ghd IV Original Straightener Review
First launched back in 2001, the ghd IV Original hair straightener has seen styles and trends come and go and has helped those with previously untameable and unruly hair to achieve a sleek, manicured “do”.
Considered the original ghd straightener, a legend in name and in market longevity, the IV Original straightener remains a highly sought after hair styling tool which is suitable for straightening as well as adding a subtle wave or curl to the hair. Not only is this styling tool incredibly versatile, with the rounded barrel and top-and-bottom mounted hot plates facilitating different hair styles, but it is also incredibly simple to use.
As we move through this review, considering the benefits and the minor drawbacks linked with this styling tool, think about your own ideal results and whether this original straightener from the ghd collection could be the user-friendly, accessible tool for you.
How does the ghd IV Original straightener work?
To understand how this styling tool works, you need to first look at the construction and design of the straightener.
From the very first try, you will notice that the IV Original straightener is incredibly easy to use. Though by no means the first straightening iron available on the market, when the first set of ghd’s were released in 2001 they made headlines in the market for their sleek and minimalist design. Not only is this a positive in terms of the design and aesthetic of the tool, but it also makes ghd straighteners easier and more comfortable to use – as they are considerably more lightweight than previously bulky tools from other brands.
The straighteners are turned on with a switch which quickly and effectively heats the hot plates. A red light comes on when the switch is flicked and starts flashing when the straighteners have reached their optimum heat – accompanied by a short beep to let you know they’re ready to use.
The temperature reached is kept at a consistent level throughout your user session, ensuring that the hair is suitably styled but with various protections in place to prevent overheating. Alongside this, ghd recommends that users consider heat protecting products and other measures to really protect the hair.
Why we love the “OG” ghd straighteners
So, what’s so good about the Original IV straighteners – besides the fact that they are the earliest iteration of the styling tool?
Well, for one thing the lightweight design and simple user system makes the original ghd straightener incredibly easy and comfortable to use. What’s more, the power cable is fixed to the styling tool with a flexible and rotating head, which basically means that you can move the straightener up and down and in various directions without the cord becoming all twisted and getting in your way.
The hot plates themselves benefit from a similar level of flexibility, though in this case it’s a light cushioning which enables them to grip different types and thicknesses of hair. Though they are not necessarily the best straighteners for really curly hair, as ghd’s lightweight design does mean that the hot plates are quite thin, most users will gain at least some control over their hair with Original IV ghd.
Some other benefits worth noting include the following:
- The hot plates are designed to retain a consistent temperature of 185 degrees Celsius. This is considered and marketed by ghd as the best temperature for achieving a manicured and sleek finish in a single stroke, without causing too much damage to the structural integrity of the hair.
- The red flashing light indicates that the tool is on and at its maximum temperature. Not only does this make it easy to know when to start styling, but it also serves as a warning that the plates are hot!
- With so many new and updated models on the market now, the Original ghds are considerably more affordable than other options.
With so many selling points and benefits, investing in a pair of the original ghd’s feels like a no-brainer, especially given how long the styling tool lasts.
However, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing.
Things to consider before investing in a set of Original ghds
Despite being the original straightening tool for the 21st century, there are a handful of drawbacks to this particular model of ghd which you should consider before investing.
The first is that, as the original ghd model, the Original IV is by no means the most sophisticated ghd tool on the market. If it’s simplicity you’re looking for then this is a great option – but if you want to benefit from extra technology, then consider a more up to date model.
Another thing to consider is the fact that this straightener was made to provide effective styling to every hair type. This invariably means that the tool is more effective for some hair types than others, as it is impossible to bridge perfect results across every potential type and style of hair. If you have extremely curly or frizzy or even super thick hair, it will likely take longer to style your hair using these original straighteners – and the results won’t be as precise as if you used a more up to date and tech-savvy model.
Finally, the aesthetic of the Original IV ghds has not really changed, meaning that this tool retains its very standard aesthetic in the form of a black iron with golden hot plates.
Looking to buy a pair of Original IV ghds?
If the Original ghd styling tool sounds like the right option for you, there are a handful of places to shop. One of the easiest ways to get your hands on these straighteners is through the Boilerhouse online store, where the team will not only provide you with the best styling tools for you but will talk you through a few user tips to maximise your results.
Get in touch with us directly to find out more.