If I were to ask the majority of my friends which hair straightener they currently use, a really high percentage of them are going to say a pair of ghds. Because, it doesn't really matter how many new straighteners are released by other brands, ghd is the go-to for most people. I know my first pair of straighteners was a pair of ghds and it was the same for all of my friends. It was, and remains to this day, the best hair straighteners brand. But which are the best ghd straighteners?
The British beauty brand launched its first pair of straighteners in 2001, which were sold exclusively in salons. Since then the brand and its tools have gone from strength to strength and it soon became one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. Not only are these straighteners loved across the globe by professional stylists, but they're still the number one choice for at-home styling. The brand has won countless awards and each year the technology advances and the stylers get smarter and smarter.
There are now eight ghd straighteners on the market - from the Max that works on thick and long hair, to the brand's latest wet-to-dry technology: the Duet Style - so it can feel a little overwhelming knowing exactly which one is going to be the best to invest in.
There are stylers to suit every need and preference - maybe you like to create waves with your straighteners or need a hair type-specific tool, you might only straightener your hair at the weekends or wouldn't be caught anywhere without yours - there's something for everyone.
Just to note, we are totally aware that these tools cost a lot of money, which is why we believe it so important that you make the correct decision when you're considering spending a large sum of money.
We looked at everything from plate width and weight to cord length and price. Let's find you the best GHD straighteners to add to your basket.
Best GHD straighteners ranked
1. GHD Platinum+ Styler
The Platinum+ Styler is hands down the best GHD straightener. It's clever, it's effective and it does so much more than straighten. Yes, it's on the pricey side, but the plates are specifically designed so that they are constantly monitoring your hair so as not to overheat and cause any damage. It also features some whizzy technology that scans your hair at regular intervals, looking at things like hair thickness. The smooth ceramic plates allow you to curl your hair in lots of different ways, meaning you can create a range of looks with just this one tool.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This styler deserves the top spot on this list. The combination of clever technology, luxury feel and effective styling means that it absolutely is the best GHD straightener on the market. I found that in comparison to all of the others, it didn't drag on my hair - especially on my dry ends. It's a lot of money though, so if you are someone who straighteners or curls your hair a lot and you dye your hair, then this is definitely the right choice."
2. GHD Gold Hair Straightener
If you love creating effortless waves and curls, but don't fancy having to buy a separate curling wand, then the GHD Gold Hair Straightener is definitely the one for you. With its sleek design and rounded barrel, this hair tool was made with curling in mind. It has a 25 second heat up time and a super lightweight feel, so you can create a range of looks in little to no time at all. Need we say more?
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is a really nimble and easy to use straightener, which is why I think this is best suited to those who like to both straighten and create waves and shape."
Make sure to check out our in-depth review of the GHD Gold here.
3. GHD Max Hair Straightener
For those with thick hair, look no further than the GHD Max Hair Straightener. This styler features 70% larger plates than the original styler, with two new generation heat sensors for consistent heat distribution. The Max Straightener allows you to smooth larger sections at a time, meaning you no longer have to spend hours trying to tame those flyaways.
Beauty contributor, Grace Lindsay, and Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor, swear by these straighteners. Shannon says: "I have quite a few GHDs at home (nature of the job) and the one pair that gets used the most is the Maxi. It's super speedy and makes my hair look like glossy and healthy."
You can read Grace's in-depth review for more information.
4. GHD Duet 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
The brand's revolutionary 2-in-1 hair dryer and styler. If you're strapped for time, then this clever tool transforms wet hair without damage. You'll find the normal ghd ceramic-coated plates either side of the drying hot air chambers that dry and smooth hair at the same time. Once hair is dry, you can use the special Shine Shot setting that turns off the hot air and transforms the tool into a straightener that reaches the optimal 185°C for final styling.
Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "As somebody with straight hair, I really rate the Duet for giving my hair a sleek and shiny finish. I'm low maintenance with my hair routine so I love the fact it dries hair and straightens it at the same time. When I want me hair to look really smooth and shiny, I give it a once over at the end with the Shine Shot mode (which essentially just turns the device into a straightener). My only issue with it is that it's a bit fiddly to use—so I only use it in place of my usual hairdryer when I'm heading out and want to save time on post-blowdry straightening. Oh, and it doesn't replace my usual GHDs because it isn't great for a curled or wavy look. If you have curly hair, however, I'm sure you'll love it for daily use."
5. GHD Original Hair Straightener
If you're after a reliable hair straightener that either won't be used everyday or for a teenager wanting to get their first straightener then this is the great option. The GHD Original Straightener is the perfect choice for someone looking for a straightforward way to straighten their hair. It contains all the features that we love about GHD, including the automatic sleep mode, 30 second heat up time and optimum styling temperature of 185°C.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "You can tell that the Original Straightener doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Platinum+, but that is absolutely OK. It doesn't make it a bad straightener. Not everyone needs the latest technology. If you're someone that straightens your hair on occasional weekends when you're going out, this is going to work well for you."
6. GHD Chronos Hair Straightener
The brand's latest hair straightener launched earlier this year and ghd claim that it's the 'holy grail in hair' and is its 'most technologically advanced styler' yet. But what makes it different from the rest? Well, it's the brand-new HD motion-responsive™ technology, which means the Chronos adjusts the power for heat monitoring. The styler ensures an optimum temperature of 185°C for speed, high shine, but much less damage.
Rebecca Fearn, Marie Claire beauty contributor says: "I really liked the Chronos, because it suits my styling needs: simple and quick. It was noticeably faster than other straighteners, and I felt like I only had to pass it over each section once, maybe twice. It was super speedy at creating a sleek and shiny look. When I used it to curl, I'll be honest in that I didn't see a huge difference in results compared to my Original GHD Styler (and therefore probably even more minimal difference between the Chronos and the brand's previously most premium and effective tool, the Platinum+)."
7. GHD Mini Hair Straightener
For all the shorter hairstyles out there, don't worry, as there is a GHD styler just for you too! The GHD Mini Hair Straightener features 1/2 inch plates, perfect for styling shorter hair and fringes, or creating tight curls. Due to its size, it may feel a little flimsy, however it offers a very similar power to other GHD models.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I have long hair, so I already know that this is not the straightener for me. However, when I had a fringe, nothing was able to tame it and keep it in line quite like this and that's all down to the size of the plates. When you're styling less hair, you want less straightener too."
8. GHD Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener
For those of us who are constantly on the go, the GHD Cordless Hair Straightener means you can have salon-worthy hair no matter where your day might take you. Promising the same performance as a corded GHD straightener while weighing 35% lighter, this miniature version provides 20 minutes of styling so that you can touch up your look when needed. Due to the styling time, this straightener may be more suited to those with short to medium hairstyles. The USB-C charging cable means it can be charged anywhere from your car to a plane or even a laptop, and it comes with a handy heat-resistant carry case.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I know so many people who will reap the benefits of having a pair of straighteners in their handbag. However, the plates are small - just a little bigger than those of the Mini - so you aren't able to do that much styling, especially with the 20 minute time limit. These definitely wouldn't replace my normal straighteners, these would be an additional purchase for travel and not everyone is going to be able to justify that. On the other hand, if you are someone who straightens their hair every day and wishes you could keep your look going throughout the day, then I can see how these would be a good asset."
