ghd Original vs ghd Gold

The short version: what is the same and what changes

Both stylers use ceramic heaters and plates and hold a single styling temperature of 185 °C (365 °F), which ghd calls the optimum styling temperature. Neither has a dial, so you cannot turn the heat up or down. Both have an automatic sleep mode, a swivel cord and universal voltage, which ghd lists across its plate stylers. So the everyday experience of switching on and styling is very similar.

The changes are in heat control and plate mounting. ghd says the Gold uses dual-zone technology, with two heat sensors, one across each styling plate, to maintain the temperature evenly from root to tip. The Gold's plates are also floating: they sit on a mount that lets them move slightly so they keep even contact with the hair. The Original uses a single heat sensing system and fixed plates.

Heat sensors: single zone against dual-zone

A straightener loses heat into each section of hair you pass through it, especially thick or damp sections. The sensor then tells the heater to top up. With one sensing system, the arm that is read is kept at temperature and the other relies on the same control. With a sensor in each plate, as on the Gold, each side is managed on its own, so ghd says the temperature stays more even across both plates.

In practice, more even heat means you are less likely to need a second pass on a stubborn section. That matters most on thick or long hair, where a straightener works harder. On fine or short hair, the Original's single system is usually enough, because each section takes less heat out of the plates.

Floating plates and glide

Floating plates are mounted on small springs or cushions so they tilt and settle as you close the arms. The aim is even pressure across the full width of a section, which helps avoid one edge gripping harder than the other. On the Gold this pairs with a rounder outer barrel that ghd says makes it easier to create curls and waves as well as straight styles.

The Original's fixed plates give a firm, flat press that many people like for poker straight results. If you mostly straighten and rarely curl, that firmness is not a drawback. If you want to bend, flick and curl with the same tool, the Gold's shape helps. Our guide on curling hair with straighteners explains the technique.

Which hair types suit each one

Because both are fixed at 185 °C (365 °F), neither is the right tool if you specifically want a low temperature for very fine, fragile or chemically treated hair. ghd's view is that one optimum temperature works across hair types, but if you prefer to choose your own heat, look at adjustable models such as Cloud Nine. Our ghd vs Cloud Nine comparison covers that choice.

For thick, coarse or long hair, the Gold's dual sensors make more sense, as they are designed to hold temperature when sections are heavy. For hair that is short to medium and fairly easy to straighten, the Original does the job. If your hair is very thick, also consider a wide plate model; see our guide to the best straighteners for thick hair.

• Short, fine or easy to style hair: the Original is usually enough.
• Thick, long or coarse hair: the Gold's dual-zone sensors help.
• Straightening and curling with one tool: the Gold's rounder barrel helps.
• You want to set your own temperature: neither; look at adjustable irons.

Where they sit in the current ghd range

ghd's plate straighteners run from the Original and Gold up to the Platinum+ and Chronos, with the Max and Chronos Max offering wide plates and the Unplugged offering cordless use. Every one of them styles at 185 °C (365 °F); the steps up change the heat technology and plates rather than the temperature. The Gold is often the model that people choose as the middle ground, while the Original is the entry point.

Availability of the Original varies, and ghd releases special editions and gift sets of both models. When buying, check the listing names the exact model and that it is sold by ghd or an authorised stockist. Our ghd straighteners compared guide sets out the full range side by side.

Compare every current ghd straightener →

Safety and care for both

Both stylers reach a temperature that can burn skin, so handle them by the body and keep the plates away from your scalp, ears and neck. Let them cool on a heat resistant surface out of reach of children, and unplug after use even though the sleep mode will switch them off. Follow the safety section in the ghd manual for your model, and do not use either near water.

Note:Straighteners get hot enough to burn. Use a heat resistant mat, unplug after use and check the cord for damage. Stop using a styler with a damaged cord or casing and contact the maker.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ghd Gold hotter than the ghd Original? No. Both are fixed at 185 °C (365 °F). The Gold's difference is how evenly it holds that temperature, using a sensor across each plate.

Does the ghd Gold have floating plates? Yes, ghd describes the Gold's plates as floating, so they move slightly to keep even contact with the hair. The Original has fixed plates.

Can you curl hair with the ghd Original? You can create bends and loose waves, but the Gold's rounder barrel is designed to make curling easier. For defined curls, a dedicated wand or tong is simpler.

Is it worth upgrading from the Original to the Gold? If you have thick or long hair, or you want to curl as well as straighten, the Gold's sensors and shape make a noticeable difference. If your Original works well for short or fine hair, there is less reason to change.