As a former hairstylist, I have tried and tested many hair straighteners. The ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener & Professional Styler is my go-to tool for smooth hair. Priced at £173.50 (was £249), this is the straightener I recommend to everyone and use on my own hair. Whether you want sleek glass hair, soft waves, or smooth curls, it makes styling much easier.
Why the ghd Platinum+ Stands Out
The ghd Platinum+ straighteners smooth hair without leaving it flat or overly pressed. Unlike some tools that make hair look stiff, these irons leave hair glossy, soft, and natural-looking regardless of the style you create.
Optimal Heat Setting
The heat setting is a major reason I rate it so highly. Instead of unnecessarily high temperatures, the ghd Platinum+ works at the optimum styling temperature of 185°C—hot enough for a polished finish without excessive heat. For clients who styled their hair daily, that balance made a significant difference in maintaining hair condition over time.
Versatility and Design
I also love its versatility. It is great for straightening but equally brilliant for creating loose waves and soft curls, thanks to the rounded barrel design. You do not need three different tools; this one does it all.
The extra-long cord is an underrated feature. If you have ever awkwardly stretched across a bedroom to find a mirror near a plug socket, you will understand why this matters. In salons, long cords are essential, and once you get used to them, it is hard to go back.
The plates glide through hair smoothly without snagging, it heats up quickly, and it feels noticeably more premium than many straighteners on the market. Even after trying countless alternatives, this is still the tool I return to.
A Reliable Styler for All Hair Types
The ghd Platinum+ is a reliable styler that can straighten, wave, and curl hair easily while being kinder to your strands. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, the Faszin Professional Hair Straighteners 42mm Wide Plate Titan at £39.99 (was £119.99) are a good choice. While I still think the ghd Platinum+ is the better investment overall, the Faszin straighteners are surprisingly impressive for the price. They heat up quickly, glide through hair smoothly, and work especially well on thicker or longer hair thanks to the wider plates.
Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter. If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here. You can also get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday’s NationalWorld newsletter—sign up now.
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