Product · ghd
ghd Max: wide plates, 30-second heat up
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The ghd Max takes the brand's dual-zone straightener and gives it much wider plates, 70% larger than ghd's regular size according to the listing. It is designed for long, thick or curly hair, where a standard straightener means many small sections and a long session. The headline promise is that the extra plate area styles hair in half the time, while keeping the same fixed 185°C as the ghd Gold.
- Plates
- Wide ceramic floating, high-gloss
- Max temperature
- 185°C
- Auto shut-off
- After 30 minutes
- Weight
- 770 g
In its favour
- The maker says the 70% larger plates style hair in half the time, a real help with long or thick hair.
- A 30-second heat up and a 30-minute sleep mode are both listed.
- Universal voltage and a protective plate guard make it easier to take away.
Good to know
- Wide plates are less precise near the roots and on short cuts.
- Plate width in millimetres is not stated in the listing.
Our take
Why plate size matters
A wider plate grips a bigger section of hair in each pass. On a thick, long head that adds up to fewer sections overall. ghd also says the Max is engineered to maintain healthy tension and efficient heat transfer, claiming 80% more shine and up to twice less frizz, from ceramic floating plates with a high-gloss coating.
The listing does not give the plate width in millimetres, which makes direct comparison with other wide plate models harder.
Setup, cord and safety
Amazon lists a 30-second heat up, automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use, a 2.7 m swivel cord and universal voltage. A protective plate guard is included, and ghd offers a 2 year manufacturer's guarantee. The long cord helps when the mirror and socket are not close together.
The weight is given as 770 g, so it is nearly double the ghd Gold.
Where wide plates fall short
Wide plates are less precise. Getting close to the root, working on a fringe or styling a short cut is harder with a broad body. Heat is fixed at 185°C, so very coarse or tightly coiled hair cannot be given extra temperature, and fine hair cannot be given less. The listing does not mention a case or bag.
Max against wide plate rivals
The ghd Chronos Max goes further, with plates the maker says are 85% larger than the Gold and newer motion-responsive heat. The Faszin 42 mm wide plate offers stated dimensions of 42 by 110 mm and 11 settings up to 230°C, at a lighter listed 600 g. The ghd Max sits between them as the established, fixed-heat choice.
Verdict
Choose the ghd Max for long, thick or curly hair when you want faster straightening at a steady heat with a long cord and universal voltage. If you want adjustable heat on wide plates, the Faszin 42 mm is the alternative, and the ghd Chronos Max suits those who want ghd's newest heating on wide plates.
Compared with alternatives in: Best hair straighteners under £250, Best hair straighteners in the UK: premium models compared, Best straighteners for curly and afro hair, Best straighteners for thick hair, Best straighteners for travel abroad, ghd straighteners compared: Gold, Platinum+, Chronos, Max and Unplugged
Amazon listing title: ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener & Styler, More Shine, Thick Hair