Anyone who's in the market for new hair straighteners will most likely find themselves turning to ghd. The hair styling brand is the ultimate destination when shopping for a quality styling tool that’s set to last, but that task isn’t an easy one. Thankfully, our beauty experts compared two cult classic ghd straighteners to settle the debate on which tool makes for the best investment…
Whether you’re on the hunt for the best hair straighteners or looking to upgrade to one of the best hair dryers, deciding which hair tool is a worthy addition to your hair styling arsenal can be a gruelling task. With an array of brands offering an abundance of tools on the market, plus with stylers often boasting hefty price tags, you want to feel certain that the tool you finally purchase is one that will not only provide salon-worthy results but also stand the test of time.
Throughout our combined years of testing, the woman&home team found that ghd is the one brand that consistently comes out on top thanks to its plentiful styling tool lineup that is geared towards a variety of hair types. The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold are just two of the brand’s most sought-after innovative straighteners, so it’s only fitting that our beauty experts put them head to head to find out which is the best ghd straightener out of the two that’s worth buying?
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.
Aleesha Badkar is woman&home's Acting Digital Beauty Editor, covering all things beauty on the site, from the best techniques and sharpest tools to the newest products. Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages.
Head-to-head comparison: Our review
Heat-up time: 20 seconds
Features: Wishbone hinge, ultra-gloss plates, 185°C styling temperature, universal voltage, automatic sleep mode
Review: If you're after super speedy results, the Platinum+ is the one for you. The "smart" styler grabs onto medium sections of hair, smoothing strands in just one pass. After using, we found our hair to look noticeably smoother and shinier.
We found the Platinum+ to have more edge than the Gold model, leaving a high-shine glossy finish that wasn't as noticeable with the Gold. This is a great all-rounder option that suits a variety of hair types, from fine to thick, as it grabs onto large sections of hair and works its magic faster than the Gold. As for similarities between the two, we found our styled locks stayed in place all day (and night) long.
Buy it if: You want the best of the best and don't mind spending a little more
Heat-up time: 25 seconds
Features: 185°C temperature, universal voltage, automatic sleep mode
Review: When it comes to results on the hair, there wasn't a huge difference in the ghd Gold vs Platinum+ straightener. We found both performed exceptionally well, smoothing strands with minimal effort needed.
The gold boasts a sleek and streamline design, making it a great investment for those with fine-to-medium hair. Whether you're straightening or waving your locks, it quickly gets to work styling small sections of hair, leaving your hair looking smooth and feeling soft. We also noticed that our styled strands stayed put all day, without any kinking or frizzing.
Buy it if: You have fine-to-medium hair and want a quality hair straightener at a great price
How we tested the ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ Hair Straighteners
The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold Hair Straighteners we tested for this piece
Prior to working on this guide, our tester had only ever used the ghd Original IV straightener (shocking, we know), but our motto is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Original has certainly stood the test of time, but we decided it was time to upgrade to a shiny new model that still provided us with same salon-worthy results.
Ensuring we tested both tools fairly, we styles half our hair using the Gold and the other using the Platinum+, this meant we could physically compare the results side by side. 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.
ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold: Reviewed by our beauty experts
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Specifications comparison
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...
| 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, cobalt blue, scarlet red, rose gold, powder pink | Black, moon silver, powder pink |
| 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 comparison
ghd Gold design
Whilst we'll always hold the classic yellow ceramic plates of ghd's Original straightener in our hearts, you'll be pleased to know that newer models (including the Gold and Platinum+) have been upgraded to sleeker sparkly, metallic grey versions. Aside from the design's colour change, the Gold boasts straight-edged floating plates, which means they're not fully attached and therefore offer more movement and flexibility. As for the technical details, the Gold's plates measure 9cm long and 2.5cm wide.
The Gold's smooth and rounded barrel design bears a similar resemblance to that of the Platinum+, making them both great for creating a myriad of styles including bouncy curls, sleek straight and wavy hairstyles. More similarities include the illuminating power button being placed on the inside of the handle and the one optimum styling temperature option of 185 degrees.
Weighing in at 0.45kg, the Gold straighteners are a great lightweight option that didn't leave us with that dreaded arm ache when testing. It also arrives with a 2.7 metre swivel cord, which meant we could reach hard-to-style sections with ease. When it comes to stylistic features, we love how these straighteners look and feel sleek, stylish and professional.
ghd Platinum+ design
At first glance, the Platinum+ and Gold look incredibly similar thanks to their curved, barrel designs and metallic grey plates. However, upon closer inspection, we spotted a few differences that are worth noting. The Platinum+ features an updated singled curved 'wishbone' hinge, which gives the tool a much sleeker and minimal look compared to the Gold. It also improves styling control, allowing you to effortlessly open and close the tool without any strands of hair getting trapped, caught or pulling.
When it comes to weight, there is also a noticeable difference as the Gold weighs 450g, whereas the Platinum+ is more lightweight at 300g. Due to this, we found the Platinum+ easier to manoeuvre, especially if your hair is on the curly or thicker side. Although the overall design is lighter, this straightener boasts a larger barrel shape compared to the Gold, which makes it great for styling larger sections of hair.
But enough of the differences, we also did pick out a few similarities, such as both models featuring floating plates and a 2.7 metre swivel cord. Both the Gold and Platinum+ also arrive with a built-in timer that automatically turns the tools off after 30 minutes of inactivity - so you'll never have to worry about potentially having left your straighteners on again. As for colourways, the Gold has a limited offering of black, silver or pink, whereas the Platinum+ has a wider choice of black, white, red, blue, gold and powder pink (our personal favourite).
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: User experience
ghd Gold
In terms of usability, both of these stylers really impressed our tester. As a once-devoted fan of the Original, it's evident how much more advanced the newer models are, from their designs to their ability to create smoother results. When testing the Gold on slightly wavy strands, we found the styler was able to smooth each section in two passes, however thicker or naturally curly locks required more passes in order to achieve a super sleek, straight finish.
It's also worth noting that the Gold doesn't feature ionic technology, so those prone to frizzy hair may benefit from considering a different model that does include this technology. Although there's not a dramatic difference, the Gold is slightly heavier, which will be more noticeable for those with thicker or curly locks that take longer to straighten. But overall, we'd recommend the Gold as being easy to use and incredibly versatile at also creating curls and waves, thanks to the rounded sides.
ghd Platinum+
Making home to a featherweight design, large plates and a rounded barrel shape, the Platinum+ ensures a seamless styling session. Both our fine and thick-haired testers found this tool to cut down their styling time in half, making straightening your hair quick, easy and (dare I say) enjoyable. Its easy-to-manoeuvre design only takes one or two passes to achieve the desired smooth and straight finish, that's still full of body.
If you're on the hunt for a straightener that can also create bouncy curls and loose waves, this easy styler might just be the one for you. While the larger barrel, plates and advanced tech mean you can achieve bigger curls that are full of volume, it also makes it one of the best straighteners for curly hair, too. Both stylers work great at effortlessly gliding through strands, but this one takes the edge with its curved ceramic plates that never ever catch or snag and a wish-bone hinge that offers more control when opening and closing the plates.
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Performance comparison
The ghd Gold (top) and ghd Platinum+ Styler (bottom)
ghd Gold
In terms of performance, the standout feature of the newer tools is how quickly they heat up. The Gold reaches the optimum temperature of 185 degrees in just 25 seconds, making a helpful beeping sound to signify this - which is seriously impressive. The straightener also arrives with "dual-zone technology", a two heat sensor system that maintains even heat distribution from root to tip, ensuring smooth results.
We found the outer casing of the Gold can get quite warm, which can become too hot to touch, but the useful cool tip offers you safe control of the device when styling - it also comes in handy when styling hard-to-reach sections at the back of your hair. Without putting a dampener on things, one downside we noted is that the plates aren't the widest or longest we've tested. So, if your hair is especially thick or naturally curly, we’d recommend giving the ghd Max Hair Straightener a whirl - its extra-large plates will significantly cut down styling time.
ghd Platinum+
Top trumping the Gold's heat up time, ghd's Platinum+ reaches its optimum temperature in a speedy 20 seconds - again, letting you know it's ready with a beeping sound. Like the Gold, this straightener maintains a consistent, damage-reducing temperature using its "ultra-zone technology". According to the brand, the styler's predictive technology recognises your hair's thickness and section size, plus the speed you're styling at, to help adjust the power and temperature accordingly - tick, tick, tick.
Although we can't physically see this technology working its magic, we definitely thought our hair both felt smoother and looked shinier after a few days of use - never looking over-styled or damaged. One of the main differences we spotted is that the Platinum+'s insulated casing stayed cool throughout the styling session. This was a huge plus for us as it reduced the risk of accidentally scorching our skin when styling in a hurry. Throughout testing, we also discovered this styler worked equally well when straightening, curling and waving hair, making it a true multi-tasker.
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Our verdict on which styler is best?
Both boasting advanced technology, it's worth noting that these two tools are in a league of their own, offering professional salon-worthy results in a speedy time - all whilst minimising damage and without snagging your strands. As for design, not only are both the Gold and Platinum+ set to make an elevating addition to your dressing table, but also have a luxurious feel when holding them.
Whilst both ghd stylers are seriously intelligent tools that make a great investment, 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 advanced technology and user-friendly design, just takes the edge on the Gold.
That said, we have to mention the significant price difference between the two, as the Platinum+ sports a £70 higher price tag. Before choosing a tool to invest in, it's worth taking your hair type into consideration. For example, those with thick, coarse or naturally frizz-prone locks would benefit from the Platinum+ as it makes for faster styling. This would also be the clear choice for those with dry or damaged hair types, thanks to the styler’s ultra-zone technology preventing the hair from being exposed to excessive heat.
However, if your hair is on the finer side or doesn't require significant styling to achieve your desired straight finish, the Gold would make a worthwhile investment that meets all your hair's needs (and save you a few pennies, too).
If you're still weighing up your options, take a deeper dive into the techy side of the Platinum+ with our in-depth ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener review. Side note, you may also find our Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+ comparison helpful!
Make further savings on your next purchase with the latest ghd discount codes.
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