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ghd straighteners not working: common faults and fixes

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In short

Most ghd faults have a simple cause: a dead socket, a blown plug fuse, a damaged cable at the swivel, or the styler having gone into sleep mode. Test the socket, check the fuse, then switch off and on again. If it still will not heat, one plate stays cold or the lights flash and beep, check your manual and contact ghd.

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ghd straighteners are built to last, but like any heated tool they can stop working. The most common complaints are no power at all, no heat, one plate staying cold and lights flashing with beeping. Some of these have a quick fix at home. Others point to a fault inside, which is a job for ghd's repair service rather than a screwdriver. This guide runs through the checks in a sensible order for the Gold, Platinum+, Chronos, Max and older models. Exact light and beep patterns differ between models, so keep your manual to hand.

Quick checks first

Before assuming the worst, rule out the simple things. These take five minutes and fix a fair share of problems.

  1. 1

    Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same socket to prove it works.

  2. 2

    Plug the straighteners directly into a wall socket, not an extension lead or travel adaptor.

  3. 3

    Switch the styler off, wait 30 seconds, then switch on again.

  4. 4

    Check whether it has gone into sleep mode. Most ghd stylers switch off after a period of no use; switching off and on again wakes them.

  5. 5

    Look along the cable and around the swivel joint for kinks, splits or scorch marks.

Note:If the cable is damaged, the plug is hot or cracked, or you smell burning, unplug the styler and stop using it. Do not tape or repair the cable yourself.

Symptoms and likely causes

SymptomLikely causeWhat to try
No lights, no powerSocket, plug fuse or cable faultTest the socket, check the fuse
Lights on but no heatInternal heater or sensor faultSwitch off and on; contact ghd
One plate coldHeater or sensor fault on one armStop using; contact ghd
Switches off by itselfSleep mode, or an intermittent cable faultSwitch back on; check the cable
Flashing light and beepingFault warning on many modelsCheck the manual; contact ghd
Works only at certain anglesDamaged wire near the swivelStop using; contact ghd
Common ghd faults

ghd straighteners not turning on

If there are no lights at all, the problem is almost always power reaching the styler. Prove the socket works, then try a different socket on another circuit. If several sockets in your home are dead, check the consumer unit for a tripped switch.

Next, check the fuse in the UK plug. Use a new fuse of the same rating as the old one, as marked on the plug or in the manual. If a new fuse blows straight away, there is a fault, so stop and contact ghd.

If the styler only comes on when you hold the cable at a particular angle, the wires inside the cable or swivel are likely broken. This is a common wear point on any straightener that is wrapped tightly for storage. It needs a professional repair.

Lights come on but the plates stay cold

ghd stylers use sensors to hold the plates at a set styling temperature, which is 185 °C (365 °F) on most of the range. If the light comes on but the plates do not warm within a minute or two, the heater or its control circuit has probably failed. On newer models the styler may also beep or flash to warn you of the fault.

If only one plate heats, the same applies. Each arm has its own heater, and a cold arm usually means a failed heater or sensor on that side. Do not keep using the styler on one plate, as it is not working as designed.

Problems with the Platinum+ and Chronos

The Platinum+ and Chronos use predictive sensor technology that adjusts heat as you style. Their sleep mode switches the styler off after a period of no use; ghd's Chronos listing gives 10 minutes. If one of these models will not heat after waking, switch it off fully, unplug it for a minute, then try again. If lights flash in a pattern you do not recognise, your manual or the ghd website explains what it means. Our ghd red light and beeping guide covers the common patterns.

If you are replacing an old styler rather than repairing it, our ghd straighteners compared guide sets out the differences between the current models.

Repair or replace?

ghd states that its current stylers come with a two-year manufacturer's guarantee, and it runs a repair service for faults both inside and outside the guarantee. Terms change, so check ghd's own website for the current position and the cost of an out-of-guarantee repair. Our ghd warranty and repairs explained article covers what to have ready.

Buy from an authorised seller so your guarantee is honoured. Counterfeit ghds are common and are not covered; see how to spot fake ghd and Dyson stylers.

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Frequently asked questions

Why have my ghd straighteners stopped heating? The most likely causes are a heater or sensor fault, or the styler being in sleep mode. Switch it off and on again. If it still does not heat, contact ghd.

Can I fix ghd straighteners myself? Only the outside checks: the socket, fuse and sleep mode. Opening the styler is unsafe and can void the guarantee. Use ghd's repair service for internal faults.

Why does my ghd turn off by itself? Most ghd stylers have an automatic sleep mode that switches them off when not in use. If it turns off while you are styling, the cable may have an intermittent fault.

How long do ghd straighteners last? There is no fixed lifespan. Many last for years with care. Storing them without wrapping the cable tightly helps protect the most common wear point.

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