Every ghd straightener in our range works at one preset temperature, 365°F. ghd's view is that this is hot enough to style in one pass and cool enough to avoid the extreme heat that dulls hair. So you are not choosing a temperature. You are choosing three things: plate width, how the styler keeps its heat steady, and whether you need a cord.
This guide only covers the stylers we stock right now. Each name links to the product page, where you can see the colours and the current price.
Step 1: one-inch or two-inch plates?
One-inch plates are the everyday format. They are narrow enough to turn into the hair for bends, waves and curls, and they reach close to the root and the hairline. Choose one inch if your hair is short to long and of normal density, or if you want one tool that both straightens and curls.
Two-inch plates are made for long, thick or curly hair, where a one-inch iron means dozens of small sections. ghd describes the Chronos Max plates as 85% larger. The wider surface covers a bigger section in each pass, which saves real time on a full head of dense hair. The trade-off is that tight curls are harder to make with a wide plate.
Step 2: how much heat control do you want?
Original: the simplest ghd
The ghd Original 1 in is the classic format with single-zone ceramic heating, floating plates and a rounded barrel. Choose it if you want a dependable everyday straightener and you don't need the extra sensors.
Best for: a first ghd, or normal hair that styles easily.
Gold: two heat sensors, a quick start
The ghd Gold 1 in adds dual-zone technology: two sensors keep 365°F across the plate, and it is ready in about 25 seconds. The contoured floating plates and rounded body make it a good all-rounder for straight styles, soft waves and curls. It also comes as the limited-edition Gold in Jelly Mint, which is the same tool in a different colour.
Best for: most people, and especially hair of mixed thickness where the plate has to hold its heat from root to end.
Platinum+: predictive heat
The ghd Platinum+ 1 in uses ultra-zone predictive technology, which checks the plate temperature 250 times a second. It also has a wishbone hinge that keeps the floating plates aligned. Choose it if you style every day and want the most consistent one-pass result on thick or resistant hair.
Best for: daily stylers, coloured or fragile hair you don't want to go over twice.
Chronos: motion-responsive
The ghd Chronos 1 in uses HD motion-responsive technology, which adjusts power to the way you move the styler while holding 365°F. Its ultra-gloss ceramic plates glide for straight, waved or curled finishes, and it switches itself off after 10 minutes of inactivity. It is also sold in the limited-edition Dusted Pink finish, which comes with a heat-resistant bag.
Best for: anyone who wants the most responsive one-inch ghd for both smoothing and curling.
Step 3: wide plates for long, thick or curly hair
- ghd Max 2 in: 42 mm ceramic plates with dual-zone heat. This is the practical wide-plate choice for smooth styles and loose bends.
- ghd Chronos Max 2 in: the wide-plate version of Chronos, with motion-responsive power and ultra-gloss plates. It is also sold in Dusted Pink. Choose it if your hair is long and dense and you style it often.
Step 4: cordless for touch-ups
The ghd Unplugged is a compact cordless styler with 22 mm plates at 365°F. A full charge gives up to 20 minutes of styling. That is enough for a fringe, face-framing pieces or a refresh at work. It is not enough for a full session on long, thick hair. Think of it as a second tool, not your main one.
Quick decision guide
- Fine to normal hair, simple routine: Original or Gold
- Thick or resistant hair, styled every day: Platinum+ or Chronos
- You want to straighten and curl with one tool: Chronos or Gold (one inch)
- Long, very thick or curly hair: Max, or Chronos Max
- Travel and touch-ups: Unplugged
Don't skip heat protection
A steady 365°F is still heat. Mist a heat protectant through dry hair before every pass. Use Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray for most hair, the Bodyguard for coloured hair if you colour, or the Bodyguard for fine and thin hair if your hair goes flat easily. For a sleeker result, Straight On can go through damp hair before you blow-dry.
Your questions, answered
Can I change the temperature?
No. Every styler here is preset to 365°F. If you want a lower setting for very fine or damaged hair, a ghd is not the right tool. Choose an adjustable iron instead.
Do the limited-edition colours perform differently?
No. Dusted Pink and Jelly Mint use the same technology as the core model with the same name. The difference is the finish, plus the extras listed on each product page, such as a heat-resistant bag.
Should I straighten wet hair?
No. Dry your hair fully first. Straightening damp hair is exactly the damage a controlled temperature is meant to avoid.
Browse every ghd styler, dryer and brush on the ghd collection page.