ghd vs Cloud Nine straighteners

The key difference: fixed or adjustable temperature

ghd's argument is that 185 °C (365 °F) is the optimum styling temperature, hot enough to style most hair in a pass but below the extreme heat it wants to avoid. You never pick a setting, so you cannot accidentally style at the maximum. The trade off is that you cannot go lower for very fine hair or higher for very coarse hair.

Cloud Nine's Original Iron has 11 variable settings from 100 °C to 200 °C (212 °F to 392 °F), shown on a digital display. Cloud Nine's view is that no two hair types are the same, so you should style at your own optimum. That gives fine or lightened hair a gentler option and lets thick hair use more heat. Use our temperature converter if a guide gives settings in °F.

Side by side from the listings

The table uses facts from the Amazon UK listings for the ghd Gold, the ghd Platinum+ and the Cloud Nine Original Iron. Plate width on all three is standard rather than wide.

Plates and finishing features

ghd uses ceramic plates throughout. The Gold's are floating to keep even contact, and the Platinum+ has precision-milled plates with an ultra gloss coating that ghd says gives 20% more shine. Both have rounded barrels for curls and waves.

Cloud Nine's Original Iron uses plates infused with sericite, a mineral the maker says locks in moisture, mounted with its Spring-Flex technology to cushion the hair. Its Revive mode vibrates the plates 8,000 times a minute, which Cloud Nine says minimises direct heat contact and improves shine. These are maker claims; the practical points are that the plates flex and that the Revive mode is optional.

Which suits your hair

If your hair is medium to thick and you want to switch on and style without thinking about settings, ghd's fixed temperature is very easy to live with. If your hair is fine, bleached or easily overheated and you prefer to style lower, or if you have very coarse hair and want to choose a higher setting, Cloud Nine's dial is the more flexible choice. See our guides to the best straighteners for fine hair and for thick hair for more options.

• Want simplicity and one proven setting: ghd.
• Fine, fragile or lightened hair where you want lower heat: Cloud Nine.
• Coloured hair and you want ghd's colour protection technology: ghd Platinum+.
• Like a digital display and extras: Cloud Nine.

Warranty, range and support

ghd lists a 2 year manufacturer's guarantee on its stylers, and the range runs from the Original and Gold to the Platinum+, Chronos, wide plate Max models and the cordless Unplugged. Cloud Nine's range includes the Original Iron, wide and touch models and cordless options. Check the current warranty terms on each brand's website when you buy, register your product if the maker asks, and buy from the brand or an authorised stockist to avoid fakes.

See the best premium straighteners →

Using either brand safely

Both brands reach temperatures that can burn skin. With an adjustable iron, start at a lower setting and only increase if a section does not straighten in a pass. With ghd, the temperature is set for you. Always use a heat resistant surface, unplug after use and follow the manual.

Note:Keep straighteners away from water, children and pets. Do not use a styler with a damaged cord, and let it cool fully before storing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cloud Nine as good as ghd? Both are established premium brands. The main difference is control: Cloud Nine lets you choose the temperature, ghd fixes it at 185 °C (365 °F).

What temperature should I use on a Cloud Nine? Start low for fine or lightened hair and increase only if needed. Cloud Nine's manual gives its guidance by hair type.

Can you change the temperature on ghd straighteners? No, current ghd plate stylers are fixed at 185 °C (365 °F).

Which is better for curly hair, ghd or Cloud Nine? Either can work. Thick, tight curls may benefit from a wide plate model; see our guide to the best straighteners for curly hair.