How to charge the ghd Unplugged

What you need

The Unplugged comes with a USB-C cable, a plug and a heat resistant carry case. ghd recommends using the supplied cable and plug. A different USB-C charger may work, but if it supplies too little power, charging can be slow or may not start, so use the supplied items for reliable charging.

Step by step: charging

Charge it fully before first use and after every styling session if you can.

1. 1

   Make sure the Unplugged is switched off and the plates have cooled.

2. 2

   Connect the USB-C cable to the charging port on the styler.

3. 3

   Connect the other end to the supplied plug and plug it into a wall socket.

4. 4

   Watch the 5 bar indicator fill as it charges.

5. 5

   When all bars show full, unplug the cable.

6. 6

   Store it in the heat resistant case when cool.

Run time and getting the most from a charge

ghd quotes up to about 20 minutes of continuous styling at 185 °C. That is plenty for a fringe, a quick smooth or curling a few pieces, but may not cover a full straighten on long, thick hair. ghd suggests charging between each styling session to get the most time out of each use.

The sleep mode switches the Unplugged off after 3 minutes without use, which saves battery and adds safety. Short heat-up time means you can switch it off between touch-ups rather than leaving it on. For more on the technology, see how cordless straighteners work.

Like all lithium-ion batteries, the Unplugged's battery will gradually hold less charge over the years. You can slow this by not leaving it flat for long periods, charging it in a cool room rather than next to a radiator or in direct sun, and storing it part charged if you will not use it for a few weeks. If run time drops sharply while it is still under guarantee, contact ghd.

Travelling with the Unplugged

ghd describes the Unplugged as cabin luggage friendly and lists universal voltage for charging. Lithium battery stylers should go in hand luggage, not hold luggage, and airlines can have their own rules, so check before you fly. Our explainer on taking straighteners on a plane covers the details, and if you are going abroad with corded tools, see straighteners not working abroad.

Use a plug adaptor abroad rather than a voltage converter with the supplied plug, as long as your manual confirms universal voltage for your version. Our guide to the best straighteners for travel compares the Unplugged with corded universal voltage models.

Note:The Unplugged contains lithium-ion batteries. Do not charge it with a damaged cable, keep it away from water and heat sources, and carry it in hand luggage when flying.

See the best straighteners for travel →

If it will not charge

Check the wall socket with another device, make sure the USB-C connector is pushed fully home and look in the port for fluff or debris. Try the supplied cable with another USB-C device to see whether the cable works. If the indicator does not respond with a known good cable and plug, contact ghd. ghd lists a two-year manufacturer's guarantee on the Unplugged; our ghd warranty explainer explains how claims work, and ghd straighteners not working covers other faults.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use the ghd Unplugged while it is charging? No. ghd states it cannot be used while charging.

How long does the ghd Unplugged take to charge? ghd quotes within about 2 hours for a full charge.

Can I charge it with my phone charger? It uses USB-C, but ghd supplies its own plug. Use that for reliable charging; a low powered charger may be slow or not work.

How long does a charge last? Up to about 20 minutes of continuous styling, according to the listing.