The GHD Creative Curl Wand review was conducted at BeautiLAB Studio, where we evaluated its curling performance, heat safety, and ergonomic handling firsthand. ©BeautiLAB
✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
The GHD Creative Curl Wand is designed for safer styling at a consistent 365°F, thanks to GHD’s Ultra-zone™ technology that monitors heat across the barrel. With its oval-to-tapered shape, it creates natural, relaxed waves or textured curls that last without extreme heat exposure. It’s lighter than most curling irons and includes a heat-resistant glove, but the single preset temperature limits control for users who want higher or lower settings.
✅ Best for: Long hair, fine to medium textures, and users prioritizing hair health
❌ Skip if: You want multiple heat settings or tighter, defined curls
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 Creative Curl Wand - Tapered 0.9” to 0.1” Ceramic Curling Wand with 365ºF... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Tapered ceramic barrel creates natural, textured waves
- Ultra-zone™ tech delivers consistent 365°F
- Slim 1″ handle width, easy to maneuver
- Lightweight at 7.8 oz, reduces fatigue
- 9-ft swivel cord + dual voltage = travel-friendly
- Silicone tip + stand are safer and more comfortable than metal
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Only one preset heat setting
- Not hot enough for coarse/coily textures
- Barrel length (5″) means extra wraps for waist-length hair
🔍 Key Specs: GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $239 |
| Model | CTWA22 |
| Barrel Material | Ceramic |
| Barrel Shape | Oval/Tapered Wand |
| Barrel Width (Tested) | 1.2″ → 1″ |
| Barrel Width Options | N/A |
| Barrel Length | 5″ |
| Cool Tip Length | 1″ |
| Tool Length | 13″ |
| Handle Width | 1″ |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Temperature Settings | 1 (preset) |
| Temperature Range | Fixed at 365°F |
| Max Temp (Tested) | 360°F |
| Handle Temp | 90°F |
| Cool Tip Temp | 95°F |
| Voltage | Dual |
| Auto Shut-off | 30 min |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the GHD Creative Curl Wand
✅ Great for:
- Long hair that benefits from tapered barrels
- Fine to medium textures needing gentle heat
- Users who want natural-looking waves and relaxed curls
- Those prioritizing hair health over extreme styling power
🚫 Skip it if:
- You want multiple heat settings (e.g., 260°F for fragile hair or 410°F for coarse textures)
- You need tight, uniform ringlets
- You prefer a clamp-style iron for easier wrapping
🧩 Design & Build: Oval-Tapered for Natural Texture
The GHD Creative Curl Wand uses a unique oval-to-tapered barrel that shifts from 1.2″ at the base to 1″ at the tip. This design produces looser, natural-looking waves near the roots and more defined ends, making it a great choice for effortless, modern styling.
- Barrel length: 5″ — average, effective for shoulder to mid-back lengths but less efficient for waist-length hair.
- Barrel width (tested): 1.2″ to 1″ taper — designed for variety, creating both beachy texture and subtle curls.
- Barrel width options: None — only available in this unique oval/tapered shape.
- Cool tip length: 1″ — longer than average, easier to hold safely while wrapping hair; stayed near room temp at 95°F.
- Styling options: Produces textured, undone waves and natural movement rather than uniform ringlets.
- Hair length compatibility: Works best on medium to long hair; may be oversized for very short cuts.
- Barrel smoothness: “No-slip” ceramic surface grips hair lightly, preventing sliding without pulling.
🔥 Heat & Ionic Technology: Ultra-zone™ for Consistent 365°F
The GHD Creative Curl Wand uses Ultra-zone™ predictive technology, powered by a built-in microchip that monitors heat across the barrel. This ensures a constant 365°F, which GHD markets as the optimal temperature for safe styling without extreme heat damage.
- Heat range: Fixed at 365°F — no adjustments possible.
- Heat settings count: 1 — simplified use but limited flexibility.
- Max barrel heat tested: 360°F — slightly under spec, but consistent.
- Handle temp: 90°F — cool and safe to hold.
- Cool tip temp: 95°F — remained comfortably touch-safe.
- Ionic technology: Yes — ceramic ionic surface smooths frizz.
- Special tech: Ultra-zone™ predictive sensors, adjusting power to maintain 365°F evenly along the barrel.
✨ This system prevents hot/cold spots and creates uniform curls with less damage risk — though the lack of higher temps means it may struggle on coarse or resistant hair.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Safer fixed temp, but not strong enough for coarse hair |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ceramic ionic surface reduces static |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Natural, textured waves; no tight ringlets |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Lightweight, glove included, no-slip barrel |
| Temp Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) | Ultra-zone kept heat stable at ~360°F |
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience: Light and User-Friendly
At just 7.8 oz, the Creative Curl Wand is lighter than most curling irons (8–11 oz average).
- Dual voltage: Yes — travel-ready.
- Auto shut-off: 30 minutes — shorter than most tools, adding extra safety.
- Counter-rest & tip: Silicone build — more comfortable and stable than metal, prevents slipping and protects surfaces
- Temp control: None — single preset temp.
- Cord length: 9 ft swivel — longer than average, excellent range.
- Tool length: 13″ — average and easy to maneuver.
- Handle width: 1″ — slim and comfortable to hold.
Overall, it’s lightweight, balanced, and easy to handle, but the lack of multiple heat options reduces flexibility.
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | GHD Creative Curl Wand | T3 SinglePass Curl X | Hot Tools 24K Gold Extra-Long | BabylissPRO Nano Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 1.2″ → 1″ oval/tapered ceramic | 1″ / 1¼″ / 1½″ ceramic clamp | 1″ / 1¼″ gold-plated clamp | 1″ / 1¼″ titanium clamp |
| Heat | Fixed 365°F | 260–410°F (9 settings) | Up to 430°F (dial) | Up to 450°F (50 settings) |
| Weight | 7.8 oz | 11.1 oz | ~10 oz | ~12 oz |
| Best For | Natural waves, long hair, gentle heat | Long, thick hair, precise curls | Budget buyers needing high heat | Thick, coarse hair needing power |
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
Testers appreciated its simplicity and lightweight build. Most agreed that the fixed 365°F temp was gentle and safe, but not strong enough for very coarse textures.
✨ “Creates the most natural, lived-in waves — no overdone curls.”
✨ “Love that it doesn’t fry my color-treated hair.”
⚠️ “Wish I could turn up the heat — 365°F isn’t always enough.”
💬 FAQ: GHD Creative Curl Wand Questions Answered
Q: Can I adjust the temperature?
A: No, it’s fixed at 365°F — designed for safer styling.
Q: Is it good for fine hair?
A: Yes, the consistent 365°F setting is gentle enough for fragile or color-treated strands.
Q: Does it come with accessories?
A: Yes, a 3-finger heat-resistant glove is included.
Q: Is it dual voltage?
A: Yes, great for travel.
Q: Is the cool tip safe?
A: Yes, stayed at just 95°F in testing.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Safe Pick for Natural, Modern Waves
The GHD Creative Curl Wand is a lightweight, health-conscious tool for natural waves and textured curls. Its Ultra-zone™ technology ensures consistent, safer heat at 365°F, making it excellent for fine or color-treated hair. While its single preset temperature limits flexibility, it’s one of the best choices for everyday styling with less damage risk.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.3 / 5
Learn how we test at BeautiLAB: Our Methodology
