GHD Flat Iron Review // The Straightener That Has Lasted 10+ Years

In 2009 I purchased a classic 1-inch GHD flat iron for my hair kit. After several weeks of using the straightener, I wrote a mediocre review about it on this blog, pressed publish and went about my life for the next 10 years. 

Today I am re-visiting that mediocre post to give you the update of all pdates. This straightener has worked perfectly for the past decade of very regular use, months of travel and countless falls, and it has been one of the best beauty purchases I’ve ever made.

Keep reading for my updated, in-depth review of the classic 1-inch GHD flat iron. I’ve also updated my photos because I wanted to portray her how she is today. She’s looks a little rougher than she did 10 years ago but let’s face it, so do I ?.. and we’ve been on quite the journey together.

A STAPLE IN MY PROFESSIONAL HAIR KIT 

For some reason, people think that hair styling and makeup artistry are one in the same. While I strongly dislike doing other people’s hair, 50% of the jobs I book require “light hairstyling,” which means that I straighten, curl, tame flyaways etc.. whatever needs to be done to make the talent look camera ready. 

I purchased this particular GHD flat iron to add to my hair kit because I needed a step up from my CHI (remember how popular CHI’s were?!) and I figured that given the price point, it was high end enough to trick people into thinking I knew what I was doing. 

Over the past decade, this flat iron has been used about 4-5 per week on an array of different hair types. I’ve traveled domestically and internationally with it, and have even used it to tame my own hair on occasion.  

DESIGN 

The GHD flat iron has floating plates which allow for you to adjust tension and pressure while you straighten. I also love the rounded barrel design which not only eliminates unwanted crimps in your hair, but it also allows you the ability to create curls (if you’ve never curled your hair using a flat iron, check out this Youtube video).

A major issue I’ve discovered with other flat irons is that your hair sometimes gets caught between the plates and can break off. I have never had an issue with the GHD flat iron catching or snagging hair. 

I can straighten a whole head of hair very quickly (15-20 minutes for wavy hair), and the ceramic plates use negative ions to reduce frizz and smooth the hair as you go. The result is always super shiny and sleek, especially when paired with a heat protectant spray.

Since this flat iron has one heat setting (395 degrees) I usually use a heat spay to protect the hair, especially if it is dry or damaged. I use this one from Pureology in my kit but if you’re looking for a more inexpensive option, this one and this one are great, and easily found in drugstores. 

NATURAL/CURLY HAIR 

If you have natural or very curly hair, the GHD flat iron may or may not work for you, depending on your personal hot tool preferences. On the plus side, the 1″ barrel is small enough to let you to reach the root of the hair easily. The plates are also ceramic which allows for even heat distribution and less damage.  

The only reason I don’t love this straightener for natural, curly hair is the fact that there is only one heat setting available (365 degrees). If you like to be extra protective of the amount of heat you apply to your hair,  check out the Babyliss Pro Nano which has 50 different heat settings to allow for ultimate temperature control.

GHD FLAT IRON FEATURES 

30 SECOND HEAT UP 

One of the things I love about the GHD flat iron is how quickly it heat up. 

The company claims that it heats up in 30 seconds but I swear, the iron starts chirping much sooner than that, letting you know it’s ready for use.

The quick heat up is a life saver when I need to make a hair change or do touchups. Time is money on set, and nobody wants to wait for your hot tools to heat up. 

For personal use, a quick heat up time also comes in handy when you’re in a hurry to get ready. Simply click it on and it’s ready to go before you’re even done brushing your teeth. 

AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF 

I don’t know what I appreciate more about the GHD flat iron, the fact that it heats up in under 30 seconds or that it shuts itself off. 

How many times have you forgotten to unplug your hot tools before leaving the house? With this straightener, you don’t have to worry about your house burning down because after 30 minutes of inactivity, the flat iron automatically turns off.  

Once the heat shuts off, the straightener beeps periodically to let you know it needs to be unplugged.

SHIVER MODE 

I’m not sure if this is still a feature in the newer irons, but the flat iron I have has something called “shiver mode” which protects itself from electrical failure if condensation builds up in low temperatures.  If the room temperature drops below 5 degrees Fahrenheit, the straightener will shut off. 

I live in California, so I’ve never needed this feature, but I can imagine it would be helpful to protect your hot tool if you live in cold areas.

UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE 

The GHD flat irons work with universal voltage so all you need is an outlet convertor (vs a voltage convertor) and you’re all set for international travel.

EXTRA LONG CORD 

The GHD straightener is equipped with an extra long, 9 foot cord that has a 360 degree swivel base.

This gives you freedom and flexibility to move around while using the iron, which is not only convenient in professional settings but personal ones too. I can walk into the other room while still straightening my own hair, or I can easily work on a client, even with the flat iron plugged in on the other side of the makeup trailer. 

WHICH GHD FLAT IRON IS BEST? 

CLASSIC COLLECTION 

Over the years, GHD has expanded its flat iron collection to include several different models, sizes and designs. 

The flat iron I own is part of the classic collection and from this line you can choose from 3 different plate sizes.

The 1-inch (classic) is the most common and versatile, and works for most hair types. The max styler is wider, with a 2-inch plate that is optimal for those with extra thick or very long hair. The 1/2″ mini styler is great for those with short hair because the narrow plates give you more control and allow you to get closer to the root without burning yourself.

GOLD COLLECTION 

The GHD Gold flat iron is similar to the classic in all many except that they’ve shortened the heat up time to 25 seconds (as opposed to 30), and this one uses a new dual-zone technology. It contains two heat sensors instead of one which further protects your hair.

The company’s studies have shown that the gold styler provides even smoother, healthier looking hair. 

PLATINUM COLLECTION 

The GHD Platinum + is the newest flat iron in the company’s line up which promises less heat damage and quicker styling times.

This straightener contains what they call “predictive technology,” meaning that it can read the thickness/thinness of your hair, in combination with the heat being applied in order to deliver the optimum amount of power while ensuring that the temperatures touching your hair never go above 365 degrees. In fact, the heat is monitored 250 times per second. 

The barrel is also more rounded than previous versions, which make curling hair even. easier.

PRICE

GHD flat irons range from $150 (for the 1-inch classic straightener) to $250 (for the platinum version), so they are definitely on the more expensive side for a hot tool.

With that said, the longevity I have gotten from this straightener makes the investment a no brainer. Even after 10 years, the quality is still on par with the newer brands and models that have emerged since. 

When this flat iron finally straightens its last strand of hair, I will 100% be buying another GHD (probably the Platinum+ model). 

2-3 YEAR WARRANTY 

If you purchase your GHD through a reputable seller, it comes with 2 – 3 year warranty (depending on which model you buy).  Should anything go wrong, they will replace it for free 

Have you tried the GHD Flat Iron? What is your favorite straightener? 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. Links in this post are affiliate which means if you click them and purchase something, I receive a small commission.