The Two Titans of GHD's Range
If you've decided you want a GHD straightener, the next question is almost always: Platinum+ or Gold? Both are premium tools with excellent reputations, but they're built around different technologies and sit at different price points. Understanding the key differences helps you invest in the right one for your hair.
At a Glance: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GHD Platinum+ | GHD Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Plate material | Ultra-zone with Wishbone Heater | Ceramic plates |
| Temperature | Fixed 185°C (smart-adjusted) | Fixed 185°C |
| Smart technology | Predictive technology — adjusts 250x/sec | None |
| Heat-up time | Under 25 seconds | Approx. 25 seconds |
| Plate width | 38.8mm | 38.8mm |
| Auto sleep | Yes (30 mins) | Yes (30 mins) |
| Dual voltage | Yes | Yes |
| Price (approx.) | Higher premium | Mid-premium |
The Big Difference: Predictive Technology
The core distinction between these two tools is the Platinum+'s predictive technology. Using sensors within the plates, the Platinum+ monitors the temperature of your hair 250 times per second and adjusts the heat output accordingly.
In practice, this means when you clamp a thick section of hair, the plates intelligently compensate to maintain an even 185°C across the full contact area. With the Gold, there's no such adjustment — temperature can fluctuate slightly depending on hair thickness and how quickly you're styling.
GHD's own research indicates the Platinum+ causes up to 70% less breakage compared to other straighteners tested. While it's worth treating brand-supplied figures with appropriate scepticism, the technology itself is genuinely advanced and makes a measurable difference on thick, dense hair.
Performance on Different Hair Types
Fine or Normal Hair
Honestly, both tools perform very similarly on fine to medium hair. The 185°C temperature is appropriate, passes through thin sections smoothly, and you're unlikely to notice a dramatic real-world difference between the two. The Gold represents better value at this hair type.
Thick, Coarse, or Dense Hair
This is where the Platinum+ genuinely earns its premium. The predictive technology shines when dealing with large, dense sections — maintaining consistent heat means fewer passes required, faster styling overall, and less cumulative heat exposure. For thick hair, the Platinum+ is the clear winner.
Damaged or Colour-Treated Hair
The smart temperature maintenance of the Platinum+ reduces the risk of hot spots, which makes it the safer choice for fragile, processed hair. However, both tools use the same 185°C, which is a reasonable temperature for colour-treated hair with proper heat protection applied.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the GHD Gold if: You have fine to medium hair, you style daily and want a reliable everyday tool, or you want an excellent GHD at a lower entry price.
- Choose the GHD Platinum+ if: You have thick, coarse, or dense hair; you're investing in a tool for the long term and want the most advanced technology available; or you want the smoothest, most consistent results possible.
Final Thoughts
Neither the Gold nor the Platinum+ is a bad choice — both are genuinely excellent straighteners that outperform most of the competition. The decision comes down to your hair type and how much the predictive technology matters to your specific styling needs. For most people with normal hair, the Gold is all they'll ever need. But if thick or difficult hair is your reality, the Platinum+ is a worthwhile upgrade.