In the name of healthy hair growth, I try not to use heated tools to style my locks that often. But when I do treat myself to a heated style, the ghd Chronos Max are my go-tos.
This is hardly groundbreaking, as ghd straighteners are a market leader. But, as a beauty writer, I've tried out my fair share of hair tools, and I think the Chronos Max are the best. You don’t need to take just my word for it either, as the tool took the crown in the Good Housekeeping Institute's best hair straighteners test, scoring an impressive 95/100.
The popular tool is the latest and most advanced straightener in the Chronos range. But should you invest in the Max? Here’s everything you need to know.
Ghd Chronos Max hair straighteners at a glance
Main features:
- Fast heat-up time (35 seconds)
- Mid-width ceramic plates (43.7mm)
- Automatic switch-off
- Gloss-coated plates add shine to hair
- 185 degree temperature for optimal styling while minimising damage
- Ergonomic swivel cord design for easy styling
What’s the difference between the ghd Chronos Max and the original ghds?
There are a few points of difference between the Chronos Max and the original model. The ghd Chronos Max has wider ceramic plates to tackle longer, thicker hair, resulting in speedier styling. Rejoice! We all know the pain of dedicating the best part of an evening to hair wash night. There comes a point where even the best dry shampoo just won’t cut it anymore...
Though the plates are wider, they’re also close-edge, which means you can get closer to the scalp for effortless root-to-tip sleekness. Plus, they’re coated in an ultra-gloss layer that the brand claims offers 90% more shine than its original model. Hello, flawless, glass-like, locks.
What I loved
It's so fast
In just 35 seconds, the plates are heated and ready to go. Styling time will depend on the length and texture of your hair, of course. Mine is mid-length, but curly and thick, and before picking up the Chronos Max, it would usually take me 15-20 minutes to achieve my desired look. With these, it took way less. Five minutes and 21 seconds to be very exact!
My style lasted longer
Usually, despite my best styling efforts, my tresses can go from sleek and styled to Hagrid-esque within seconds of stepping outside. So, I was intrigued to see if the straighteners lived up to their promise of 24-hour staying power for your styled ‘do.
Of course, it can’t perform miracles; if you’re going out with your locks unprotected on a blustery day, you’re already fighting a losing battle. But, I put it to the test on a morning commute on a busy, hot Tube followed by a dash from station to office, plus the hustle, bustle and coffee pick-up in between. After a long day, a quick hairbrush and a gathering of oneself, I was stunned to find that the Chronos Max hair styling gods had delivered on their claims of long-lasting sleekness.
It didn’t damage my hair further
The ghd Chronos Max maintains a 185° temperature, which the brand claims is optimal – any hotter would cause damage, and any cooler would compromise its ability to hold your style.
I’m religious about using heat-protectant spray, but the plates' cooler temperature compared to my previous straighteners immediately feels less harmful. So far, my hair still feels silky and healthy, even days after styling. Plus, I didn’t need to go over my strands multiple times to achieve a sleek finish; instead, my ‘do went from curly to straight in one or two swipes. That’s got to count for something, right?
Heat styling in any form can still cause a degree of damage, even at the optimum temperature. Heat protector is a non-negotiable but using one of the best shine-enhancing glosses and hydrating oils are also a great hack for keeping locks in top condition.
What I would change
The price! I think it’s fair enough for a life-changing, time-saving styling tool, but I’d obviously prefer if it was a little less of an investment. Also, let’s petition for it to come in an array of colours. Apart from that, for hair like mine, it’s that rare thing: simple, speedy and effective.
Is the ghd Chronos straightener worth it?
For me, undoubtedly yes. It has significantly cut down the time it takes to straighten my hair, while also leaving it feeling super sleek and pin-strait afterwards. Those with thick, curly or long hair, who are used to long styling sessions, will find them a real time-saver.
Good Housekeeping's beauty director, Lynne Hyland, was similarly impressed by the speedy results. “The ghd Chronos Max isn’t designed for my fine, flat hair,” she said. “But let me tell you, it’s brilliant for it.
"The plates are so generous in width, I can curl my entire hair in three sections, each side. With each pass taking about 20 seconds, that means I can style my whole head in well under five minutes, with plenty of time to section off the front bits with a clip. The final result is undeniably impressive, too.”
My final verdict on the ghd Chronos Max hair straighteners
I’ve found a new staple for my dressing table. I was impressed with how little time they took out of my evenings on hair wash day, and how quickly I could touch up any bed-head in the morning. They’re particularly great for those with curly hair, though most hair types should feel the benefits of the wide plates, which pick up more strands, providing your style isn’t mega-short.
If you’re a wizard and like to create curls and waves using a straightener, these plates also make that possible. The wider design means curls will be slightly looser and softer than those made by a thinner plate, but still with the perfect amount of volume. Beauty director Lynne styled her hair this way, and managed to fool her hairdresser into thinking she'd already had a professional blow-dry ahead of her appointment. So yes, they're that good.
Though this feature is nothing new for ghd tools, I was also a big fan of the automatic shut-off tech, which turns the straighteners off after 10 minutes of inactivity – extremely reassuring for those mid-meeting, “did I turn the straighteners off” panics.
At £300, achieving a glossy, sleek mane does come at a cost. But, if you want to achieve fresh-from-the-salon hair for years to come and your old tool is due an upgrade, these high-quality straighteners are worth the investment. Good hair days await!
Check out our guide to the best hairstyles for short hair, and more tried and tested tools from the best hair dryers to the best hot brush.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
