Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.9/5)
If you want sleek, shiny, salon-quality hair without flirting with heat damage, the ghd Platinum+ Styler is the kind of tool that earns space on your vanity. It is a 1-inch professional ceramic flat iron that uses smart sensing to keep heat consistent from root to tip. In real life, that means fewer passes, smoother cuticles, and styles that last without pushing temperatures into the risk zone. People use it for poker-straight hair, soft S-waves, and even curls when they wrap the hair around the rounded barrel. The pitch is simple but powerful. Hold 365°F steadily, distribute heat evenly, and stop hot spots from frying the same strand over and over.
Quick Verdict
Best for: fine to thick hair, including color-treated hair, users who style several times a week and want shine with less breakage.
Skip if: you prefer full manual temperature control or you are shopping at an entry-level budget.
Bottom line: an investment straightener with smart heat control that delivers glossy, long-lasting results in fewer passes.
Performance & Technology
The Platinum+ uses Ultra-Zone predictive technology that reads heat load across the plates and adjusts power to keep the temperature around 365°F. Instead of spiking hotter at the hinge or cooling at the plate edges, it aims to keep things uniform so hair glides through at a safe, effective level. For most hair types, 365°F is the sweet spot where hydrogen bonds reset for shape while minimizing cuticle lift and color fade. Owners who switch from irons that run hotter often notice they need fewer passes because the heat is more even and the plates do not lose energy mid-section.
Real-world results
- Straightening: One to two passes per section is common on normal hair. Coarse textures may take two to three, but still report smoother ends and less dryness the next day.
- Waves and curls: The rounded barrel and beveled plate edges make it easy to twist out beach waves without snags. Because the temperature stays even, curls set more uniformly along the strand.
- Frizz control: Even heat helps keep the cuticle flat, which translates to less puffing and more glassy shine.
Design & Comfort
The tool feels premium without being heavy. A wishbone hinge keeps plates perfectly aligned so pressure is distributed evenly across the section. That alignment matters for fewer passes and less breakage at the ends. The rounded barrel is deliberate, making the styler double as a curler for travel or small bathrooms where you want one device that does it all. The cord swivels freely and the housing stays easy to hold for longer sessions. There is also an auto-sleep function that powers the tool down after a period of inactivity for peace of mind.
Hair Health & Shine
Heat damage is not just about the number on the dial. It is also about consistency. The Platinum+ focuses on steady 365°F so the same strand is not hit by 420°F in one spot and 320°F in another. That steadiness helps reduce cuticle roughness, which is where shine lives. People with color report that tone stays truer compared with tools that push higher temperatures, and blondes in particular note fewer crispy ends. Over time, fewer passes plus even heat can mean less breakage and better retention of length.
Who It Is For vs Who Should Skip
Choose it if you style several times a week, want a polished finish in fewer passes, or you have color-treated hair you are trying to protect. It is also a strong pick if you like to switch between straight and wavy looks using one tool.
Skip it if you want full manual control with a range like 300–450°F, or if you are looking for a starter iron under a strict budget. Some users with very coarse hair prefer wider plates for speed on long lengths.
How To Use It (Step-by-Step)
- Prep clean, dry hair with a heat protectant. Comb through for even coverage.
- Section hair into top and bottom layers, then work in 1-inch panels. Smaller sections equal fewer passes.
- Straighten by placing the hair between plates, close gently, and glide from root to tip at a steady pace. Do not clamp hard.
- Wave by rotating the styler a quarter turn away from the face and gliding down the strand. Alternate directions for a natural texture.
- Seal with a lightweight finishing serum on mid-lengths and ends only.
- Cool each section in place for a few seconds before touching to lock in shape.
Pro tips
- Keep the styler moving. Stationary plates create flat spots and heat concentration.
- For fine hair, one slow pass beats three quick passes.
- If ends look dry, start your pass an inch below the roots and feed roots through briefly at the end.
Safety and Care
Wipe plates with a soft cloth once the tool is cool. Product buildup can create drag and force you to do extra passes. Store with plates closed and cord loosely wrapped. Use a heat mat if you style at a desk or vanity to protect surfaces.
Value for Money
The Platinum+ is priced in the premium tier. The value shows up in time saved, reduced passes, and lower maintenance trims because ends do not get singed as quickly. If you replace both a straightener and a curling iron with one tool, or you style four to five days a week, the cost per use trends reasonable within the first year.
Pros ✅
- Predictive heat tech keeps temperature consistent around 365°F
- Reduces passes and helps preserve shine and color vibrancy
- Snag-free plates and rounded barrel for straight or wavy looks
- Quick heat-up and even results from root to tip
- Auto-sleep and balanced build make it practical for daily use
Cons ❌
- Higher price than many straighteners
- No manual temperature control
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Key Feature | Hair Type Suitability | Heat Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| ghd Platinum+ Styler | Predictive technology that adapts to hair thickness & speed for consistent results | All hair types, including fine, thick, and color-treated | Ultra-zone sensors keep heat at 365°F for less damage |
| Dyson Corrale Straightener | Cordless design with flexing plates for precision | All hair types, especially curly & thick | Intelligent heat control reduces hot spots |
| T3 SinglePass X | Wide plates for faster straightening on long/thick hair | Thick, coarse, or long hair | Digital SinglePass tech maintains even heat |
| BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium | Lightweight with high heat capacity for pro-level styling | Normal to thick hair | Ionic technology reduces frizz at high temps |
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Final Thoughts
The ghd Platinum+ Styler is an investment piece for anyone who styles their hair frequently and wants professional results without compromising hair health. It’s versatile, fast, and designed with advanced heat control to give you shiny, strong, and beautiful styles every time.
See also
The Latest ghd model the Chronos Styler, check out our review
If you want smoother results in fewer passes, start your routine with the right shield and airflow. Our guide to Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair explains which sprays keep hair light while protecting at 365°F. Pair it with a dryer that won’t rough up the cuticle, like the picks in Best Hair Dryers for Fine Hair, and finish with tools from Best Hair Brushes & Hairsprays by Hair Type and Style to lock in shape without snagging.
Prefer extra hold or a polished blowout before you straighten? See Best Hairspray for Fine Hair for flexible formulas that resist humidity without crunch. If you want one device that can curl, wave, and smooth with controlled heat, compare features in our Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Review to decide when a multi-styler makes more sense than a flat iron.
FAQ
1) What makes the ghd Platinum+ different from other ghd models?
It uses predictive ultra-zone technology that continuously monitors heat across the plates to deliver consistent temperature and reduce the risk of heat damage.
2) Can the ghd Platinum+ be used for curling as well as straightening?
Yes, its rounded barrel makes it versatile for creating waves, curls, and straight styles without snagging.
3) Is the ghd Platinum+ safe for color-treated hair?
Absolutely. The constant 365°F temperature is designed to protect color vibrancy while minimizing damage compared to higher-heat tools.
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