GHD Wave review: Is this new hair tool the key to effortless beachy waves?
We like:
It's more lightweight than competitors
Heats up quickly
Comes with an in-built stand
Adds volume
We don't like:
It's bulky to use
It's hard to get right to the root
It's hard to use on shorter or thicker hair
What is the GHD Wave?
The newly launched GHD Wave is the haircare brand's first professional triple waver, designed to create loose and beachy waves. Staying true to form, GHD says this tool will ensure hair has less frizz, more shine and no extreme heat damage, as is the case with its more well-known hair straighteners and hot brushes. This is achieved thanks to the maximum optimum – and consistent – temperature of 185°C, which is maintained across all three barrels.
At £159, it is on the pricier end of the scale for a waver tool, with competitors like Beauty Works and Remington sold for cheaper, but as with all GHD technology, it has the overall health of your hair in mind.
The brand has also cleverly designed the Wave to ensure each of the three barrels has a curved edge, plus it has an innovative clamp which is said to help to prevent telltale creasing and instead will help to create defined, voluminous long long-lasting waves.
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How we test hair wavers
When testing hair wavers and other heated styling tools, I always consider the design and usability, which means thinking about whether the weight is well-distributed, the handle is easy to hold and the function – in this case the clamp – is easy to use.
I then evaluate the overall performance and results (including how long the style lasts), as well as the general quality of the materials and any added safety features or heat damage prevention technology.
I also think about the skill level required and what sort of hair type or texture the tool in question would be good for. I styled my natural curly, slightly dry and damaged hair using this waver after hair washes, plus with day-old and several day-old hair to assess its effectiveness.
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Design and usability
Score: 7/10
My initial thought when opening the box was that, although the Wave was quite big (to be expected with three barrels), it was lighter in comparison to similar tools, which can often be heavy, cumbersome and difficult to use around the whole head. However, I quickly realised that the Wave becomes heavy quite quickly and my arm did start to ache halfway through styling.
I like that it has an in-built stand to rest the tool as you style, to prevent burning any surfaces. The triple-barrel design means that you can style bigger sections of hair at once, but if you want to get closer to the root, then it's best to do smaller sections.
I did also find I had to hold the clamp in place for longer than assumed – around 30-45 seconds per section, in order to achieve a decent wave that I felt would have longevity.
Ease of use
Score: 6/10
The GHD Wave has the same on/off mechanism as other GHD tools – including the Chronos straightener and the Glide hot brush – and it heats up quickly.
My hair sits around my shoulders and hairdressers tell me it's fine but there's a lot of it. Because of the length, I assumed I'd get away with styling whole sections at once, but I was wrong. Instead, I had to section my hair into three layers and it took quite a while, given the length of time needed to hold the clamp down. I also found I couldn't get to the root of my hair unless I styled smaller sections.
I ended up accidentally burning my temple with the edge of one of the barrels as I was trying to manoeuvre it – so take this as your warning to be extra careful and aware of how close the barrel is to your face, neck or ears.
Performance and results
Score: 7/10
While the Wave does work as promised – you can achieve soft, beachy waves or a more voluminous finish – it takes some practice. I found it harder to achieve a 'loose' look, owing to my short, dense hair, but I think with patience and time, it would be doable.
I'm also not sure if it would work on hair that's naturally textured without blow-drying (or straightening) it first – I definitely wouldn't be able to get a smooth finish if I went straight in after rough-drying my hair post-shower.
That said, I did like the results. I liked how voluminous it was and the fact that it's not the sort of wave I'd be able to get with a regular curler. However, I did find that the style dropped after a few hours, so I think you'd need to be diligent about the products used in the prep stage and ensure you're using plenty of hairspray.
Build quality and durability
Score: 8/10
Like all existing GHD tools, the Wave feels solid, high quality and built to last, thanks to its ceramic barrels. It's clear that durability is a top priority and if it's anything like the brand's straighteners, I have no doubt it'll hold up well over time.
As mentioned earlier, it is a bit bigger and heavier than some of GHD's other stylers, but that's to be expected with a waver. The extra size is vital when it comes to creating soft, beachy waves, but the size and weight does take a little bit of getting used to.
The Wave also comes with a two-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong in that time, you should be covered, which adds an extra layer of confidence when you're investing in a premium tool like this one.
Heat and safety features
Score: 9/10
GHD is known and loved for ensuring every one of its heated styling tools has the health of your hair at its heart. It heats up to 185°C – a temperature that's considered to be the sweet spot for styling hair effectively without causing unwanted heat damage – so you can achieve soft, beachy waves without worrying about frying your hair.
Plus, it has an in-built safety feature that I'm always grateful for: if you forget to turn it off, the tool will automatically turn itself off after 60 minutes of non-use. Something that's reassuring if you're somebody who's always second guessing yourself once you've left the house.
Technical specifications
BondiBoost's 32mm Wave Wand, which costs £58, is the main competitor of the GHD Wave.
Both have 32mm barrels, but the BondiBoost tool has an adjustable temperature monitor and is significantly cheaper.
Should you buy the GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver?
If you're looking for a hair tool that will give you loose waves, rather than curls, you'll enjoy the GHD Wave. GHD has kept its signature ceramic barrels and multiplied them by three, to give a crimped finish when run over your hair. Just be aware that thicker and shorter hair may be harder to style.
Yes, if:
You have long, fine hair that is quick to style
You want soft, natural-looking waves or 80s-esque volume
You have time and patience to get to grips with the Wave
No, if:
Your hair is thick, naturally curly or textured
Your hair is shoulder-length or shorter
You're particularly clumsy or prone to burning yourself
GHD Wave FAQs
Do you need a heat protector when using a waver?
Yes, just like using any other heated styling tool, we would always recommend using a heat protection spray – a product that works to create a barrier between your hair and the tool you're using to minimise damage and improve hair health.
How can you make waves last longer?
The key to longevity is all in the pre-styling prep. Styling products like texturising and hold sprays are effective, as are hair sprays.
How long should you hold each section?
Each section needs to be held for around 45 seconds to a minute, I found the longer the better.
What are the differences between GHD's curling tools?
The GHD Wave is a triple-barrelled curler that creates soft, loose waves. Meanwhile, the traditional curling tongs (the Creative Curl Wand, £159, the Classic Curl Tong, £159 and the Soft Curl Wand, £159) are all single-barrelled, meaning you can create different types of curl depending on which shape you choose and how you style the hair afterwards.
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