ghd Platinum+ vs ghd Gold

Where they are the same

Both irons have 1 inch ceramic floating plates, both are fixed at 365F, and both have a rounded barrel shape for curls and waves. Both list universal voltage, a protective plate guard and an automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes. For most daily straightening, the experience is similar: one temperature, no dial, no settings to remember.

Our ghd temperature explainer covers why ghd uses 365F for both.

Spec table from the listings

Each entry comes from the Amazon listing. Shared features are listed for both.

What Platinum+ adds

The main upgrade is the sensing. ghd says Ultra-Zone technology reads your hair 250 times a second and adjusts power so the heat stays steady from the first pass to the last. ghd claims this gives 70% stronger hair, 75% more shine and up to 2x color protection. Those are ghd's own figures, but the principle is simple: thick sections draw heat out of the plates, and faster sensing brings the temperature back sooner.

The Platinum+ listing also describes precision-milled plates and a wishbone hinge for an even, snag-free glide.

Who notices the difference

People who style thick or long hair daily are the most likely to benefit. Larger sections pull more heat from the plates, so steadier heat can mean fewer passes. If your hair is colored and you style often, ghd's color protection claim may also matter to you.

If your hair is fine to medium, you style a few times a week, or you mostly do quick touch-ups, the Gold's dual-zone control is likely enough. The $28 saving at listed prices can go toward a good heat protectant. Our flat irons for fine hair and thick hair guides cover other options for each.

Curling and styling with either

Both irons are shaped for more than straightening. The Gold listing describes a rounded barrel and contoured design for switching from sleek to curls and waves, and the Platinum+ listing says the same about its rounded barrel. Our how to curl hair with a flat iron guide shows the twist-and-glide technique.

If you curl more than you straighten, a dedicated curling iron may serve you better; see our ghd curling wand guide.

Heat-up, travel and safety

The Gold lists a 25 second heat-up. The Platinum+ listing does not state one, so we cannot compare them on that. Both sleep after 30 minutes of non-use, which protects you if you forget to switch off, and both include a heat-resistant plate guard so you can pack the iron while it is still warm.

Both list universal voltage, which makes either a good travel iron with only a plug adapter. Our dual voltage explainer covers what that means and why a converter is not needed. The Gold's listed 8.8 ft swivel cord gives room to move at a hotel mirror; the Platinum+ listing does not give a cord length.

If your ghd ever flashes or beeps unexpectedly, see ghd flashing red or beeping for common causes.

Choosing on price and use

At listed prices the gap is $28. That is small enough that many people simply buy the Platinum+ for peace of mind. But if the Gold is on offer or you already own one that works, there is little reason to switch for normal use. The two tools share the same temperature, plate width, sleep mode and voltage.

Think about how often you style and how much hair you have. Daily styling of thick, long hair is where steadier heat makes the most sense. Occasional styling of fine or medium hair is where the Gold gives you the ghd experience for less. Read is ghd worth it for the wider value question.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ghd Platinum+ hotter than the Gold? No. Both run at 365F. The Platinum+ differs in how it senses and holds that heat.

Is the ghd Gold dual voltage? Yes. The listing says universal voltage, as does the Platinum+ listing.

Which heats up faster? The Gold lists 25 seconds. The Platinum+ listing does not state a heat-up time.

Should I upgrade from Gold to Platinum+? If your Gold works well, the gain is mainly steadier heat for thick hair. Many people will not need to upgrade.