These are the ghd straighteners I swear by as a former hairstylist for sleek styles. By Natalie Dixon, Lifestyle Writer. Published 12th May 2026, 10:32 BST. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Why the ghd Platinum+ Stands Out
The ghd Platinum+ hair straightener is my go-to tool for smooth hair. As a former hairstylist, I have tried and tested my fair share of hair straighteners. But if there is one brand I swear by and still use today, it has to be ghd. The ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener and Professional Styler, now available for £173.50 (was £249), is the one I recommend to everyone and the one I use on my own hair. Whether you want sleek glass hair, soft waves, or smooth curls without spending ages in front of the mirror, this tool makes styling much easier.
Superior Styling Results
The ghd Platinum+ straighteners smooth hair without leaving it looking flat or overly pressed. Some straighteners can make hair look stiff, but the ghd irons leave it glossy, soft, and natural-looking, no matter the style you are creating. The heat setting is another major reason I rate it so highly. Unlike tools that crank up to unnecessarily high temperatures, the ghd Platinum+ works at the optimum styling temperature of 185°C—hot enough to create a polished finish without excessive heat. When clients styled their hair daily, that balance made a huge difference in maintaining the condition of their hair over time.
Versatility and Design
I also love how versatile it is. It is great for straightening, but it is equally brilliant for creating loose waves and soft curls thanks to the rounded barrel design. You do not need three different tools cluttering your drawer; this genuinely does it all. And while it sounds minor, the extra-long cord is such an underrated feature. If you have ever awkwardly stretched across a bedroom trying 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.
Performance and Build Quality
The plates glide through the 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 come back to. The ghd Platinum+ is a reliable styler that can straighten, wave, and curl hair easily while being kinder to your strands.
Alternative Option: Faszin Professional Straighteners
However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, the Faszin Professional Hair Straighteners with 42mm Wide Plate Titan, priced 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 the 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. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified, and completed by a journalist prior to publication.
