GHD Chronos Curve Max Curling Wand: Reviewed By an Editor
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried a tonne of hair tools. From GHD hair straighteners to the Dyson Airwrap, there isn’t a hair multi-styler, hairdryer or hot brush out there that hasn’t met my lengths. But even with a whole wardrobe of styling tools at my disposal, I hadn’t yet found a curling wand that gave me effortless-looking loose waves.
But that all changed when I was invited for a secret briefing for GHD’s newest launch, the Chronos Curve Max Wand (£189), last month. And now I’ve been testing it myself for the past six weeks, I’ve lost count of the compliments I’ve had on my hair. Scroll on for my honest thoughts on the new curling wand and the new tech.
GHD Chronos Curve Max Wand
GHD Hair
Chronos Curve Max Wand
Specifications:
38mm barrel
One heat setting (at GHD’s optimised 185°C temperature)
50-second heat-up time
Anodised coating, which improves grip and leaves curls frizz-free
Curl-responsive technology ensures even heat and styling control
Automatic sleep mode after 20 minutes
Built-in cool tip and safety stand
Universal voltage
2.7m cable
Pros
- Large 38mm barrel ensures loose waves
- Long-lasting, glossy result
- Great for long and thick hair
- Quick heat-up time
- Automatic sleep mode after 20 minutes
Cons
- If you prefer tighter curls or have shorter hair, you may prefer the smaller barrel sizes GHD offers
The Tech
You may already know GHD’s curling wands and tongs; however, the brand has since updated them with the Chronos technology (that you can find in the latest models of its hair straighteners). The upgrade means that you get more uniform heat coverage, more shine and faster styling.
The Chronos tech glow-up has been given to GHD’s Curve Classic Tong, Curve Conical Wand and the Curve Grand Tong. Alongside, GHD has also introduced a brand new curling wand size by way of the Curve Max Wand—GHD’s largest curling wand yet at 38mm—with the Chronos treatment too.
In Action
I’ve tried a lot of curling wands, but I’ve never really found one with a large enough barrel to create those loose, piecey waves on my long hair. But with the 38mm size, this barrel is just right for creating soft curls and an undone texture.
If, like me, you never like your hair looking too “done” this is a great option to go for. Generally speaking, the smaller the curling barrel is, the tighter the curl will be. So if it’s an effortless curl you’re after, this larger size is your best bet. For me, it emulates the look you get the second day after a blowdry. There’s volume and movement, but rather than a dramatic curl, you’re left with a barely-there ripple through your lengths.
The tool itself is so easy to use. It heats up in 50 seconds and because of the large and long barrel size, I could get away with taking larger sections. This meant I could do my entire hair (which is long and thick) in 10 minutes or less. I only had to hold each section around the barrel for around 10 seconds to get a long-lasting, loose curl.
My hair does hold onto a curl well anyway, but even the next day I was impressed at how well even these look curls held up. I only needed to top-up a few sections at the front the next day.
Before
After
The Verdict
I try a lot of hair tools and only a handful of them make it into my main rotation, but I can confidently say that the Chronos Max Wand has a permanent spot in my weekly routine. The large barrel size is perfect for my long and thick hair, helping to speed up my styling time and leaves me with perfectly undone waves that no other curling wand has managed so far. It’s not only cut down my styling time, but it gives me long-lasting curls that I can stretch out until my next wash day.
I’d be remiss to not mention the price. At £189, this is definitely an investment purchase. But if you’re wanting to create undone waves at home without heading to the salon for a costly blowdry, this might make for a smart investment. Similarly, if your go-to hairstyle is loose waves, then this is one of the few larger curling wands around that delivers the look.
I can definitely see the benefits of the Chronos tech, too. It leaves each section of my hair frizz-free and glossy, so I love that the brand has applied it to the other three models in the range. I’d say that if you have shoulder-length hair or shorter (such as a bob hairstyle), you may be better off with a smaller barrel size. If you’re not sure which curling wand model is best for you, you can take this quiz which pairs you with the best curling wand for your styling preferences and the look you want to achieve. Tempted? Scroll ahead to shop all four of the Chronos Curve hair curlers.
Shop Now:
GHD Hair
Chronos Curve Max Wand
The new Chronos Curve Max curling wand is GHD’s largest curling wand yet to help deliver loose curls on long hair.
Shop More GHD Hair Curlers
GHD Hair
Chronos Curve Classic Tong (26mm Barrel)
The Classic Tong is great for creating perfectly formed waves on all hair lengths.
GHD Hair
Chronos Curve Conical Wand (28-23mm Barrel)
Prefer a beachy wave? The conical shape of this wand ensures cool-girl texture and is ideal for all hair lengths, but is particularly goo on bob-length or shoulder-length hair.
GHD Hair
Chronos Curve Grand Tong (32mm Barrel)
Here for the voluminous, glamorous waves? The Grand Tong will give you salon-worthy bounce and volume and if perfect for medium-to-long hair lengths.
