The ghd Chronos Max arrived as ghd's most significant product launch in years — a complete reimagining of what a professional hair straightener can do. As official authorised ghd stockists at The Cosmetologists, our professional team has been using the Chronos Max extensively since launch. Here's our honest, detailed review.
What Is the ghd Chronos Max?
The ghd Chronos Max is the flagship straightener in ghd's current range — sitting above the Platinum+ and Gold in terms of technology, performance and price. It represents ghd's most advanced engineering to date, combining everything they've learned from previous models with new innovations in plate technology, heat distribution and ergonomic design.
Like all ghd straighteners, the Chronos Max operates at ghd's optimal styling temperature of 185°C — the scientifically determined sweet spot that delivers professional styling results while minimising heat damage. Where it differs from previous models is in how precisely and consistently it maintains that temperature throughout a styling session.
What's New About the ghd Chronos Max?
Ultra-Zone Predictive Technology — Upgraded
The ghd Platinum+ introduced Ultra-Zone technology that adjusts temperature 250 times per second. The Chronos Max takes this further with a more advanced sensor system that responds even faster to changes in hair density and thickness — maintaining 185°C more precisely than any previous ghd model.
In practice this means the plates never drop in temperature when you move through thicker sections of hair, and never overheat on finer sections. The result is more consistent styling throughout the head with less need to go over the same section twice.
Wider, Longer Plates
The Chronos Max features a wider plate format than both the Gold and Platinum+. This means you can take larger sections of hair with each pass — significantly reducing the time needed to style a full head of hair.
For anyone with long or thick hair who currently spends 20–30 minutes straightening, the wider plates alone can cut styling time by 30–40%.
Redesigned Hinge and Glide System
The Chronos Max features a completely redesigned hinge mechanism that allows the plates to float and flex more naturally as they move through the hair. This creates a smoother, more effortless glide that reduces friction and snagging — particularly noticeable on thick or textured hair.
The plates also close with a more satisfying, precise snap that feels noticeably more premium than previous ghd models.
Ergonomic Redesign
The Chronos Max has a sleeker, more elongated body design that sits more comfortably in the hand during longer styling sessions. The weight distribution has been improved — the tool feels balanced rather than tip-heavy, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.
Faster Heat-Up
The Chronos Max reaches 185°C faster than any previous ghd model. In our testing it was ready to use in under 25 seconds from cold — making it the most practical ghd for busy mornings.
ghd Chronos Max Performance — What's It Actually Like to Use?
The first thing you notice when using the Chronos Max is how effortlessly the plates glide through hair. Even on thick, coarse or textured hair the movement is smooth and consistent — there's none of the occasional drag or catching you can experience with older ghd models.
The wider plates make a real practical difference on longer hair. Sections that would previously require two or three passes can often be done in one, and the overall styling time for a full head is noticeably shorter.
The temperature consistency is excellent. Using the Chronos Max on hair that varies significantly in thickness — thin at the temples, much thicker at the back — the result is even throughout rather than the slight variation you can get with less sophisticated tools.
The heat-up time is genuinely fast — in our salon the Chronos Max is ready to use almost immediately after switching on, which matters when you have back-to-back clients.
Build quality feels premium throughout. The plates, hinge, body and finish all feel more refined than previous ghd models — this is clearly a flagship product built to a higher standard.
ghd Chronos Max vs Platinum+ — What's the Difference?
This is the question we get asked most often about the Chronos Max — is it actually better than the Platinum+, which is already an exceptional straightener?
The honest answer is yes — but the difference is meaningful primarily for specific use cases.
Temperature precision: The Chronos Max maintains 185°C more consistently than the Platinum+. For very fine or damaged hair where temperature fluctuation could cause harm, this is a meaningful difference. For healthy, medium to thick hair the Platinum+ already performs excellently.
Plate size: The wider plates on the Chronos Max make a significant practical difference for anyone with long or thick hair. For short or fine hair the difference is less relevant.
Glide and feel: The Chronos Max glides more smoothly than the Platinum+ — particularly noticeable on coarse or textured hair.
Heat-up speed: Both are fast, but the Chronos Max is marginally faster.
Price: The Chronos Max commands a premium over the Platinum+. Whether that premium is worth it depends entirely on your hair type and how often you style.
Our honest verdict: if you have long, thick or coarse hair and style regularly, the Chronos Max is worth the upgrade. If you have short, fine or normal hair and are happy with your Platinum+, the improvement is real but incremental rather than transformative.
ghd Chronos Max vs Gold — What's the Difference?
The difference between the Chronos Max and the Gold is much more substantial than the Chronos Max vs Platinum+ comparison.
The Gold is ghd's entry-level model — excellent for the price and a genuine professional-quality straightener. But it lacks the Ultra-Zone temperature technology of the Platinum+ and Chronos Max, meaning temperature consistency is less precise.
For anyone currently using a Gold and considering an upgrade, both the Platinum+ and Chronos Max represent a meaningful step up in performance — particularly for fine, damaged or colour-treated hair where precise temperature control makes a real difference.
Is the ghd Chronos Max Worth It?
Yes — for the right person. Here's who should buy it:
Buy the Chronos Max if:
- You have long or thick hair and want to cut your styling time significantly
- You style your hair daily and want the best possible tool for frequent use
- You have fine or damaged hair and want the most precise temperature control available
- You want the best ghd has ever made and are willing to invest accordingly
- You're a professional stylist who needs a high-performance tool for back-to-back clients
Stick with the Platinum+ if:
- You have short, fine or normal hair and are happy with your current results
- The price difference isn't justifiable for your hair type and styling frequency
- You're upgrading from a non-ghd tool — the Platinum+ will already be a revelation
Choose the Gold if:
- You want professional-quality ghd at a more accessible price point
- You have healthy, medium to thick hair with no specific damage concerns
- You're buying your first ghd
ghd Chronos Max — Technical Specifications
| Temperature | 185°C optimal styling temperature |
| Plate type | Advanced ceramic floating plates with Ultra-Zone technology |
| Heat-up time | Under 25 seconds |
| Automatic sleep mode | 30 minutes |
| Cable length | 2.7m |
| Warranty | Full UK manufacturer warranty when purchased from authorised stockist |
Where to Buy the ghd Chronos Max in the UK
As official authorised ghd stockists, every ghd tool at The Cosmetologists is 100% genuine and comes with the full UK manufacturer warranty. Buying from an unauthorised seller risks receiving a counterfeit product — and ghd counterfeits have been found to reach temperatures far above 185°C, causing serious hair damage.
Fast UK delivery on all orders, free on orders over £50.
Shop ghd Chronos Max → Shop all ghd straighteners → View all ghd products →
Related Guides
Comparing all ghd straightener models? Read our complete ghd Gold vs Platinum+ vs Chronos Max Comparison.
Want to protect your hair while styling? Read our guide to the Best Products for Bleached and Damaged Hair for the best heat protection options.
Looking for the best heat protection to use with your ghd? Read our Complete Olaplex Guide — Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil provides heat protection up to 230°C.
