The Chronos is ghd’s flagship 1-inch styler built to give glossy, high-definition results at a single, controlled 365°F. Instead of cranking heat higher, ghd leans on sensor logic that adapts to your hand movements so the plates keep consistent temperature and glide in one pass where possible. Owners and stylists consistently call out the speed and shine, with a few trade-offs if your hair is very coarse or you prefer adjustable temps.
The headline features that matter
- HD motion-responsive technology monitors heat and adapts as you move so the plates stay at the target 365°F. ghd says Chronos is 2x more responsive than prior tech and aims for one-stroke results.
- Fixed 365°F (185°C) temperature that ghd positions as the “optimum” for styling with less damage than higher heat. Heat-up is about 20 seconds.
- Speed and finish claims: up to 3x faster styling, up to 85% more shine, and results that can last 24 hours according to ghd’s testing and launch materials.
- Safety and build: re-engineered wishbone hinge for alignment, rounded barrel for waves, and auto sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity. 3-year warranty.
- Price: typically $359 in the U.S. for the 1-inch model. A wide-plate Chronos Max exists if you need faster passes on dense or long hair.
How it performs, by hair type
Fine to medium, straight to wavy
Owners report fast smoothing in one to two passes with a glassy finish that brushes out soft. The fixed temp reduces the chance of singeing ends when you are in a hurry, and the rounded edges make wave flicks easy. Beauty-lab testing elsewhere echoes that Chronos maintains 365°F and keeps hair straight and shiny for a full day, with minimal passes needed.
Thick, coarse, or very curly
You still get a smooth finish, but you may need smaller sections and deliberate pacing to get one-pass results. Some users note extra passes on curlier textures compared with higher-heat irons, which is the trade-off of ghd’s single temp. If you want wider plates to increase tension and coverage, look at Chronos Max.
Color-treated or fragile
The constant 365°F and quick heat recovery help avoid hot spots. The motion-responsive control aims to keep temperature steady while you twist or curl, which reduces the spikes that can rough up a sensitized cuticle.
Real-world pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast smooth-down on most hair once you learn the pacing.
- Consistent, even heat with quick recovery, which reduces snags and lines.
- Polished, shiny finish, plus a truly rounded barrel for curls and waves.
- Auto sleep at 10 minutes and a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- No temperature control. If you want 300°F or 410°F, this is not the tool.
- Very coarse or tightly curled hair can need extra passes versus a hotter iron. Lab testers noted more passes for curlier types.
- Premium price compared with midrange ceramic irons.
Chronos vs Platinum+
Chronos replaces Platinum+ as ghd’s “smart” 1-inch styler. The big change is HD motion-responsive control that is more responsive to your hand speed and plate movement. Both run at 365°F with about 20-second heat-up, but Chronos adds 10-minute sleep mode and a tweaked chassis that feels a bit sleeker. If you own a working Platinum+ and love it, Chronos is a refinement rather than a re-education. If you are choosing today, Chronos is the more future-proof pick.
Setup and technique for best results
- Prep on clean, dry hair. For heat days, use a damp-stage protectant before your blowout, then a light dry-stage mist on each section right before the iron.
- Section small at the roots for even tension. The tech will do its job if your pacing is steady.
- One slow pass is better than several quick ones. If you need a second pass, reduce section size.
- Waves and bends: clamp, rotate a quarter turn, and glide. The rounded barrel helps avoid dents.
- Finish light with a flexible hairspray or a micro drop of serum on ends so movement stays natural.
Specs at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate width | 1 inch |
| Temperature | Fixed 365°F |
| Heat-up | About 20 seconds |
| Sleep mode | 10 minutes |
| Cord | Professional length, swivel |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price (US) | About $359 at ghd |
Sources: ghd product page and spec roundups. ghd Hair+1
Good alternatives
- ghd Chronos Max if you want wide plates for faster smoothing on long or dense hair.
- ghd Platinum+ if you find a great price and prefer the previous gen predictive tech. Same temperature, excellent finish.
- A budget ceramic iron if you need adjustable heat below 365°F or want to save money, understanding you trade some glide and heat consistency.
Buyer’s take
If your priorities are fast mornings, a soft glassy finish, and fewer variables to babysit, Chronos earns its place. You get rapid heat, consistent 365°F, and a chassis that curls as well as it straightens. If you often fight very coarse roots or need hotter settings for speed, the fixed temp can feel limiting. For most users who value health and shine, the trade-off is worth it. Third-party labs and pro reviewers back the core promise, quick smoothing that holds through the day at a responsible temperature. Good Housekeeping
Price and availability
Sold direct from ghd in the U.S. around $359 with free shipping offers and a 3-year warranty. Expect seasonal bundles and a matching heat-resistant bag option.
See Also
If you need a flat iron that glides without snags, start with Best Hair Straighteners That Glide And Protect for plate and hinge picks that match your hair density. Build the base with the Blowout on 4C Hair: Tips for Stretch and Shine routine so your iron needs fewer passes and shine lasts. When you are pressing natural hair, check Best Heat Protectants for Silk Press on Natural Hair and save time with our Stretch and Style Hub: Heat, Sets, and Protection to keep results all week.
FAQs
Is 365°F hot enough for thick or curly hair
Usually yes with smaller sections and a steady single pass. If you struggle, consider the Chronos Max wide plates for more tension per pass.
Does it turn off automatically
Yes. Sleep mode kicks in after about 10 minutes of inactivity.
How fast is the heat-up
Roughly 20 seconds to ready. The halo light and tone confirm it.
Will it reduce damage vs a hotter iron
Holding to 365°F avoids the extreme temperatures that can cause more rapid cuticle damage, especially on color-treated hair, while the sensor control helps prevent hot spots.
