For the 13 years, I've been in this industry there is one thing I never get – when a brand absolutely nails something, be it a SPF, a treatment or a tool, and then keep bringing out different versions of the same thing. A brand that does this often is ghd. The OG in the straightener game, (well other than those vintage Carmens), ghd has monopolised the hot tool market so much that people refer to their "ghd's" in the same way we interchange vacuum and the brand Hoover. Since the brand's original irons, I have tried the Platinums, Platinum+, the Gold, the Chronos as well as the different sizes of various tools (Max, standard and mini). Surely, surely they had maxed out the straightener offering? How could they possibly release another? And then they did.
In May, while out for lunch with the brand's PR she told me a secret – a new tool from ghd, my ears perked up. A straightener! My face is the opposite of a pokerface, in fact, I think I rolled my eyes. 'Ok', I said, dubious, then she said 'that uses AI!' then I definitely rolled my eyes, so far into the back of their sockets it was giving Exorcism. But, of course I had to test it in the name of journalism. So, for the past two months I have exclusively been using these every wash day to see, alongside Cosmo features editor Jenni, to see if they are worth upgrading your current tool.
How we tested
Both Jenni and I tested the tool on clean, dry freshly-washed hair. We have completely different hair types; Jenni has very long and thick European textured hair, while I have shoulder-length Afro-textured hair, that is fine strand size but very thick in density. I also have a semi-permanent softening treatment on it which I get done a few times a year.
ghd Sculpt Review
Tester: Jennifer Savin, Cosmo Features Editor
Hair type: Wavy and thick
As a long-time ghd fan, with frizzy-wavy, thick hair, and given that my previous straighteners had seen better days (much better… they were literally held together with tape after accidentally being stepped on), I was hyped to trial ghd's new futuristic-looking – and sounding – Sculpt straighteners.
Using AI technology, this gadget promises to suss the exact temperature each specific section of your hair needs, without you needing to adjust any controls as you go. How? Apparently there are 4 measurement systems feeding into an AI micro-processor (okay, go off Ms Science!) at a rate of 2,900 measurements per second. The ghd Sculpt also pledges zero damage and is on a quest to prove that it’s really, truly possible to have healthy hair while using heated tools on the reg.
When I first picked up the ghd Sculpt I was surprised by how light it felt in comparison to my previous pair, which initially threw me off when attempting to create beachy waves or some semblance of volume in my face-framing layers. You don’t need to yank the Sculpt quite as forcefully to get a proper spring back when curling either, which will certainly help when it comes to keeping hair happier. The waves and curls I tested looked more defined than I’m used to, too – so on that front, it’s a very big green tick.
When opting for straight locks, my hair felt smoother than normal and admittedly less-stressed overall by the end of my testing week. I never would’ve opted for a white colour-way, but actually I’m quite into it; the Sculpt looked a lot more luxe on my chest of drawers than previous straighteners I’ve had.
Alas, as with most things in life, money gets the final say – and the ghd Sculpt isn’t cheap. It retails for £369 (so if we’re doing cost per use… that’s around £1 a day for the next year, if you use them daily). Worth it? It depends how seriously you take your hair.
Before testing them, I thought I wouldn’t be bowled over or notice a tonne of difference and £300-odd seems a wild cost for me, a woman who can go days without even brushing her hair, let alone styling it in any proper capacity. And like I said… my old ghds were left taped together for months and I continued to ride it out, as upgrading them wasn’t a personal priority. However, I genuinely have found my hair to be softer and my styling attempts looking more ‘finished’ with the Sculpt, and I’m a convert. If you’re in the market for something more premium and you'd make good use out of a tool like this, I’d say it’s definitely worth considering the Sculpt.
ghd Sculpt review on Afro-textured hair
Tester: Keeks Reid, Cosmo Beauty Director
Hair type: Afro textured hair (type 4a/b)
I'm never in the market for a new straightener. While I test many for work, I'm usually stick to my old battered BaByliss Pros that I got 9 years ago because they are the only ones that really smooth out my frizzier roots – and I've tried dozens. Don't get me wrong I love ghd straighteners but have always found that that they are best for touch-ups on Afro hair rather than going from coily to straight.
So, when I pressed the 'on' button on my pair of Sculpt straighteners for the first time, I was prepared to be impressed, but ultimately return to my Babs after testing ceased. How wrong was I! I truly think these are the best straighteners I have ever used. Why? Well it gets my hair completely smoothed out and straight in less time. I only need one single pass per section to smooth, meaning that it only takes around 25 minutes to do my hair rather than around the 40 mark which it normally does. The curved case also means that you can achieve flicks, curls and waves easily too, but the best part is that it it does this without damage.
At first, I didn't really understand the heat-adapt technology, especially because ghd's whole ethos is about maintaining a steady 185 degrees Celsius heat for healthy hair. But this tech measures your hair's temp and adjusts as it needs. Essentially, as your hair straightens and reaches its smoothest, most ideal styling temp it doesn't get hotter. The tool doesn't exceed 185 degrees, but it's the first ghd tool that doesn't have a fixed temp, however, you aren't in control, the robot (aka the AI tech) is!
Jenni mentioned how light it is and you really cannot underestimate the different this makes – put simply, it makes styling less of an arm workout, especially in this heat, and because of the ease of use I was happier and less flustered each wash day.
Let's talk results – In a word, smoother. My hair was shiny and smooth 'til the next wash-day with a lot less frizz. The summer heat did cause some sweating, but only my roots puffed up a little and my lengths remained straight and frizz-free (I put this down to both my product picks and the tool).
The elephant in the room is the price, of course, and it is steep, but as a big fan of the Dyson Airwrap and all that's done for my hair health while styling, I'm more than happy to recommend a pricey tool if it actually serves a purpose and the tech justifies the price.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
