Those who regularly straighten their hair will sooner or later come across the brand ghd. These are flat irons from the higher price segment, considered the crème de la crème by both hairdressers and private customers alike. We check what makes the ghd flat irons so special and which ones are the best.
What is ghd and why is the brand so popular?
This is ghd
In 2001, Marvin Penny, Robert Powls, and Gary Douglas founded the company ghd. The brand name stands for "good hair day". They have lived up to this promise: Today, ghd is one of the market leaders in the industry; their flat irons are widely used by hairdressers and successfully sold to private customers.
Prices for a ghd styler range from the high double digits to the low triple digits, so these are definitely costly products. However, the investment can be worthwhile: Thanks to innovative technologies and high-quality manufacturing, ghd flat irons are reliable, durable, and designed for daily use styling tools.
The key features of ghd flat irons
Full ceramic flat irons
Most flat irons have a ceramic coating, but ghd produces heating plates made entirely of ceramic. This material heats up especially quickly and ensures an even straightening result. Because the plates are fully sprung, they cannot be pressed completely together, preventing hair from being pulled out. Additionally, they emit negative ions during operation, which prevents the hair from becoming statically charged.
Constant temperature and quick heating
ghd flat irons are ready to use almost immediately. Most models take between twenty and thirty seconds to heat up. The temperature cannot be adjusted manually: the manufacturer uses a constant value of 185 degrees Celsius, considered optimal and particularly gentle for straightening hair.
Versatile suitability
The brand ghd is well aware that every hair type and length has its own needs. That’s why they continuously develop new products to meet specific target groups. Some flat irons are designed for particularly long and thick hair, others for short hairstyles and beards. Even for frequent travelers, there is a suitable cordless ghd flat iron model.
Durable and high quality
Hair styled with a ghd styler stays in place until the next wash. But it’s not just the hairstyle that lasts long: the flat iron itself can become a companion for years thanks to its high-quality workmanship. Should something go wrong, ghd offers a two-year warranty on most models. For higher-priced products like the Platinum+ Styler, the period is even three years.
Innovative technology
ghd hair straighteners feature universal voltage, which allows them to adapt automatically to the required power supply voltage. Therefore, you can use them in all countries worldwide. Also, every flat iron from the brand has an automatic shut-off function: after 30 minutes, the device turns off automatically to prevent overheating. The swivel cord joint prevents annoying cable tangling, and the heat-resistant plate protector allows you to transport the flat iron even when warm.
What are the best ghd flat irons?
Everyone has different hair and therefore individual needs. This means there is no ultimate flat iron that fits everyone. What might be the best straightener of all time for your best friend could be a complete miss for you. Our product comparison is therefore based on the different target groups of ghd flat irons. This way you can easily find the best model for your needs.
1. ghd gold Styler: The practical all-rounder
For whom?
According to the manufacturer, the ghd gold Styler is suitable for all hair types and lengths. In practice, however, a minimum hair length of 15 to 20 centimeters is recommended. Long hair might benefit from slightly wider plates. Ultimately, the gold Styler is a versatile tool for medium-length hair that can create both silky smooth straightness and perfectly defined curls.
Special features
- Dual-zone technology: Two heat sensors monitor the temperature of the plates for an even result.
- Can create both curls and straight hair: From well-defined curls to beach waves.
- Relatively small plates: Not ideal for very long hair as fewer strands can be straightened at once.
- Luxurious design: Ceramic plates with faux gold coating, high-quality feel.
Key pros and cons
- Versatile / Unsatisfactory for very short or very long hair
- Dual-zone technology
- Luxury look and easy handling
- Short heating time of 25 seconds
2. ghd max Styler: The specialist for long, thick hair
For whom?
The ghd max Styler has extra-wide heating plates. This allows long, thick hair to be styled in as little time as possible. People with frizz also benefit. Note: It is not suitable for curling.
Special features
- For long, thick hair: Wide plates reduce styling time and prevent frizz with a high-gloss coating.
- Only suitable for straightening or light waves, no curls possible.
- Comfortable to use despite the weight: spring-loaded, precisely closing plates.
Key pros and cons
- Ideal for long, thick hair / Not suitable for short hairstyles
- Dual-zone technology / No true curls possible
- Comfortable handling / Slightly longer heating time of 30 seconds
3. ghd platinum+ Styler: The premium model for stressed hair
For whom?
Compared to the classic gold Styler, the plates of the Platinum+ are slightly wider and longer. It is therefore ideal for medium to long hair that should be straightened or curled as gently as possible. ghd specifically targets people with stressed hair who want to use their flat iron regularly to daily. Additionally, the edges of the Styler are more rounded than those of the gold model, so it creates larger and elongated curls.
Special features
- Supports stressed hair: The ghd Platinum+ Styler was specially developed for stressed hair. The heating plate works particularly gently thanks to the innovative Ultra-Zone technology, avoiding dryness and split ends. According to the manufacturer, you can achieve hair that is seventy percent stronger than with a conventional flat iron. Due to the device’s gentleness, you can easily use it daily.
- Ultra-Zone technology: While other ghd products use classic Dual-Zone technology, the Platinum+ goes one step further. Instead of just two, this Styler has numerous heat sensors that measure the device's temperature up to 250 times per second. According to the manufacturer, the technology can also detect hair thickness and styling speed. The temperature is automatically adjusted accordingly, so you only need one styling pass for the ideal result.
- Fork hinge: The Platinum+ Styler gets its characteristic look from its unique fork hinge. This ensures that the heating plates lie directly on top of each other during styling. Besides the professional look, it also gives you great control over the flat iron while styling.
- Attractive design: The Platinum+ Styler impresses with an elegant yet simple appearance. Apart from the LED-lit on/off switch, there are no other controls. Thus, this most expensive ghd flat iron is also the visual highlight of the brand.
- Plate protection cap: Like all other ghd straighteners, the Platinum+ also features a heat-resistant plate protection cap. However, it appears that the model will not close or stay closed without using the cap. Losing the protective cap could therefore cause problems.
- Relatively heavy: Some users need to get used to how the Platinum+ Styler feels in hand. The front part of the device is noticeably heavier than the rear – which isn’t always comfortable.
Key pros and cons
Ultra-Zone technology / Relatively heavy
With fork hinge / Does not close without plate protection cap
Extremely short heat-up time of only 20 seconds
Simple, luxurious design
Long 3-year warranty
4. ghd mini Styler: The ideal tool for short hair and fine detailing
For whom?
The word “mini” in the product name refers not only to the compact size of the device but especially to hair length: The mini Styler is the perfect tool for styling short hair and beards. However, it can also be used by people with long hair who want to style fine details like hair ends or bangs.
Special features
- Narrow heating plates: People with short hairstyles often have difficulties with the wide plates of conventional flat irons. Therefore, the mini Styler’s plates are only about 1.2 centimeters wide. This allows you to grip and style short hair precisely.
- Compact: True to its name, the mini Styler is also overall small and lightweight. It measures only about 26 centimeters up to the swivel joint and weighs less than 300 grams including the cable. This makes it easy to take your styling tool on vacation or overnight stays.
Key pros and cons
Optimal for short hair and beards / Not suitable for long and thick hair
Extra narrow heating plates / Slightly longer heat-up time of 30 seconds
5. ghd unplugged Styler: The optimal companion for on the go
For whom?
The unplugged Styler is the perfect flat iron for people who want to style their hair on the go without being tied to a cable. With this flat iron, you can refresh your hairstyle at work, in the gym, or after swimming.
Special features
- Battery: The unplugged Styler is the only ghd flat iron that can be used cable-free thanks to its lithium-ion battery. It can be charged for two hours at a power bank or wall outlet and then runs for up to twenty minutes. To avoid unpleasant surprises, the device displays the battery level using small bars.
- Perfect for travel: The unplugged Styler is significantly smaller and lighter than comparable flat irons. This makes it easy to take anywhere. A heat-resistant bag is included, and the device is even allowed on airplanes.
Key pros and cons
Ideal for cordless use on the go / Limited runtime
With battery level indicator / Relatively long heat-up time of 45 seconds
New: The Hot Air Styler from ghd
ghd keeps releasing new products to perfectly adapt to customers’ needs. Recently, the ghd duet is a 2-in-1 styling tool from ghd that lets you dry and style your hair in one step. It promises to preserve the natural moisture of hair and reduce annoying frizz. The new ghd flat iron has been available online since February 2023.
