Is ghd or Cloud Nine Better?

If you’re in the market for a new high-quality hair straightener – you’re probably weighing up between industry leading brands: ghd and Cloud Nine. Both are known for their excellent performance, innovations, and elegant designs. But is ghd or Cloud Nine better? We’ll compare the two brands to help you decide which has the perfect tool for your hair type and styling needs.

A Shared History

Interestingly, despite the fierce competition between the two brands – they actually share the same founder, Robert Powls. Powls left ghd in 2006, before creating Cloud Nine in 2009 – with the vision of offering hair straighteners featuring innovative technology and customisable heat settings. The brands’ shared backstory explains why both brands have developed a reputation for salon-quality performance.

The Differences Between the Brands

Heat Settings

The most significant difference between ghd and Cloud Nine is the temperature control options.

• ghd hair straighteners are set at a fixed temperature of 185C – which ghd claims is the optimal temperature for styling all hair types. They state that styling below 185C means the style won’t last, while styling above 185C can cause irreversible damage.
• Cloud Nine has a different approach to the perfect heat. Cloud Nine hair straighteners have 7 adjustable heat settings – ranging between 100C and 200C. They assert that thick/coarse hair needs a higher temperature to style, while finer hair needs lower heat to prevent damage and breakage.
• Cloud Nine has a useful Temperature Calculator on their website that considers factors from your hair’s curl pattern to its level of chemical exposure – to determine the right heat setting for your hair.

Plate Technology

Both brands use ceramic plates, but with some key differences.

• ghd uses ceramic advanced heat technology, designed to reduce the risk of heat spots that can cause damage, while ensuring a smooth glide.
• Cloud Nine plates are infused with Sericite, their signature hair healing mineral that helps to lock in moisture, leaving hair smoother and shinier.
• Both brands use floating plates, that adjust to the thickness of your hair sections, minimising snagging and breakage.

Shape and Design

ghd and Cloud Nine hair straighteners have distinct designs that cater to different preferences:

• ghd is well-known for its sleek and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
• Cloud Nine hair straighteners tend to be slightly larger, which can give a more comfortable grip and better control over thicker hair according to some users.
• Both brands offer limited edition stylers, so if design matters to you, there’s plenty of variety from both brands.

The Ranges

Each brand has a variety of models catering to different hair types and styling needs:

ghd’s 2025 Hair Straightener Lineup Includes:

• ghd Original Hair Straightener
• ghd Unplugged Hair Straightener (cordless)
• ghd Mini Hair Straightener (for short hair and fringes)
• ghd Gold Hair Straightener
• ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (for long/thick/curly hair)
• ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
• ghd Duet Style (a 2-in-1 hot air styler and straightener)
• ghd Chronos Hair Straightener (fastest and most advanced model)
• ghd Chronos Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener (fastest and most advanced wide-plate model)

Cloud Nine’s 2025 Hair Straightener Lineup Includes:

• The Original iron
• The Wide Iron (for thick/long/curly hair)
• The Slim Iron (for short hair and precise styling)
• The Original Cordless Iron
• The Touch Iron (automatic heat adjustment)

Warranty and Durability

• ghd hair straighteners typically come with a 2-year warranty (3 years for premium models like the Platinum+ & Chronos)
• Cloud Nine hair straighteners offer a 3-year warranty when registered online after purchase.
• Both brands are renowned for their durability.

So, which is better?

At the end of the day, the biggest difference between Cloud Nine and ghd is the temperature control.

Choose Cloud Nine if:

• You want adjustable heat settings.
• You have fine, damaged, or very thick hair requiring lower or higher heat.
• You prefer longer warranties and moisture-locking technology.

Choose ghd if:

• You want a consistent, hassle-free styling experience with a fixed 185C setting.
• You prefer lightweight straighteners that are easy to handle.
• You want the most technologically advanced hair straightener (think the ghd Chronos or ghd Chronos Max)

Both brands are excellent choices, and it ultimately depends on your hair type, styling habits, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which hair straightener is better for thick hair?

A. Cloud Nine’s Wide Iron is ideal for thick hair due to its adjustable heat settings and wider plates. However, ghd’s Chronos Max Styler is an excellent choice if you prefer a fixed 185°C setting.

Q. Which hair straightener is better for fine or damaged hair?

A. Some people prefer Cloud Nine’s lower heat settings (starting from 100°C), as it is gentler on fine/damaged hair.

Q. Does Cloud Nine or ghd last longer?

A. Both brands are of excellent quality and are highly durable.

Q. Do hairstylists prefer ghd or Cloud Nine?

Professional stylists use both brands. Many prefer Cloud Nine for customizable heat settings, while others prefer ghd for its consistent performance and innovation.