✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The GHD Classic Curl is a spring clamp curling iron with a fixed 365°F Ultra-zone™ heat system, designed to create polished, bouncy curls while minimizing heat damage. With its 1″ barrel, it’s ideal for medium to thick hair that needs even heat and shine, but the single preset temperature limits flexibility for coarse or very fine textures.
✅ Best for: Medium to thick hair, everyday curls, and color-treated strands needing safer heat
❌ Skip if: You need adjustable heat or extra-long barrels for waist-length hair
Looking for the full lineup? Check out our GHD Curling Irons Review to compare all models side by side.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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ghd Curve® Professional Hair Curling Irons & Wands | Soft Waves, Classic and Tight Curls | 0.5... | 1,216 Reviews | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Ultra-zone™ smart technology keeps barrel heat consistent
- Safer styling with fixed 365°F temperature
- No-slip ceramic barrel creates polished curls with shine
- 9 ft cord offers excellent reach
- Lightweight at 8.2 oz
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Only one preset heat setting — no flexibility
- Clamp design isn’t as smooth as T3 irons
- Silicone stand is stable but not rigid
- Not hot enough for very coarse, resistant hair
🔍 Key Specs: GHD Classic Curl at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $191 |
| Model | CLT322 |
| Barrel Material | Ceramic |
| Barrel Shape | Spring clamp |
| Barrel Width Options | 1″ |
| Barrel Length | 4.5″ |
| Cool Tip Length | 0.75″ |
| Tool Length | 13″ |
| Handle Width | 1.08″ |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Weight | 8.2 oz |
| Heat Settings | 1 (fixed) |
| Temperature Range | Preset 365°F |
| Max Temp (Tested) | 360°F |
| Handle Temp | 88°F |
| Cool Tip Temp | 95°F |
| Voltage | Dual |
| Auto Shut-off | 30 min |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the GHD Classic Curl
✅ Great for:
- Medium to thick hair
- Fine or color-treated strands (safer heat range)
- Users who want damage-conscious styling
- Everyday curls or polished styles
🚫 Skip it if:
- You need high heat (410–450°F) for coarse hair
- You want tight ringlets or oversized waves (only 1″ barrel available)
- You prefer variable heat control
🧩 Design & Build
The GHD Classic Curl brings timeless craftsmanship to a modern heat-safe tool. It features a 1″ ceramic spring barrel, also available in 1¼″, designed to create classic, uniform curls and smooth blowout-style waves. At 4.5″, its barrel length is slightly shorter than BeautiLAB’s 5.02″ average, making it ideal for shoulder-length or fine hair where tighter control and quicker wrapping are beneficial.
The no-slip ceramic surface grips hair gently and evenly, preventing sliding without snagging — perfect for precise, consistent curls. The spring clamp mechanism is smooth and balanced, holding sections securely while releasing easily to avoid marks or dents. The ultra-smooth ceramic coating enhances glide and contributes to the brand’s signature shine finish.
Internally, GHD’s Ultra-Zone™ predictive technology continually monitors barrel temperature to ensure even heat across the entire surface. The result is beautifully uniform curls from root to tip — a major reason GHD irons have become a salon favorite.
Compared with the T3 SinglePass Curl X, which features a longer 6.5″ barrel for wrapping wider sections, the Classic Curl prioritizes precision and control over surface area, giving tighter, bouncier curls with a more traditional aesthetic.
Summary: Compact, balanced, and effortlessly smooth — the Classic Curl delivers refined, professional curls with GHD’s hallmark consistency and comfort.
🔥 Heat & Ionic Technology
The Classic Curl is pre-set to a single temperature of 365 °F, GHD’s scientifically established optimal level for achieving lasting results without excessive heat damage. In BeautiLAB testing, the iron maintained a steady 360 °F, confirming its temperature precision and safety-first design.
The Ultra-Zone™ sensor network continuously adjusts power across the barrel to maintain even heat, ensuring every section gets equal treatment. This feature is particularly effective for minimizing cuticle stress and preserving color-treated hair integrity. The ionic ceramic coating emits negative ions that help reduce frizz, neutralize static, and lock in shine — all without the need for an active ion generator.
Temperatures remained impressively cool on contact points: the handle averaged 88 °F, the cool-tip reached 95 °F, and the finger-grip area stayed around 80 °F, making this one of the safest irons for extended use. According to Dyson Hair Science, maintaining consistent mid-range heat prevents cuticle swelling and long-term brittleness — exactly what GHD’s fixed 365 °F achieves.
Compared with the Bio Ionic GoldPro Wand, which offers a higher maximum temperature and faster recovery, the GHD Classic Curl focuses on sustainable shine and protection over raw heat power.
Summary: Predictive sensors, ionic ceramic coating, and GHD’s safe preset temperature make the Classic Curl one of the most scientifically balanced curling irons on the market — a top pick for healthy, shiny styling.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Stable 365°F, gentle but limited for coarse hair |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ceramic ionic coating smooths strands |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Polished curls, but only 1 barrel size |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) | Lightweight, long cord, simple clamp |
| Temp Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) | Ultra-zone kept temps at ~360°F |
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
Weighing 8.2 oz, the Classic Curl sits in BeautiLAB’s balanced weight category (7.6–9.9 oz), offering comfort and control without fatigue. Its 9 ft swivel cord easily surpasses the 7.35 ft category average, providing salon-grade mobility, and the 13″ total length fits neatly in the standard range.
The 0.75″ cool tip offers light insulation for safety, while the 1.0″ handle width feels slim and ergonomic for small to medium hand sizes. The integrated counter rest and silicone-coated safety stand are durable, heat-resistant, and stable — they don’t slip or tilt on the countertop, even during long sessions.
The iron includes dual voltage for travel and an auto shut-off after 30 minutes, with light and sound indicatorssignaling power and readiness. While it lacks a Velcro strap, the cord’s salon length offsets this minor omission.
Compared with the Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron, which uses a lighter frame and higher output for speed styling, the GHD Classic Curl emphasizes control, balance, and hair protection — ideal for users who value precision over brute heat.
Summary: Sleek, stable, and travel-ready, the Classic Curl combines lightweight handling with advanced safety — making it a joy to use both at home and professionally.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | GHD Classic Curl | GHD Creative Curl Wand | T3 SinglePass Curl | BabylissPRO Nano Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 1″ / 1.25″ clamp ceramic | 1.25″ → 1″ tapered ceramic wand | 1″ / 1.25″ clamp ceramic | 1″ / 1.25″ clamp titanium |
| Heat | 365°F fixed | 365°F fixed | 260–410°F (5 presets) | Up to 450°F (50 settings) |
| Weight | 8.2 oz | 7.8 oz | 9.5 oz | ~12 oz |
| Best For | Polished, defined curls | Natural, textured waves | Adjustable heat for multiple hair types | High-heat styling for coarse hair |
Compared to competitors:
- GHD Creative Curl Wand offers more natural, undone waves but lacks clamp precision.
- T3 SinglePass Curl provides adjustable heat, making it more versatile across hair types.
- BabylissPRO Nano Titanium delivers higher heat up to 450°F, better for coarse hair but riskier for fine strands.
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
Testers praised the gentle, consistent heat and lightweight build.
✨ “Curls last without frying my color.”
✨ “Simple, one heat setting makes it foolproof.”
⚠️ “Not hot enough for my coarse hair — I need 410°F+.”
💬 FAQ: GHD Classic Curl Questions Answered
Q: Can I adjust the temperature?
A: No — fixed at 365°F for safer styling.
Q: Is it good for coarse hair?
A: Not ideal — fixed temp may not be hot enough.
Q: Does it come with accessories?
A: No glove or mat included.
Q: Is it dual voltage?
A: Yes, travel-ready.
Q: Is it lightweight?
A: Yes, just 8.2 oz.
🏁 Final Verdict
The GHD Classic Curl is proof that intelligent simplicity still wins. Its predictive Ultra-Zone™ sensors, ionic ceramic coating, and safe 365 °F setting make it one of the most reliable curling irons for damage-free, high-gloss curls. It’s perfect for those who want salon-polished results every time — with zero guesswork and maximum hair protection.
Learn how we test at BeautiLAB: Our Methodology
