GHD is the Rolls-Royce of hair straighteners—here's my review as a beauty editor of each styling tool.

      (Image credit: @eleanorvousden)

      There are few hair tool brands as iconic as GHD. The brand revolutionized hairstyling when it debuted its first hair straightener in 2001. It's no surprise that you'll often find GHD straighteners in upscale salons and exclusive gyms. GHD is a reliable and stylish option that effectively gets the job done. I'll never forget the first time I used the Original Hair Straightener at the age of 13 after winning a pair in a raffle at my local salon (what an excitement!). Since then, GHD has become a vital part of my haircare routine, and it remains the most highly regarded hair straightener brand among virtually all the beauty experts I know. I've tested several GHD models, from the GHD Duet Style to the GHD Duet Blowdry brush, but I frequently get asked as a beauty editor: "Which GHD hair straighteners are the best?" With GHD providing eight different hair straightener options, picking the right one can be a bit tricky and overwhelming. Since launching the Original hair straightener in 2001, GHD has continuously enhanced the classic model with innovative technologies (the latest advancements can be found in the Chronos models, which are GHD's newest). Additionally, there are various stylers like the Max, which features wider plates that are more suitable for curly, thick, and long hair types. For those with short hair, the Mini offers narrower plates, making styling bobs and pixie cuts much easier, as well as managing fringes. There's also the Platinum+, Gold, and Unplugged models to consider. I must admit, I found the differences between each GHD straightener somewhat confusing.

      To determine which GHD hair straightener is best for you, I've personally tested all of them. After a month of straightening my hair and using plenty of heat protection mist, here's my candid review of each GHD model, allowing you to choose the one that's the ideal fit for your hair. As someone who has also used various hair tools and straighteners like the Dyson Corrale and Shark FlexFusion, I have high standards, so I've really put them to the test. Keep reading for all the details, as well as pictures of my hair post-styling so you can see the results for yourself.

      **Testing Methodology**

      I tested each GHD hair straightener over several weeks to evaluate their performance. My hair is long and thick with a slight wave and a tendency to become frizzy. It's important to mention that as a beauty editor with years of experience in the hair industry, I am well-equipped to recommend tools for various hair types. I tested each straightener with my natural hair texture, observing how effectively they straightened and smoothed my hair and how well they styled curls or waves, considering different hair types throughout. Below, I've documented my impressions along with after pictures taken after styling with each model.

      **The Best GHD Straighteners, Tried and Tested**

      - GHD Chronos Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (£299)

      - GHD Chronos Professional Hair Straightener (£289)

      - GHD Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (£209)

      - GHD Platinum+ Professional Hair Straightener (£239)

      - GHD Gold Hair Straightener (£189)

      - GHD Original Hair Straightener (£139)

      - GHD Mini Slim Hair Straightener (£159)

      - GHD Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener (£299)

      1. **GHD Chronos Max**

       - **Plates:** Ceramic coated wide plate (43mm)

       - **Heat:** 185°C

       - **Heat-up time:** 35 seconds

       - **Key features:** HD motion-responsive technology optimizes hair for 185°C heat, automatic sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, 2.7m swivel cord, wishbone hinge

       - **Verdict:** This is GHD's latest model and my favorite by a substantial margin. I have relied on the original Max Hair Straightener for several years for my thick, long hair (hairstylists often dread my visits) since the wider plates make it significantly easier and quicker to style. I was curious if the new Chronos Max could outdo it, and it certainly did. It straightened my hair in one pass, allowing me to complete my whole styling in just 5 minutes. The wide plates mean fewer passes over each section, resulting in less heat damage over time. I noticed a remarkable increase in shine; my hair looked glossy, smooth, and frizz-free. If you have curly, thick, or long hair, I highly recommend considering the wider plates to simplify your styling process. However, if you're interested in using the straightener for curling, I would suggest the smaller models (like the Chronos, Platinum+, Gold, or Original), as they are easier to curl with. You can curl with the wider plates