still weighing up the options, take a deeper dive into the techy side of the Platinum+ with our in-depth ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener review – you may also find our Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+ comparison helpful!

How we tested the ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ Hair Straighteners

The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold Hair Straighteners we tested for this piece

The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold Hair Straighteners we tested for this piece

(Image credit: Emma Stoddart)

Prior to working on this guide, our testers had tested almost all of the hair tools across the ghd range, including their best hair dryers and best hair curling tools.

Ensuring we tested both tools fairly, we styled half our hair using the Gold and the other using the Platinum+ and used each tool several time separately, so that we could physically compare the results side by side as well as assessing the overall look that each styler created.

As for the comparison, we looked for differences in designs, how easy each tool was to use and whether the smart technology of the Platinum+ really made a difference. It was also important for us to find out whether each of the models catered to specific hair types and styling needs, so we gave both tools to other testers so they could trial them on their own locks - including short and curly hair to thick and long strands.

Expert panel

Reviewed by
Aleesha Badkar, Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home
Reviewed by
Aleesha Badkar

Aleesha Badkar is woman&home's Beauty eCommerce Editor, covering all things beauty shopping on the site, from the best tools to the newest products. With long, thick and naturally coarse and curly hair, she has tested every single ghd straightener there is out there over the years, before landing on the ghd Chronos as her everyday go-to.

Reviewed by
Emma Stoddart
Reviewed by
Emma Stoddart

Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist who has worked for some of the UK’s top 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.

Emma Stoddart

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.

With contributions from