Anyone that's looking to buy a new pair of straighteners will most likely end up browsing the ghd portfolio. The hair styling brand is the ultimate destination for quality styling tools built to last, but that doesn't mean deciding on one model is an easy task. Thankfully, our beauty experts compared two cult classics – the ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold – to help you decide which ones to invest in.
Whether you seek the best hair straighteners or want to upgrade to one of the best hair dryers, today's market is loaded with more options than ever before. And with stylers often boasting hefty price tags, you want to feel certain that the tool you finally purchase will not only provide salon-worthy results, but also stand the test of time. In other words, it's important to wise up on the contenders' designs, capabilities and results before you buy.
Throughout our combined years of testing, the woman&home team has found that ghd consistently comes out on top thanks to its plentiful styling tool line-up that caters to a variety of hair types. The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold are just two of the brand’s most innovative and sought-after stylers, so it’s only fitting that our beauty experts put them head to head to find out which is the best ghd straightener out of the two. Here's our thorough analysis...
Head-to-head comparison: Our review
Heat-up time: 20 seconds
Features: Wishbone hinge, ultra-gloss plates, 185°C styling temperature, universal voltage, automatic sleep mode
Review: If you're after super speedy results, the Platinum+ is the one for you. The "smart" styler grabs onto medium sections of hair, smoothing strands in just one pass. After using, we found our hair to look noticeably smoother and shinier.
We found the Platinum+ to have more edge than the Gold model, leaving a high-shine glossy finish that wasn't as noticeable with the Gold. This is a great all-rounder option that suits a variety of hair types, from fine to thick, as it grabs onto large sections of hair and works its magic faster than the Gold. As for similarities between the two, we found our styled locks stayed in place all day (and night) long.
Buy it if: You want the best of the best and don't mind spending a little more
Heat-up time: 25 seconds
Features: 185°C temperature, universal voltage, automatic sleep mode
Review: When it comes to results on the hair, there wasn't a huge difference in the ghd Gold vs Platinum+ straightener. We found both performed exceptionally well, smoothing strands with minimal effort needed.
The gold boasts a sleek and streamline design, making it a great investment for those with fine-to-medium hair. Whether you're straightening or waving your locks, it quickly gets to work styling small sections of hair, leaving your hair looking smooth and feeling soft. We also noticed that our styled strands stayed put all day, without any kinking or frizzing.
Buy it if: You have fine-to-medium hair and want a quality hair straightener at a great price
How we tested the ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ Hair Straighteners
Prior to working on this guide, our tester had only ever used the ghd Original IV straightener (shocking, we know), but our motto is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Original has certainly stood the test of time, but we decided it was time to upgrade to a shiny new model that still provided us with same salon-worthy results.
Ensuring we tested both tools fairly, we styles half our hair using the Gold and the other using the Platinum+, this meant we could physically compare the results side by side. As for the comparison, we looked for differences in designs, how easy each tool was to use and whether the smart technology of the Platinum+ really made a difference. It was also important for us to find out whether each of the models catered to specific hair types and styling needs, so we gave both tools to other testers so they could trial them on their own locks - including short and curly hair to thick and long strands.
ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold: Our beauty experts' full comparison
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Specifications comparison
For those interested in the specifications of each model, we've put together an easy comparison between the two so you can decide which tool is best suited to you...
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Design comparison
ghd Gold design
We'll always hold the classic yellow ceramic plates of ghd's Original straightener in our hearts, but you may be pleased to learn that newer models (including both the Gold and Platinum+) have been upgraded to sleeker sparkly, metallic grey versions. Aside from this colour change, the Gold boasts straight-edged floating plates, meaning they're not fully attached and offer more movement and flexibility. As for the technical specs, the Gold's plates measure 9cm long and 2.5cm wide.
The Gold's smooth and rounded barrel design bears a similar resemblance to that of the Platinum+, making them both great for creating myriad styles, including bouncy curls, sleek straight and wavy hairstyles. More similarities include the illuminating power button sitting on the inside of the handle and the brand's standard optimum styling temperature of 185°C.
Weighing just 0.45kg, the Gold straighteners are a great lightweight option that didn't leave us with that dreaded arm ache from testing. It also features a 2.7 metre swivel cord, which meant we could reach hard-to-style sections with ease. When it comes to design features, we love how these straighteners look and feel: sleek, stylish and professional.
ghd Platinum+ design
At first glance, the Platinum+ and Gold look incredibly similar thanks to their curved, barrel designs and metallic grey plates. However, upon closer inspection, we spotted a few differences that are worth noting. The Platinum+ features an updated singled curved 'wishbone' hinge, which gives the tool a much sleeker and minimal look compared to the Gold. It also improves styling control, allowing you to effortlessly open and close the tool without any strands of hair getting trapped, caught or pulling.
When it comes to weight, there is also a noticeable difference as the Gold weighs 450g, whereas the Platinum+ is more lightweight at 300g. Due to this, we found the Platinum+ easier to manoeuvre, especially if your hair is on the curly or thicker side. Although the overall design is lighter, this straightener boasts a larger barrel shape compared to the Gold, which makes it great for styling larger sections of hair.
But enough of the differences, as we also picked out a few similarities; both the Gold and Platinum+ feature floating plates and a 2.7 metre swivel cord, as well as a built-in timer that automatically turns the tools off after 30 minutes of inactivity – removing the fear around accidentally leaving your straighteners on.
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: User experience
ghd Gold
In terms of ease of use, both these stylers really impressed our tester. Even as a once-devoted fan of the Original, it's evident how much more advanced the newer models are, from their designs to their ability to create smoother results. When testing the Gold on slightly wavy strands we found it was able to smooth each section in two passes, however, thicker or naturally curly locks required more passes in order to achieve a super sleek, straight finish.
It's also worth noting that the Gold doesn't have ionic technology, so those with naturally frizzy hair may benefit from a different model that does incorporate this technology. Although there's not a dramatic difference, the Gold is slightly heavier, which will be more noticeable for those with thicker or curlier hair that requires more time to straighten. But overall, we'd recommend the Gold because it's easy to use and incredibly versatile for creating curls and waves, too, thanks to the rounded sides.
ghd Platinum+
With a featherweight design, large plates and rounded barrel shape, the Platinum+ makes for seamless styling sessions. Both our fine and thick-haired testers found this tool cut down their usual styling time in half, making the straightening process quick, easy and (dare we say) enjoyable. The easy-to-manoeuvre design only requires one or two passes through the hair to achieve the desired smooth and straight finish while retaining body.
If you're on the hunt for a straightener that can also create bouncy curls and loose waves, this easy styler might just be the one for you. While the larger barrel, plates and advanced tech mean you can create bigger curls that are full of volume, it also makes it one of the best straighteners for curly hair, too. Both stylers work great at effortlessly gliding through strands, but this one takes the edge with its curved ceramic plates that never ever catch or snag and a wish bone hinge that offers more control when opening and closing the plates.
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Performance comparison
ghd Gold
In terms of performance, the standout feature of ghd's newer tools is how quickly they heat up. The Gold reaches the optimum temperature of 185°C in just 25 seconds – which is seriously impressive – and helpfully beeps to signify that it's ready. The straightener also features "dual-zone technology", a two heat sensor system that maintains even heat distribution across the hair from root to tip, ensuring smooth results.
We did find the outer casing of the Gold gets quite warm and can become too hot to the touch, but the useful cool tip offers you safer control of the device when styling. This also comes in handy when styling harder-to-reach sections at the back of your hair. It is worth pointing out that the plates aren't the widest or longest we've tested. So, if your hair is especially thick or naturally curly and you prefer a larger styler, we’d recommend looking into the ghd Max Hair Straightener; its extra-large plates will significantly cut down styling time.
ghd Platinum+
Trumping the Gold's heat-up time, ghd's Platinum+ styler reaches optimum temperature in a speedy 20 seconds – again, letting you know it's ready with a beeping sound. Like the Gold, it maintains a consistent, damage-reducing temperature thanks to "ultra-zone technology". According to the brand, the styler's predictive technology also recognises the hair's thickness and section size, plus the speed you're styling at, and adjusts the power and temperature accordingly. Tick, tick, tick.
Although we can't physically see this technology working its magic, we definitely thought our hair was smoother and shinier after a few days of use, not once looking over-styled or damaged. One of the main differences in the Platinum+ is that its insulated casing stayed cool throughout the styling session. This is a huge plus in our book as it reduces the risk of accidentally scorching skin when styling in a hurry. We also found this styler worked equally well when straightening, curling and waving hair, making it a true multitasker.
ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+: Our verdict on which styler is best?
Boasting advanced technology, both of these two tools are in leagues of their own, offering professional salon-worthy results in a speedy time – all while minimising damage and without snagging on strands. Design-wise, both the Gold and Platinum+ set to make an elevating addition to your dressing table, but also have a luxurious feel when holding them.
But while both ghd stylers are seriously intelligent and great investments, there was undoubtedly one straightener that came out on top. When weighing up between the two, we'd say the Platinum+ takes the lead – just. Its more advanced technology and user-friendly design gives it the edge over the Gold.
That said, the significant price difference between the two has to be factored in here, as the Platinum+ costs £70 more, so it's worth considering your hair type before choosing which tool to invest in. Those with thicker, coarser or naturally frizz-prone hair (or hair that's all of the above) would benefit from the Platinum+ as it styles more quickly. This would also be the clear choice for those with dry or damaged hair, thanks to its ultra-zone technology preventing the hair from being exposed to excessive heat.
However, if your hair is on the finer and thinner side or doesn't require significant styling to achieve a straight finish, the Gold would still be a worthwhile investment that meets all your hair's needs (and that saves you a few pennies, too). If you're still weighing up the options, take a deeper dive into the techy side of the Platinum+ with our in-depth ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener review – you may also find our Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+ comparison helpful!
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