The best ghd straighteners to shop in 2024 reviewed by our beauty experts

We probably don't need to tell you that the best ghd straighteners pack advanced smoothing powers and have been a hairstyling go-to for decades. But those who are investing for the first time, or looking to upgrade their current tool, may not know where to start with the ghd portfolio. That's where our guide comes in: woman&home's beauty editors are big fans of this cult brand's tools and have rigorously tested every single one, so they know them inside out.

Ghd has long reigned supreme in the category of the best straighteners ever since it launched the Original Styler 23 years ago; the brand has won many awards 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."

With Cyber Weekend on the horizon, it's arguably the best time of year to invest in a pair of ghds. So, from wide plate stylers for thick and curly hairstyles to cordless straighteners for on-the-go touch-ups, ahead we've given you a thorough run-down of each of the best ghd straighteners, based on our years of experience testing and using each model.

Best ghd straightener deals

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ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener: was £209 now £174 at ghd

Say hello to glossy, frizz-free and damage-free hair in minimal time by investing in ghd's widely-loved Max Wide Straighteners - which currently have 16% off. With wide plates and dual-tone technology, this tool make styling super quick and easy, even on thick, long and curly locks. 

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ghd Platinum+ Straighteners: was £239 now £179.99 at Amazon

Save 25% on ghd's Platinum+ hair straighteners which come equipped an innovative ultra-zone™ technology that predicts the personalised styling needs of your hair for you. This shine-enhancing tool can create a number of hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose waves.

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ghd Original Hair Straighteners: was £139 now £125 at Amazon

Looking for a quality tool that provides salon-worthy results, without completely breaking the bank? Look no further than ghd's Original model, which you can currently save 10% on. Say hello to smooth and shiny locks, thanks to the tool's ceramic floating plates and optimum styling temperature.

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The best ghd straighteners at a glance

The best ghd straighteners, reviewed by our beauty experts

The best ghd straightener overall

This tool is often pitted against the Dyson Corrale, but there are a few things to consider if you are weighing up the Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+. The Platinum+ has predictive heat technology, intelligently adapting to a section of hair's thickness and density – meaning more control, less damage and fewer split ends. We loved its speedy heat-up time of 15 seconds and the wishbone hinge made styling feel easier than some older models.

Thanks to the smooth plates, we could straighten and wave hair in record time, meaning 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 the Platinum+ comes with a three-year warranty, while all other ghd hair straighteners come with two (aside from the Chronos).

"ghd Platinum+ is a one-stroke wonder. It gives the best results and incredible shine in just one stroke," Reed says. "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

"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 almost 24 years ago when the ghd Original Styler first landed on shelves? A true game-changer, the hot tool quickly became world-famous; now, two million are sold every year around the world. Though it remains a bestseller, the team at ghd upgraded the Original Styler a couple of years ago to include more innovative technology.

When testing, we found there was something pleasingly familiar about this tool married with a sense of "newness" thanks to its souped-up features. The plates now boast a gloss coating; indeed, we noticed it created even sleeker and smoother results. The ceramic heat technology is as effective as ever without extreme heat, styling at the brand's optimum temperature of 185°C. Design-wise, it retains its classic sleek look with slim plates that made curling, waving, and straightening super easy.

This is the most simple and straightforward ghd styler and, in our opinion, it would be almost impossible to go wrong with it. It does take a little longer to style a full head of hair compared to the Max or Platinum+ models, but the slimmer handle allowed us to get right into the hairline when styling. The updated tool also features single-zone technology, meaning heat is evenly distributed across both ceramic plates to help effortlessly style your hair. "[The] 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 notes.

See our full ghd Original IV hair straightener review

The best ghd straightener for travel

The ghd Unplugged joins the recent wave of cordless stylers, including the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener and Babyliss 9000 Cordless Hair Straightener, bringing plenty of useful features to the party. At first we thought it looked slightly chunky, but this styler is actually very lightweight considering it contains 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 the battery life. A full charge lasted us 20 minutes, taking about two hours to power up. If you have fine hair, like our tester, that isn't too long, this is probably sufficient. However, if you have thick and/or curly hair, lots of it, or all of the above, you'd probably use Unplugged as a "topping-up" tool rather than a full styler. That said, s charging ieasy thanks to its USB port, which we could easily plug into our laptop – and could be used for in-car charging, too – to give it a boost. But overall, it's a great pick for travel and touch-ups.

The ghd Unplugged is naturally a favourite with professional hairstylists, thanks the ease of on-the-go styling. “Ghd Unplugged offers a new level of flexibility and creativity for styling " says Manuele Mameli, hairstylist 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

The Gold is ideal for anyone who likes to change up their hair styling. With a curved design and rounded barrel, we could create curls and waves at a quicker rate than any other ghd styler. Our 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 alsoeelps this styler to glide down the hair shaft without snags.

Heat-wise, we found these lightweight straighteners quick to warm up, probably taking about 25 seconds. You can also expect an even temperature without hot spots, thanks 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. As 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 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 and 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

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 for easy styling of our tester's hair at 185ºC, 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 – many rely on styling at a higher heat, which can cause damage over time.

Of course, the downside of these 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

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+.

We did find that the smaller size of the Mini felt 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 and snag-free straightening experience.

If you have shorter hair and find that it tends to stick out at an angle when using average-sized straighteners, or that larger tools often leave an imprint in 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

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 switches off after 10 minutes of inactivity, improving on the 30 minutes seen with most of the brand's other straighteners.

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

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 usual 185ºC temperature). However, if you do rely on higher heat to get a sleek finish, you can use Shine Shot mode to do so.

As for 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

After breaking into the "wet to dry" category in 2023 with the Duet Style, 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 – like the Glide – the bristles and barrel plate are also heated. It's also been designed to style without causing excessive 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 found it best to hold the Duet Blowdry 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 our contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen. "I was able to 'swoop' them easily, as I would with a blow dryer brush, but the heated bristles bolstered this 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 its smooth results and the shiny finish it creates with relative ease make it worth looking into if a voluminous blow dry is your go-to look.

How we tested the best ghd straighteners

If you're going to pay three figures for a hair tool, it needs to tick all of your boxes. As such, we analysed everything about each ghd straightener 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?

Almost all ghd tools style at a 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 shoppers note that their styler has lasted more than 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

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