When I heard that GHD were launching a wet-to-dry straightening tool that promises to transform towel-dried hair into sleek strands in seconds, I'll admit I was a little sceptical. Wouldn't it frazzle my poor ends into oblivion? Will there be more steam wafting out than a posh Champney's spa? And time-saving aside, would my hair actually look, er, nice? And at £379 a pop, you want your hair to at least look chuffing decent!
In the name of journalism, I tested out the GHD Duet Style Hot Air Styler to see if it was really the magic hair tool we have all been waiting for or if it is something best to swerve. Let's get into it.
GHDGHD Wet-To-Dry Styler - first impressions
Firstly, and most importantly, GHD has put the styler through some vigorous testing and has confirmed that it would not damage your hair any more than a traditional hairdryer would. Thank you, science!
The hair tool is quite hunky and definitely heavier than your standard pair of straighteners (though not as heavy as the L'Oreal Steampod if anyone is familiar). It is light enough to use on my hair without feeling like my arm is going to fall off but still weighty so something to consider if you usually liken hair drying to an actual Olympic sport.
The styler looks as plush as you'd imagine coming from GHD and it handily comes with a heat-proof cover to ensure absolutely no burning the carpet. There is an on-switch to activate the drying mode and then there is a 'Style Shot' function which is optional and essentially turns your device into a pair of GHD's standard 185°C straighteners to get that next-level shine and sleekness. Phwoar.
Once turned on, it does sound like an actual hovercraft, but still quiet enough that you could have a conversation at the same time. You then section your hair and clamp the tool at the root, then slowly pull down. You repeat this three times and your hair should be completely dry. It can take a bit of practice to get the clamps high enough on the hair, but even though I was rubbish at this part, miraculously my hair still dried quickly.
Then for the fun step! The saucy Shine Shot. Because my hair was already straight from the first step, it just took a few swipes for my hair to achieve the desired sleekness. I was ready to hate the entire concept, but I am in awe.
Honest review: Is it really worth it?
Pros
A sleek finish: I was really surprised at how much I loved the results and because my hair is naturally straight, but tends to look fluffy after drying, this device made my hair unusually sleek, even just after the hair-drying part. My hair honestly felt as soft as it does after leaving the hairdressers. Result.
Time-saving: It took minimal time to get my hair dry and as it was already pretty sleek from the first step, I only needed to quickly go over my ends with the shine shot function. No need to cancel plans for hair washing day.
Great for travel: if you're going somewhere which doesn't house a hairdryer (the proper wilderness!) this handy tool does both, saving you space in your overnight bag.
Fringe-friendly (mostly): I have a full fringe, so was convinced that the tool wouldn't work for me, but despite the wide plates it actually worked well. If I was going out though, I would want to touch it up with smaller plated straighteners just to get the shape perfect. I'm a perfectionist, what can I say?
Cons:
Clunky on/off button: To be really fussy, it's hard to move the switch up and down, but mainly because I have acrylic nails and am perpetually terrified of one flinging off. Definitely not a dealbreaker, but thought I'd mention it.
Price: It's definitely eye-wateringly expensive and a huge investment, but you can definitely justify it to yourself as two tools in one which will save you more time each morning.
Not great for curly styles: the wide square plates may be able to give some volume, but won't be your best tool for creating movement or curls. If curly hair is your everyday look, save your money.
Aimee Jakes is heat’s trending content editor. As well as writing about skincare launches, high-street fashion and gym bag essentials, she’s forever chatting to celebs about their fancy beauty routines. Follow her on Instagram here.