If you're in the market for some new straighteners, ghd is often the first port of call but that said, selecting which exact model to opt for is not always as straightforward. Fortunately, our beauty experts have compared the ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold Styler to help determine which tool is best for you...
Choosing the right hair straighteners can be the difference between a good hair day and a not-so-great one. And, as the woman&home team has seen firsthand in our years and years of testing the best hair straighteners and best hair dryers, not all hair tools are made equal. We have found, however, that when selecting a hair styler, ghd is often the brand that comes out on top, thanks to its array of models - all catered towards different hair types and needs. The ghd Platinum+ and ghd Gold, in particular, are among the brand's most desired and cutting-edge tools - but this poses its own conundrum: which is the best ghd straightener out of the two to opt for?
The Gold straighteners quickly became best-sellers in 2011, before 2018 welcomed the Platinum+, which made waves for being the world’s first-ever “smart” straightener. But if you're currently weighing them up, unsure of which is worth the spend, fear not, as we’ve done the work for you by putting them head-to-head...
Head-to-head comparison
Heat-up time: 20 seconds
Features: Wishbone hinge, ultra-gloss plates, 185°C styling temperature, universal voltage, automatic sleep mode
Review: For super speedy results, look to the Platinum+. The "smart" styler grabs onto medium sections of hair, smoothing strands in one pass. After use, hair looks noticeably smoother and shinier.
Compared to the Gold, we found the Platinum+ has the edge – imparting a glossy finish to hair that wasn’t as noticeable with the Gold. A great choice for fine-to-thick hair types, this styler grabs onto larger sections of hair and works faster than the Gold. As with the Gold, we found our style stayed put 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: In terms of results on the hair, we didn’t see too much difference in the ghd Gold vs Platinum+ styler. Both work exceptionally well, smoothing strands with minimal effort required.
With a sleek, streamlined design, the Gold is a great investment for fine-to-medium hair. It gets to work quickly, straightening (or waving) small sections. After use, hair looks smooth and feels soft. We also found our hair kept its style over the course of the day without kinking or frizzing.
Buy it if: You have fine-to-medium hair and want a great hair straightener at a great price
How we tested the ghd Gold vs ghd Platinum+ Hair Straighteners
Prior to writing this, 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. While the Original has undoubtedly stood the test of time, it was about time we took the newer models for a spin. In order to ensure both products were tested fairly, we styled half our hair using the Gold and the other half using the Platinum+ so we could directly compare the results. For the comparison we looked at the differences in designs, how easy each tool was to use and whether the smart technology of the Platinum+ really made a difference. We also wanted to identify whether both models were able to cater to different styling needs, so we approached other testers with a variety of hair types, from short and curly to thick and long hair, to trial the tools for themselves.
ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold - the comparison by our beauty experts
Specifications comparison
Design comparison
ghd Gold design
If, like us, your first ghd straightener was the Original Styler, you’ll probably remember the classic yellow ceramic plates. Newer models, including both the ghd Gold and ghd Platinum+, have swapped these out for sparkly, metallic grey versions that look (and feel) sleeker. On the Gold, the plates measure 9cm long and 2.5cm wide and boast a straight edge. Side note, they are floating plates which means they’re not 100% attached to the styler - a pro if you’re looking for a tool that offers movement and flexibility.
The smooth, rounded barrel shape of the Gold resembles that of the Platinum+ and, because of this, both tools are great for those wanting to create wavy hairstyles and bouncy curls as well as sleek styles. Both feature a power button on the inside of the handle that illuminates when turned on. As with most ghd stylers, there are also no variable heat settings as all stylers reach the brand’s identified optimum styling temperature of 185 degrees.
Weighing 0.45kg in total, the straighteners are reasonably lightweight which meant we didn’t get that dreaded armache when testing the styler on our fine strands. We also found that its generous 2.7-meter swivel cord allowed us to reach harder-to-style sections (mainly the back) as well as your mirror from across the room. We love how these straighteners look and feel – sleek, stylish and professional.
ghd Platinum+ design
On first impressions, the Platinum+ and Gold look very similar with their curved, barrel designs and metallic grey plates. But on closer inspection, we spotted a few key differences. Firstly, the two-piece hinge seen on the Gold model has been updated on the Platinum+ with a ‘wishbone’ hinge and a single curve, which gives the styler an overall sleeker look and improves the control, as you can effortlessly open and close the tool without pulling or catching any hair.
Another difference between these two stylers is the weight, while the Gold weighs 450g, the Platinum+ comes in less, weighing around 300g. Because of its lightweight design, we found that the Platinum+ is easier to handle and manoeuvre – especially for those with curly and thick hair types. Plus, despite being lighter, it boasts a larger barrel shape than the Gold which is ideal for styling large sections of hair, as well as creating loose curls and beach hair waves.
Whilst there were some noticeable differences, we also did spot a few similarities between the two tools, including them both featuring floating plates and a 2.7 metre swivel cord. They also both come with an in-built timer that turns them off automatically after 30-minutes of inactivity - to give you peace of mind when leaving the house in a hurry shortly after styling. While the Gold comes in a limited choice of black, silver or pink, the Platinum+ is available in a wider array of colourways, including black, white, red, blue, gold and, our favourite, powder pink.
User experience
ghd Gold
In terms of usability, both of these stylers really impressed our tester. It’s very clear to see how advanced the newer models are compared to the Original. While the Original may occasionally pull and tug at the hair, both the Gold and Platinum+ feel silky smooth, gliding across strands effortlessly. When styling fine hair that’s slightly wavy, we found the Gold styler smoothed each section in just two passes, however those with thick or naturally curly hair may require more passes to achieve a super straight and sleek style.
It's worth noting that the Gold doesn’t feature ionic technology, which may be problematic for hair that’s prone to frizz. So, if you do have frizzy hair, perhaps consider a different model that does feature this technology. It's also that little bit heavier, which will be especially noticeable for those with thicker and/or curly locks that take longer to straighten. But overall, the Gold is easy to use and the rounded sides are a great bonus for anyone who wants to create curls and waves, too.
ghd Platinum+
With its featherweight design, large plates and rounded barrel shape make hair styling so seamless, the Platinum+ is a cut above the rest. You no longer need to put hours aside for styling as this tool makes it so quick and easy (and enjoyable). One or two passes are all you need to achieve a smooth finish, while still maintaining body and movement. Both our fine and thick-haired testers got on with this tool, saying it cut styling time in half (a big tick).
If you’re looking for a tool that can also create bouncy curls and loose waves, this easy-to-use styler might just be your answer. Where the barrel and plates are slightly larger than the Gold, you get a bigger curl that’s full of body. Because of the slightly larger plate size and advanced tech, it easily makes this one of the best straighteners for curly hair, too. While both stylers glide effortlessly through strands, this one has 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.
Performance comparison
ghd Gold
The best thing about these newer tools is how quickly they heat up, for example the Gold reaches the optimum temperature of 185 degrees in just 25 seconds - you’ll know for sure once they’ve heated up as the styler makes a beeping sound. Clever and helpful, right? Once hot, the tool maintains its heat with something called "dual-zone technology". This means the styler doesn’t just have one heat sensor, but two to ensure the heat is evenly distributed from root to tip for super smooth results.
The outer casing of the Gold can get quite warm, which can sometimes become too hot to touch - this is where the cool tip comes in. If you’re creating curly hairstyles, hold the cool tip to control the barrel when rotating it down the length of your hair. This is also useful when styling hard-to-reach sections at the back. The downside? The plates aren’t the widest or longest we’ve tested. So, if your hair is especially thick or on the curly side, we’d recommend giving the ghd Max Hair Straightener a whirl - its extra-large plates will significantly cut down styling time.
ghd Platinum+
Forget 25 seconds, because the ghd Platinum+ heats up in just 20 seconds – impressive stuff. Again, this styler will also let you know once it's ready with a clear beeping sound. Like the Gold, the temperature remains consistent, but instead of the Gold’s "dual-zone technology", the Platinum+ features "ultra-zone™ technology" – a step up. According to the brand, this predictive technology allows the styler to recognize your hair's thickness and the section size, as well as the speed at which you are styling, to adjust the power and temperature accordingly. Music to our ears!
While we can’t see this technology in action, we can say that our hair felt smoother and looked shinier after a few days of use, not once looking over-styled or damaged. Unlike the Gold, the Platinum+ casing is insulated meaning it stays cool all the way around as it’s just the ceramic plates that heat up. This is great for those days when you’re styling in a hurry, as you don’t run the risk of accidentally scorching your skin. This styler works equally well when straightening, curling and waving hair, making it a true multi-tasker.
ghd gold vs ghd platinum - which styler is best?
Featuring advanced technology, both ghd stylers are undoubtedly seriously intelligent tools. These tools are in a league of their own, delivering salon-worthy results at record speed without significantly damaging or snagging strands, compared to the Original Styler. Set to look the part on top of your dressing table, both the Gold and the Platinum+ have a luxurious feel when holding them.
When choosing between the two, we’d say the Platinum+ takes the lead – just. Its advanced technology and user-friendly nature, thanks to its wishbone hinge and insulated casing, just about takes the edge on the Gold’s.
That said, we have to mention the significant price difference between the two, with the Platinum+ sporting £70 higher price tag. When it comes to choosing a tool, it’s particularly worth considering your hair type. For example, those with thick, coarse or naturally frizz-prone locks, the Platinum+ is definitely the clear choice, as it makes for faster styling. Dry or damaged hair types will also benefit from this styler’s ultra-zone technology, as the hair isn't exposed to excessive heat.
However, if your hair is fine and/or doesn't require significant styling to achieve your desired straight finish, there’s no reason the Gold wouldn’t meet all of your hair's needs - plus, it'll save you a few pennies in the process.
Still can't decide? Read our full ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener review for a deep dive into the techier of the two. (You may also find our Dyson Corrale vs ghd Platinum+ comparison helpful!)
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