'I tried ghd's new curling wand - here's how to get perfect waves in 15 minutes'
ghd is a well-known name in the beauty industry, having provided salon-quality results at home for over 20 years and securing a permanent place in the routines of both professionals and beauty enthusiasts. So, when the brand announced a new product launch, I was all ears.
The ghd Chronos Curve range is the latest innovation, following the recent release of the Chronos Straighteners, which have been a mainstay in my routine since I got them last year. The four new styling tools - two wands and two tongs - are each designed to achieve different curl objectives.
They're all priced at £189, which aligns with GHD's premium pricing; however, if you're familiar with the brand, you know the tools often live up to the hype. I had the opportunity to try one of the curlers before the launch, and choosing which one to test was no easy feat.
The Max Wand was tempting, especially with its large barrel designed for longer hair and loose curls, while the Classic Tong promised polished, defined waves. Meanwhile, the Grand Tong looked like it could deliver the kind of voluminous ringlets that bounce with every step.
However, I chose the Conical Wand, the most versatile of the four, which is designed to create more relaxed, natural curls, according to The Mirror. Let's see how it performed below.
My honest review of ghd's Conical Wand
I'm typically more inclined to use a straightener for curling, so using a dedicated wand was a slight departure for me. The tool, at first glance, has the same sleek, lightweight fee l as other ghd devices, with a straightforward on/off switch and a minimal design that wouldn't look out of place in a professional salon.
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£189
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Product Description
The lack of adjustable heat settings may be a disappointment for those who prefer to fine-tune the temperature according to the style or section they're working on. However, as any ghd aficionado will tell you, all their tools operate at a steady 185 °C, which the brand touts as the 'optimum styling temperature' - and to be fair, it worked a treat on my fine-to-medium hair.
However, if you prefer tongs with adjustable settings, Babyliss' Rose Quartz 25mm Curling Tong (£38, Boots) has six temperature settings, ranging from 160°C to 210°C. Otherwise, the TRESemmé Large Ceramic Curling Tong (£27, Argos) features three settings and a maximum temperature of 200°C.
With the Conical Wand, it took me a few attempts to master the technique - wrapping sections around the barrel rather than clamping, as I'm accustomed to. But once I got the hang of it, I was off to the races.
I did manage to burn my thumb at one point, only to discover that heat-proof gloves were included in the box (silly me!). I divided my hair into sections and wrapped each strand for about five seconds. Once brushed out, the result was a soft, natural-looking curl that didn't feel overly 'done'.
It took me a mere 10 to 15 minutes to style my entire head, which is quite efficient by my standards. The wand was a doddle to use and light enough that my arms weren't throbbing halfway through.
It comes with a swivel cord as well, meaning I could style without feeling like I was having a tug-of-war with the wire. A cool tip also proved handy in holding the wand steady without scorching my fingers (ignoring my initial blunder).
My only issue is I struggled a bit with my shorter layers, especially my curtain bangs, which didn't take to the wand quite as well as the rest of my hair. As you can see in the picture above, the curl isn't quite as defined at the front. It's nothing a little styling cream can't fix, but it's worth keeping in mind if you have a fringe or shorter face-framing strands.
That moan aside, the wand did exactly what I hoped for, without the need for excessive heat or endless styling time. The curls also held remarkably well without much hairspray - slightly softer but still present - and my hair looked soft and glossy throughout the evening.
Although I'm still likely to grab my straighteners if I fancy curling my tresses, the wand gave a much more even, rounded shape with far less trial and error. For those keen to achieve volume, definition, and curls, the entire Chronos Curve range is available to shop here.
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