Best GHD Hair Straighteners for Smooth, Lasting Styles

The ghd Platinum+ Styler is a premium ceramic flat iron with “predictive ultra-zone” technology. It maintains a constant ideal styling temperature of 365°F, adjusting for thickness and styling speed. It has automatic sleep mode, rounded polish plates, and is widely praised for combining high style performance with hair health considerations.

The ghd Original Styler is the classic model in the GHD lineup. It uses ceramic-based heat technology preset to 365°F, floating plates, a rounded barrel design for style flexibility, and safety features like auto sleep after 30 minutes. Users often mention its rapid heat-up (≈30 seconds) and reputation for reliable “good hair day” styling.

Pros

• Predictably safe styling temp: The fixed safe-styling temperature helps protect against overheating, making it appealing for users not wanting to fiddle with heat settings.

• Versatile styling capability: Floating plates and rounded edges make it possible to straighten, wave, or curl ends without harsh marks.

• Fast heat-up & standby features: Users frequently praise that it’s ready in about 30 seconds and sleeps after non-use, which helps both convenience and safety.

• Broad user satisfaction: Many reviews across hair types praise its ability to smooth, reduce frizz, and last through humid conditions.

Cons

• Limited customization: Since it doesn’t offer a broad range of temperature settings, fine or fragile hair may still be at risk under “preset” conditions.

• Less ideal for very thick or coarse hair: Single pass smoothing may take more effort; some users with resistant hair report needing multiple passes.

• Higher cost than similar simple irons: Even though it’s simpler than some of the “smart” models, its pricing is still in premium range among flat irons.

• No extremely wide plate option: For those styling very long hair or large volumes, a wider plate model may reduce time.

The ghd Gold Styler is a well-known GHD model combining ceramic floating plates, polished barrel edges for styling flexibility, and a design that gets very positive feedback for shine, smoothness, and handling. It’s often considered a good mid-premium option in the GHD line, praised for performance and consistency.

Pros

• Smooth, glossy finish: Users frequently mention hair looking especially glossy after using this model, attributable to the plate quality and surface finish.

• Styling flexibility: Rounded edges and floating plates make it relatively easy to curl, flick, or wave, not just straighten.

• Longevity and reliability: Many reviewers say the Gold model holds up well over long use, with consistent performance and durability.

• Comfort & ease of use: Ergonomic design, reliable in heat delivery, and intuitive handling are commonly noted.

Cons

• Less tech-advanced than Platinum+: Doesn’t have predictive sensors or ultra-zone tech; users expect more manual control.

• Uses fixed styling temperature: Like some GHD models, its heat level is always in a certain range – fine/heat-sensitive hair may need protective products.

• Price remains high compared to simple ceramic or basic flat irons.

• Not ideal for wide section styling: The 1-inch plate size is somewhat limiting for very long or very voluminous hair, as wider sections take longer.

The ghd Max Styler features 2-inch floating ceramic plates designed for long, thick, or curly hair. Its wide plate surface covers more hair in each pass, and it comes preset to 365°F with auto-sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity. Users consistently report smoother finishes and faster styling for dense hair types with this tool.

Pros

• Faster styling for long or thick hair: The wider plates allow large sections to be straightened in fewer passes, reducing styling time and stress on the hair.

• Shiny, smooth output: Ceramics + the surface finish help reduce flyaways and impart a polished sheen, as many users note in their reviews.

• User-friendly heating & safety: Heats in about 30 seconds, preset safe styling temperature helps avoid overheating, and auto-sleep adds safety and energy saving.

• Design for comfort and grip: Many reports praise the way the tool handles, the floating plate action, and how it controls heat without being too heavy or unwieldy.

Cons

• High cost: Being one of GHD’s wide-plate premium models, it’s priced significantly higher than smaller or simpler irons.

• Less precise near roots or edges: The large plate width can be less nimble for styling near scalp, around ears, or for detail work, and may be overkill for shorter hair.

• Heat uniformity issues in some reviews: A number of users report that edges of the plates or the first few sections take more time to smooth, suggesting some unevenness or that the heat settles more in the center.

• Bulk & storage: Because it’s large, it’s less travel-friendly, takes more space, and might weigh more during extended use compared to smaller GHDs.

The ghd Unplugged is GHD’s cordless flat iron offering, with dual-zone ceramic plates, a fixed styling temperature (≈185°C / ~365°F), and a built-in rechargeable battery. It is made for portability and quick touch-ups, combining the styling performance of GHD’s wired irons with freedom of movement. Many users praise its sleek design, consistent styling output even when cordless, and its value for users who travel or need styling without access to outlets.

Pros

• Cordless convenience: Allows styling without being tethered to a power outlet—very handy for travel, touch-ups, or busy mornings. Users often mention the portability and ease as a big plus.

• Consistent styling output: Even off battery, users report that it delivers similar smoothness and shine to wired GHD models, thanks to its dual-zone heating design.

• Compact, sleek form factor: Lightweight design, good grip, and professional aesthetic are commonly praised. It packs well for travel.

• Safety and reliable temp: Fixed safe temperature protects hair from extreme heat, and built-in features like battery indicators, auto-sleep, etc., add practical safety.

Cons

• Limited runtime: Battery capacity restricts how much you can style on one charge; for full heads of thick hair, more frequent recharges may be needed.

• Fixed temperature: While the temperature is well chosen, the inability to adjust it downward means fine or very fragile hair may still risk damage unless heat protectants are used carefully.

• Smaller plate width: Because it’s built for mobility, it tends to have narrower plates, which means more passes for thick or long hair, increasing timeline.

• High price for cordless tech: Users frequently comment that the premium for cordless capability is substantial, so cost-benefit depends on how much one uses the cordless feature.