Is the ghd Chronos worth it?

What the Chronos is

The Chronos is a corded straightener with ceramic floating plates coated in what ghd calls ultra-gloss, a re-engineered wishbone hinge that keeps the plates aligned and heat technology that ghd says responds to how fast you move. It holds 185 °C, the same fixed temperature as the Gold and Platinum+. The Amazon UK listing gives a weight of 730 g and a sleep mode that switches it off after 10 minutes without use.

ghd claims one-stroke, high definition results, 85 percent more shine, 2x less frizz and up to 3x more breakage protection. Those figures come from ghd's own testing and should be read as manufacturer claims.

Chronos vs Gold vs Platinum+

All three run at 185 °C and have floating plates and rounded bodies that curl. The differences are in how they control heat and in the plate finish. The table summarises them in general terms; our ghd straighteners compared guide covers the full range, including the Max and Unplugged.

Temperature settings and problems

People often search for Chronos temperature settings. The Chronos does not have a dial: it holds 185 °C, which ghd describes as the optimum styling temperature. If you need lower heat for very fine or fragile hair, an adjustable straightener may suit you better; see our best straighteners for fine hair and what temperature straighteners should be.

Common Chronos questions are similar to other ghds: lights and beeps, sleep mode switching it off and power issues. Our guides to ghd red light and beeping and ghd straighteners not working cover those. ghd lists a two-year guarantee on current stylers, explained in our ghd warranty explainer.

Note:Buy from ghd or an authorised stockist. Fake ghds circulate online and can be unsafe; see how to spot fake ghd and Dyson stylers.

Who should buy the Chronos

The Chronos makes most sense for people who straighten or curl with their straighteners most days and want the quickest, smoothest results from ghd. Thick, long or frizz prone hair benefits most from faster styling, because fewer passes mean less time and heat. The Chronos Max version adds wider plates for long, thick hair; see the best straighteners for thick hair.

It makes less sense if you style occasionally, have short hair that already styles in one pass or have a Gold or Platinum+ that still works well. In those cases the improvement may be small for the extra outlay.

Think about how long you will keep it, too. A premium straightener used daily for several years costs little per use, and ghd's guarantee and repair service add peace of mind. If you replace straighteners often because cheaper ones fail, a model built to last can make more sense than it first appears.

• Daily styling, long or thick hair: Chronos or Chronos Max.
• Occasional styling: Gold.
• Want smarter heat protection without the top model: Platinum+.
• Need adjustable heat: look beyond ghd.

Alternatives to consider

If you are weighing the Chronos against other premium brands, our Dyson Corrale vs ghd comparison covers Dyson's cordless option and ghd vs Cloud Nine covers adjustable heat. For a broader view, the best hair straighteners guide compares current premium models, including the Chronos.

See the best hair straighteners →

Frequently asked questions

Is the ghd Chronos better than the Platinum+? It is ghd's newer top model with motion-responsive heat and a new hinge. Both run at 185 °C; the Chronos aims for faster, one-stroke results.

Can you change the temperature on the ghd Chronos? No. It holds a fixed 185 °C.

Does the ghd Chronos turn off automatically? Yes. The listing gives a sleep mode after 10 minutes without use.

Is the Chronos good for curling? Yes. Its rounded body is designed to curl and wave as well as straighten.