# How to spot fake ghd and Dyson stylers Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/spotting-fake-ghd-and-dyson-stylers Published: 2026-10-11 Publisher: Plate and Curl **In short:** Buy from ghd, Dyson or an authorised retailer, and be wary of prices far below everyone else. Check for a serial number you can register with the maker, quality packaging without spelling errors, a solid UK plug with a fuse, and the right weight and finish. If anything feels off, stop using it and contact the maker. ghd and Dyson stylers are among the most copied beauty tools sold in the UK. Fakes can look convincing in photos, but inside they often lack proper temperature control, safety cut-outs and insulation. That is a real fire and shock risk, not just a disappointment, and fakes carry no guarantee. This guide covers the checks for ghd straighteners, the Dyson Airstrait and the Dyson Corrale: where you buy, packaging, serial numbers, plugs and how the tool behaves. No single check is proof on its own, so look at the whole picture. ## The biggest warning sign: where you buy Most fakes are sold through social media adverts, unfamiliar websites and third-party marketplace sellers. The safest route is to buy directly from the maker or from a retailer the maker lists as authorised. Both ghd and Dyson publish information about where to buy on their UK websites. Be very cautious of prices far below the usual market price, sellers with no UK address, and adverts that push urgency. On marketplaces, check whether the item is sold by the brand or an established retailer rather than an unknown seller. ## Quick checks at a glance | Check | Genuine usually has | Warning signs | | --- | --- | --- | | Price | Close to the usual market price | Far cheaper than everywhere else | | Packaging | Sturdy box, clean printing | Flimsy box, blurry print, spelling errors | | Serial number | Clear, registers with the maker | Missing, smudged or will not register | | UK plug | Solid BS 1363 plug with a fuse | Light plug, no fuse, or a travel adaptor | | Weight and finish | Feels dense, neat seams | Light, loose parts, rough edges | | Behaviour | Matches the manual | Odd lights, beeps or heat | Signs of a fake styler ## How to tell if ghd straighteners are fake Compare what you have against the model listed on ghd's site, or our [ghd straighteners compared](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/ghd-straighteners-compared) guide. - **Serial number:** genuine ghds carry a serial number, usually near the hinge or on the barrel. Try registering it on ghd's website. - **Temperature and beeps:** genuine stylers hold 185 °C and give the ready and sleep signals described in the manual. See [ghd red light and beeping explained](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/ghd-red-light-and-beeping). - **Plates and hinge:** fakes often have loose plates, a weak hinge or a rough finish. - **Cable:** genuine ghds have a swivel cord; check that it turns smoothly. - **Sleep mode:** current ghd stylers switch off after a set time with no use. A styler that never sleeps is suspicious. ## Dyson Airstrait and Corrale: original vs fake Dyson products carry a serial number that you can register with Dyson. If it will not register, contact Dyson before using the product. A genuine Airstrait has a removable filter at the air intake and a substantial motor, so it feels weighty; a fake may feel hollow or light, or have a filter that does not fit properly. A genuine Corrale has flexing plates that visibly move when you close the arms on hair, and a charging dock or magnetic cable that fits precisely. Check the model against Dyson's own website, including the colours on offer. Unusual colours not shown by Dyson or an authorised retailer are a warning sign. Our [best wet-to-dry straighteners](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-wet-to-dry-straighteners) guide links to genuine listings. ## Why fakes are dangerous Counterfeit electrical goods often fail basic UK safety standards. Electrical Safety First, a UK charity, has repeatedly warned about fake hair straighteners. Common problems include poor insulation, no thermal cut-out and plugs without proper fuses, all of which can cause burns, shocks or fires. Note: If you suspect your styler is fake, stop using it and unplug it. Do not try to repair it. Contact the seller and the maker, and report the seller to the marketplace or Trading Standards through Citizens Advice. ## What to do if you have bought a fake A genuine styler comes with the maker's guarantee; see [ghd warranty and repairs explained](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/ghd-warranty-explained). 1. Stop using it and keep it unplugged. 2. Keep the packaging, adverts and payment records. 3. Contact the seller and ask for a refund. 4. If you paid by card, ask your card provider about a chargeback or claim. 5. Report the seller to the platform you bought through. 6. Buy a replacement only from the maker or an authorised retailer. [See genuine premium straighteners](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-hair-straighteners) ## Frequently asked questions **How can I check if my ghd is genuine?** Check the serial number by registering it with ghd, compare it with the model on ghd's site, and confirm it was bought from an authorised seller. **Are Dyson Airstraits on marketplaces fake?** Not all, but some are. Buy from Dyson or a seller Dyson lists as authorised, and register the serial number. **Can a fake straightener be dangerous?** Yes. Fakes often lack proper insulation and safety cut-outs, which can cause burns, shocks or fires. **Is a very cheap ghd always fake?** A price far below the usual market price is a strong warning sign, especially from an unfamiliar seller. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-hair-straighteners - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/ghd-straighteners-compared - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-wet-to-dry-straighteners ## Sources - [ghd support](https://www.ghdhair.com/uk) - [Dyson support](https://www.dyson.co.uk/support) - [Electrical Safety First](https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)