Do We Really Need a New GHD Straightener? I Just Put the Chronos to the Test

I know what you're thinking: another hair straightener to choose from? I don't know about you, but I feel like GHD already has an impressive offering of hair tools, so when I heard that the brand was releasing another straightener this month, I was intrigued to see how this would differ from previous models. The new tool in question is called the GHD Chronos, and according to the brand, this straightener delivers three times faster results and gives your hair up to 85% more shine. But does it actually live up to these impressive promises? I'm here to find out.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Chronos on the day that it launched, and I've spent the entire morning putting it through its paces, both straightening and curling my hair to see what results I would get. Intrigued? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for my honest review and some pretty spectacular before-and-after photos (if I do say so myself)…

GHD Chronos Hair Straightener Review

GHD Chronos Technology

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(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

As mentioned above, this new hair tool comes with some pretty bold claims. Not only does the brand say that it will deliver results three times quicker than the Original Styler (£139) and with up to 85% more shine, but it also promises three times more breakage protection and a sleek, healthy finish. So, how is this straightener doing all of this? Well, it all comes down to the technology. This tool comes with a new HD motion-responsive feature, which continuously adapts to your movements whilst styling your hair, delivering "one stroke" results at the optimum temperature of 185ºC.

Not only that, but the tool also features ultra-gloss floating plates that glide through the hair and give that shiny finish, alongside a re-engineered wishbone hinge (the bit at the bottom of a straightener that connects the two sides), which makes curling and waving your hair a whole lot easier. If you know me, then you'll know that I've had my GHD Original Styler for years, and it would take a lot for me to part ways with it, but this technology definitely sounds appealing.

Before Styling With the GHD Chronos

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(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

As you can see from the picture above, I have a lot of hair. It's very thick and naturally quite wavy, but this is usually how it looks after washing and drying. Because of the thickness and length, straightening and curling my hair can usually take a while, so I wanted to see if the Chronos would help speed things up. I made sure to apply some heat protectant before testing and then sectioned my hair into parts. I decided to straighten one side and curl the other to see what kind of results I would get.

During Styling With the GHD Chronos

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(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

After straightening one side, I was immediately impressed by how the tool glided through my hair. I'm not lying when I say it look me no longer than a minute to do this section, and personally, I thought my hair looked quite glossy afterwards. However, the thing that impressed me the most (and made using the straightener so speedy) was the fact that I only had to run it through once to get the desired result. Usually, I have to give each section of my hair two or three passes with my Original Styler, but the Chronos certainly made things a whole lot quicker.

After Styling With the GHD Chronos

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(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

I mean, just look at that difference! Sleek, glossy hair in practically no time at all.

Using the GHD Chronos to Curl

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(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

So, how would the Chronos hold up when curling my hair? As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of hair tools over the years, and this is easily one of the best I've used for creating those voluminous, bouncy-looking waves. The shape of the barrel really stood out to me when curling, and made it so easy to get my desired look. 

Is the GHD Chronos Worth It?

After reading my review, you can probably tell that I was pretty impressed with this tool. I felt that it delivered on its claims and made styling my hair quicker and easier. That being said, this straightener definitely isn't cheap and will set you back a cool £289. If you're in the market for a new straightener that can both straighten and curl (or wave) your hair, then I couldn't recommend it enough. But, if you already have a straightener that you like to use, then I wouldn't say that you need to spend the extra money on the GHD Chronos. For me, it's all about making considered purchases, and as someone who has had their Original Styler for ages (I'm talking years here), I'd happily invest in the brand's newest launch when my old faithful packs in.

GHD Chronos Review: The Verdict

Pros:

- Cuts down styling time significantly

- Gives a glossy finish

- Easy to use and glides through the hair

- Great for straightening and curling

Cons:

- Expensive

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Next Up: Deep Reviews: We Tried All the Best Hair Straighteners—Our Editors Rate These 5

Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.