GHD curling tools are designed around one idea: safe styling at 365°F, thanks to Ultra-zone™ smart heat regulation. But not all barrels are created equal — some are best for textured waves, others for polished curls, and one is dedicated to glamorous Hollywood waves.
At BeautiLAB Studio, we tested three GHD favorites:
Here’s how they performed in testing, how they differ, and which one is right for your hair.
✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
- Creative Curl Wand → Best for natural, textured, lived-in waves
- Classic Curl Iron → Best for polished, bouncy curls
- Classic Wave Wand → Best for Hollywood S-waves and vintage glamour
👍 What We Like Across GHD Irons
- Consistent Ultra-zone™ 365°F temperature — safer for color-treated hair
- Lightweight designs (7.8–9 oz) with long 9-ft swivel cords
- Ceramic ionic technology reduces frizz and smooths strands
- 30-minute auto shut-off for safety
- Dual voltage for travel
👎 What We Don’t Like Across GHD Irons
- Only one preset temperature — no flexibility for coarse or very fragile hair
- Specialized barrels limit versatility (oval and tapered are niche)
- Silicone stands and cool tips are comfortable but less sturdy than metal
🔍 Key Specs: GHD Curling Irons at a Glance
| Model | Barrel | Barrel Length | Tool Length | Weight | Heat | Auto Shut-off | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Curl Wand | 1.25″ → 1″ tapered ceramic | 5″ | 13″ | 7.8 oz | Fixed 365°F | 30 min |
View on Amazon View on GHD |
| Classic Curl Iron | 1″ ceramic clamp | 4.5″ | 13″ | 8.2 oz | Fixed 365°F | 30 min |
View on Amazon View on GHD |
| Classic Wave Wand | 1″ × 1.5″ oval ceramic | 4.5″ | 12.5″ | 9 oz | Fixed 365°F | 30 min |
View on Amazon View on GHD |
🎯 Who Should Buy Which GHD?
- Creative Curl Wand → ✅ Medium to long hair, relaxed waves, modern textures
- Classic Curl Iron → ✅ Short to medium hair, polished everyday curls
- Classic Wave Wand → ✅ Medium to long hair, glamorous Hollywood S-waves
🚫 Skip GHD irons if you:
- Need heat above 365°F for coarse/coily hair
- Want ultra-tight curls or oversized beach waves
- Prefer more control with digital temperature options
🧩 Design & Build
- Creative Curl Wand → Tapered round barrel (1.25″ → 1″) creates natural, undone waves. Smooth ceramic grip prevents slipping.
- Classic Curl Iron → Spring clamp barrel (1″) for polished, uniform curls. Clamp easy to use and beginner-friendly.
- Classic Wave Wand → Oval barrel (1″ × 1.5″) creates deep, glamorous waves — a specialized, red-carpet tool.
👉 Takeaway: Choose the barrel shape for the look you want.
🔥 Heat & Ionic Technology
All three tools rely on Ultra-zone™ predictive tech: a microchip monitors the barrel and adjusts output to keep the temperature at 365°F across the surface.
- Creative Curl Wand → Tested at 360°F, stable across the length.
- Classic Curl Iron → Tested at 360°F, consistent heat on clamp barrel.
- Classic Wave Wand → Tested at 365°F, even across the oval surface.
✨ This heat balance reduces the risk of hot spots and minimizes long-term damage.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Model | Heat Power | Styling Range | Ease of Use | Frizz Control | Temp Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Curl Wand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Relaxed, textured waves | Lightweight wand, glove included | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Classic Curl Iron | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Polished, uniform curls | Smooth clamp, compact size | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Classic Wave Wand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Hollywood S-waves | Oval barrel requires practice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
- Cord: All 9 ft swivel — longer than average (7.6 ft).
- Weight: 7.8–9 oz → lighter than many competitors (8–12 oz).
- Auto shut-off: 30 min → shorter safety cutoff than most tools.
- Dual voltage: Yes — travel-ready.
- Handling: All balanced, though the Wave Wand’s oval barrel requires practice.
🔄 How They Compare
| Feature | Creative Curl Wand | Classic Curl Iron | Classic Wave Wand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 | $205 | $205 |
| Barrel | 1.25″ → 1″ tapered | 1″ clamp | 1″ × 1.5″ oval |
| Barrel Length | 5″ | 4.5″ | 4.5″ |
| Weight | 7.8 oz | 8.2 oz | 9 oz |
| Heat | Fixed 365°F | Fixed 365°F | Fixed 365°F |
| Best For | Natural, undone waves | Polished everyday curls | Glamorous Hollywood waves |
📣 User Experiences & Feedback
- Creative Curl Wand → “Perfect for modern, lived-in waves. Easy to use, gentle on my bleached hair.”
- Classic Curl Iron → “Curls are smooth, shiny, and last all day. Clamp feels beginner-friendly.”
- Classic Wave Wand → “Gives me red-carpet waves, but it’s a one-look tool.”
💬 FAQ: GHD Curling Irons
Q: Do they all use the same temperature?
A: Yes, all GHD irons are preset to 365°F.
Q: Are they safe for color-treated hair?
A: Yes — the Ultra-zone™ system ensures consistent, damage-conscious heat.
Q: Which one is best for coarse hair?
A: None of the GHDs go above 365°F — coarse hair may prefer higher-heat tools like T3 Curl X or BabylissPRO.
🏁 Final Verdict: Which GHD Should You Buy?
- Creative Curl Wand → Best for natural, textured waves
- Classic Curl Iron → Best for polished, uniform curls
- Classic Wave Wand → Best for glamorous Hollywood waves
👉 Bottom line: GHD irons are about safe styling at 365°F. Choose your barrel based on the curl style you want, not the heat level.
⭐ BeautiLAB Overall Ratings
- Creative Curl Wand → 4.3/5
- Classic Curl Iron → 4.1/5
- Classic Wave Wand → 4.0/5
Learn how we test at BeautiLAB: Our Methodology
