✨ 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.
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|---|---|---|---|
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ghd Curve Soft Curl Iron - 1.25” Ceramic Curling Iron for Long-Lasting Volume, Soft Curls and... | 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 | $229 |
| 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: Sleek and Safe
The Classic Curl has a 1″ ceramic barrel with a smooth, no-slip surface that grips hair lightly without pulling.
- Barrel length: 4.5″ — slightly shorter than average (5.2″), efficient for medium-length hair but less ideal for waist-length.
- Cool tip length: 0.75″ — safe for guiding wraps, stayed cool at 95°F.
- Styling options: Polished, defined curls; less versatile than tapered or extra-long barrels.
- Hair length compatibility: Works best on short to medium-long hair; less efficient for very long sections.
- Barrel smoothness: Ultra-smooth ceramic helps reduce friction and frizz.
The integrated silicone stand is stable and protects surfaces, though less rigid than metal rests.
🔥 Heat & Ionic Technology: Ultra-zone™ for Consistent 365°F
The Classic Curl uses Ultra-zone™ predictive technology, powered by sensors that continuously monitor and regulate the heat across the entire barrel. This ensures a constant 365°F, which GHD identifies as the optimal temperature for curling hair without extreme heat damage.
- Heat range: Fixed at 365°F — no adjustments possible
- Heat settings count: 1 — simplified, but limits flexibility
- Max barrel heat tested: 360°F, highly stable and consistent with minimal fluctuation
- Handle temperature: 88°F, remained comfortably cool during extended use
- Cool tip temperature: 95°F, safe for guiding wraps
- Finger grip temperature: 80°F, stayed cool and touch-safe
The ceramic ionic surface contributes to smooth curls and frizz control, while the predictive Ultra-zone™ sensors actively prevent hot or cold spots.
✨ This makes the Classic Curl gentle enough for fine or color-treated hair while still strong enough for many medium to thick textures. However, users with very coarse or resistant hair may find the fixed 365°F insufficient for long-lasting results.eat is ideal for reducing long-term damage, it may not provide enough power for very coarse or resistant hair.
📊 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: Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
The Classic Curl is easy to maneuver thanks to its lightweight 8.2 oz body and compact 13″ total length.
- Cord length: 9 ft swivel, longer than average, offering excellent reach around larger mirrors or salon chairs
- Auto shut-off: 30 minutes — reliable safety feature
- Counter-rest & tip: Silicone, making them more comfortable and stable than metal alternatives; protects surfaces and offers safe handling
- Dual voltage: Yes, travel-ready worldwide with adapter
- Handle width: 1″, slim and comfortable for most hand sizes
Its light weight and slim profile make it ideal for daily styling without wrist fatigue.
🔄 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: Best for Polished Everyday Curls
The GHD Classic Curl Curling Iron is a safe, reliable choice for polished, defined curls. Its lightweight build, spring clamp, and Ultra-zone™ tech make it excellent for fine to medium-thick hair, while protecting fragile strands from unnecessary heat damage. The lack of adjustable temps makes it less versatile, but for everyday curls, it’s one of the safest premium irons you can buy.
🏆 Best For:
✅ Medium to thick hair
✅ Everyday polished curls
✅ Color-treated or fragile strands
⭐ Our Rating: 4.1 / 5
Learn how we test at BeautiLAB: Our Methodology
