Guide · Checked 18 October 2026
ghd straighteners compared: Original, Gold, Platinum+, Chronos and more
Most people only need the Gold. Wide plates are for thick hair, slim plates for short hair and fringes.
The ghd Gold is the right ghd straighteners for most people: dual-zone heat control, floating plates and a rounded body that curls as well as straightens. The Chronos is ghd's newest and fastest, the Platinum+ adds smart heat prediction, and the Original is the simplest. The Max and Chronos Max have wide plates for long, thick or curly hair, and the Mini has slim plates for short hair and fringes. Here is how the seven ghd straighteners compare, from their Amazon UK listings on 18 October 2026.
We have not tested these products. This guide is based on the manufacturers' Amazon UK listings and buyer demand, checked on 18 October 2026. We do not show prices because they change constantly. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we choose.
What every pair of ghd straighteners has
- Ceramic floating plates with a gloss coating, which ghd says glide without snagging.
- A controlled styling temperature rather than a dial. ghd says its stylers hold an optimum temperature (185°C on the Original and the Mini) to avoid extreme heat.
- A rounded barrel shape, so you can curl and wave as well as straighten.
- Fast heat-up and an automatic sleep mode that switches off when you forget.
- A 2-year manufacturer's guarantee when bought from an authorised seller.
How the models differ
- Heat technology. The Original uses a single heat sensor (single-zone). The Gold, Max and Mini use two (dual-zone) for more even heat along the plates. The Platinum+ uses Ultra-zone, which ghd says predicts your hair's needs. The Chronos is ghd's newest system, which ghd says styles up to three times faster in one stroke.
- Plate width. Regular plates suit most hair. The Max and Chronos Max have wide plates (ghd says 70% and 85% larger) for long, thick or curly hair. The Mini has plates under 16mm wide for short hair, fringes and detail.
- Hinge. The Platinum+ and Chronos have a wishbone hinge that keeps the plates aligned for more control.
ghd straighteners compared
| Model | Heat technology | Plates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ghd Original | Single-zone, 185°C | Regular | Simple, everyday straightening |
| ghd Gold | Dual-zone | Regular, contoured floating | Most people |
| ghd Platinum+ | Ultra-zone predictive | Regular, precision-milled | Colour-treated or fragile hair |
| ghd Chronos | ghd's newest, one-stroke | Regular, ultra-gloss | Speed and shine |
| ghd Max | Dual-zone | Wide (70% larger) | Long, thick or curly hair |
| ghd Chronos Max | Chronos | Wide (85% larger than Gold) | Thick hair, fastest styling |
| ghd Mini | Dual-zone, 185°C | Slim (under 16mm) | Short hair, fringes, detail |
From ghd's Amazon UK listings on 18 October 2026. Percentages and speeds are ghd's own claims.
Which ghd straighteners to buy
Best for most people
ghd Gold
Dual-zone heat sensors, contoured floating plates and a rounded body for straightening, curls and waves. This bundle includes ghd's All Rounder paddle brush. It was one of the best-selling straighteners on Amazon UK when we checked, at over three thousand a month.
Read our full guide to the ghd Gold →
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Simplest ghd
ghd Original
Single-zone heat control at a constant 185°C, ceramic floating plates, 30-second heat-up and auto sleep after 30 minutes. A long-running best seller with thousands of buyer ratings.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Fastest ghd
ghd Chronos
ghd says it gives high-definition results in one stroke that last 24 hours, with more shine, less frizz and up to three times more breakage protection. Re-engineered wishbone hinge and a 10-minute sleep mode.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Best for coloured or fragile hair
ghd Platinum+
Ultra-zone technology that ghd says predicts your hair's needs, which it links to stronger hair and more colour protection. Wishbone hinge and precision-milled plates.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Best for long, thick or curly hair
ghd Max
Dual-zone heat with plates 70% larger than ghd's regular stylers, so you can do thick hair in half the time. Same 30-second heat-up and 30-minute sleep mode.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Fastest for thick hair
ghd Chronos Max
Chronos technology with plates 85% larger than the Gold, and close-edge plates to style from the root. Smart sleep after 10 minutes.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Best for short hair and fringes
ghd Mini
Plates 40% slimmer than standard (under 16mm wide) for short hair, fringes and small sections, with dual-zone heat at 185°C.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Avoid fake ghd straighteners
ghd straighteners are widely counterfeited. Buy from ghd's own store on Amazon, from Amazon itself or from an authorised retailer, and check the seller name on the listing before you pay.
Fakes can overheat and lack the safety features of the real thing. A price that looks too good to be true usually is.
Before Black Friday
ghd is regularly discounted around Black Friday (27 November 2026), often as gift sets with a brush or bag. Compare the model name, not just the colour, as limited-edition colours are separate listings.
Questions people ask
Which ghd straighteners are best?
For most people, the ghd Gold. Choose the Chronos for the fastest styling, the Platinum+ for colour-treated or fragile hair, the Max or Chronos Max for thick hair and the Mini for short hair.
What is the difference between the ghd Gold and the Platinum+?
The Gold uses dual-zone heat sensors. The Platinum+ uses ghd's Ultra-zone predictive technology and a wishbone hinge, which ghd says gives more colour protection and stronger hair.
Is the ghd Chronos worth it?
If you straighten often and want it done faster, ghd says the Chronos styles up to three times faster in one stroke. If you straighten occasionally, the Gold is enough.
Can you change the temperature on ghd straighteners?
Most ghd stylers do not have a temperature dial. They hold an optimum styling temperature that ghd says avoids extreme heat.
Which ghd is best for thick hair?
The ghd Max or Chronos Max, which have wide plates so you style more hair with each pass.
How do I know if my ghd is real?
Buy from ghd's own store, Amazon or an authorised retailer. ghd has a product authentication check on its website for straighteners you already own.
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