Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Anyone who's ever mourned the death of a hair straightener knows just how much of a tong-shaped hole it leaves in your life.
Regardless of whether yours served you faithfully for years or was taken too soon, the loss of a hair tool is... a first world problem, but annoying nonetheless.
One of the most common questions I'm asked as a beauty editor is, what is the best hair straightener?
Second to that, it's... what is the best hair curling wand?
And fair enough, because hair tools are expensive, and the kind of purchase you want to get right the first time.
But the best hair tool for you also depends on your hair type and your budget.
So, to make things really bloody easy, here's a definitive guide to the very best ghd hair straightener and hair tool to suit you.
Two 24 mm floating heat plates with one sensor, that easily glide through the hair (no snagging!).
One heat setting at 185ºC which is the optimum temperature for styling while preventing hair damage.
Universal voltage (for travel).
Sleep and shiver modes that automatically switch off the straightener after 30 minutes of inactivity, and prevent it from turning on when the surrounding temp is below 7ºC (this protects the tool from condensation damage).
Best for:
If you don't straighten your hair all that often, have fine or manageable hair, or are after an entry-level ghd hair straightener that still does a bang up job, this one's for you.
Wide 4.2cmx9cm ceramic plates that can straighten larger or coarser sections of hair, faster.
70 per cent larger plates than the original ghd hair straightener for styling twice as fast.
Heats up to ideal styling temperature of 185 degrees in 30 seconds, with dual-zone technology to guarantee even heat distribution.
Adds gloss and shine, and minimises frizz.
Can be used to straighten hair or create loose round-brush blowout waves.
Light and easy to manoeuvre with a 2.7m swivel cord.
Sleep mode means it switches off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Here's a video of me showing just how quickly this wide hair straightener smoothed and straightened my long, frizzy hair!
Best for:
If you have long, thick, curly, frizzy and/or coarse hair that usually takes you FOREVER to straighten. Or anyone who wants to cut their hair straightening time in half.
Ultra-zone predictive technology, which basically means the straightener knows what your hair needs before you do for stronger, shinier, colour protected hair.
Advanced, precision milled, floating plates with ultra gloss coating for your shiniest hair, ever.
Ultra gloss coating provides 20 per cent more shine.
One consistent heat setting at 185ºC, smart technology for faster styling and minimised heat damage, single stroke styling.
Universal voltage (for travel) and protective plate guard.
Sleep mode for auto shut off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Best for:
If you want the top of the line ghd hair straightener, you style your hair most days, and/or you have coloured or damaged hair, the ghd Platinum+ is the best choice because it's a smart hair straightener. (This means it predicts and constantly adapts to ensure the optimum styling temperature at all times.)
Ceramic and ionic technology smooths hair ridiculously quickly.
The combination of high density short and long bristles = you can style large sections of hair at once, without having to go over the hair multiple times.
Tames and smooths hair for a glossy, frizz-free finish that still has natural body and movement.
Long handle and cord make the tool super easy to manoeuvre.
Heats up to 185ºC for safe, effective styling.
Suitable for all hair types and textures.
Sleep mode for auto shut off after 60 minutes of inactivity.
Best for:
After smoother, frizz-free, fast styling, but don't want your hair to look too straight? The Glide is the lazy/busy person's best friend that gives you a glossy blow dry-like finish.
Hot brush to create volume, waves and curls on dry hair.
Use this tool to recreate the result of bouncy, shiny professional blow dry.
32mm tapered barrel with 5mm smooth bristles.
Heats to 185 degrees Celsius in 25 seconds.
Smart technology to ensure consistent temperature.
2.7m swivel cord and cool tip for easy use.
Sleep mode - switches off after 30 minutes.
Best for:
If you’d describe your hair as limp and lifeless, and you’re after serious volume, without the skill/coordination requirements of a round-brush blowout.
The Difference Between These Best-Selling ghd Tools (and Which One's Best For You)
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