GHD'S ARE GREAT WHEN NOT FAKE-BEWARE!!!!!!!!

I shopped around for several weeks before deciding on the set of hair straighteners that I would eventually purchase. As they cost so much money I was determined that I would do my research and get complete value for money. Not only did I surf the internet, I also visited a couple of my local salons in my area to find out their views on the various styles and models available. I was in the enviable position of being able to narrow my search down somewhat initially because I have the thickest hair in the world so only concentrated my search on products that were aimed at this specific area of the market, and that I had set aside a reasonable budget. Finally with much humming and hawing I settled on the new GHD IV Salon Styler which I ended up purchasing direct from GHD.COM. This was six months ago and I have never looked back.

The product

First and foremost this styler is one of the more chunky versions available from GHD. It is not the sleek most popular item that people tend to buy for normal hair so please bare this in mind. This particular styler is aimed at individuals who have longer or thicker hair which can be difficult and time-consuming to style and manage. The IV Styler has a host of impressive features to include improved temperature control which works with your particular hair type. In this case thick hair, locking in the hairs natural moisture ultimately leaving the hair shinier and smoother for longer. Furthermore it boasts microprocessor control technology which enables constant and even heat monitoring. The ceramic heating element creates a negative ion charge that seals moisture, natural oils and colour. The plates are wider on these irons and measure around (4cm/1.8inches). The styler has a rounder front barrel which makes it easier to create waves, flicks and curls as well as straighten the hair. It incorporates an automatic sleep-mode after 30 minutes without use the heaters turn off. It automatically adjusts itself to the local voltage no matter where you are in the world to give optimum performance. Furthermore it has a shiver mode which protects the styler from internal condensation, which can damage the product. When the room temperature is below 8 degrees Celsius the styler will shut down to protect it until the temperature rises again. (I have to admit that I have never noticed this function). It also comes with a two year warranty. Beware though this styler heats to 170 degrees in 7 seconds. (Keep out of the reach of children, pets etc.) Everything needed then to fulfil Ghds promise of being able to create perfect curls, movement, volume and straight hair!!!!

The Package

I purchased these straighteners direct from ghd.com. I did not feel safe going with some of the cheaper websites as I had heard horror stories about some re-conditioned items been sold as new at the time, and had also heard about fakes popping up on websites which had been created to dupe customers and were gone the next day. Beware (see below). Due to the expense paid out I felt safer in my purchase. The parcel arrived as promised the next day via special delivery post. (Free) before midday. The box was very stylish and compact. It had a silver coloured slip cover stating that the product was the ghd IV salon styler- limited edition styling set. The inner box flips open to reveal your iv salon stylers. Included with this package was also a thermal protection travel pouch, heat resistant roll mat, GhD thermal protection spray, (designed to strengthen and nourish the hair when heat styling, which contains ingredients which deflect and absorb heat, protecting the hair shaft, also containing uva protection). Two GHD styling clips, a how to DVD (teaches you step by step how to get a professional styling look), Safety instruction booklet, and a GHD product guide.

Fakes

So concerned are GhD about the number of fakes available. They have a specially dedicated section on their website. To try and prevent there customers from being duped. As this is an expensive product I would recommend that it be purchased as I did direct from Ghd itself or from a trusted salon. All GHDs come with a two year guarantee. And quite cleverly they have incorporated a special number (data code) unique to each individual styler. This code can be registered online. Only genuine GHDs will be able to register there product to take advantage of the two year warranty available. Apparently a number of fakes have been manufactured in China. Ghd do not manufacture or retail any products from china. BEWARE. These items have been appearing on various mediums, including fake websites, online auction sites and are being sold as bargain low cost GHDs. Trust me there is no such thing as cheap GHDs. You get the best so be prepared to pay a fair amount for your stylers. Be advised counterfeits are dangerous; they do not meet with European electrical safety legislation and could be potentially dangerous to health. They could cause electrocution, serious burns, or hair damage. Furthermore they may be an electrical fire risk. I would suggest if you are looking to purchase these items that you look at the GHD website as they have an extensive section dedicated to counterfeit goods and how to spot them. GHD always come with a unique activication code and a genuine GHD hologram sticker. Don't compromise with a fake it could seriously damage your or other peoples health. The website also lists genuine stockists of their products.

Advantages

These straighteners have been an absolute godsend for taming my unmanageable hair. I now get fabulous results on a daily basis. The straighteners are so effective at doing there job that you don't even have to use them everyday as the results are long-lasting. I have even been brave enough to attempt one of the styles shown in the accompanying DVD. (Well worth a look although time-consuming). I would also recommend using the thermal protection spray as not only does it smell gorgeous you definitely notice the added shine and frizz free results as well as obviously protecting your hair from heat damage . I actually wonder how I managed without these and will never go back to the other heat stylers that I have used in the past. The travel pouch is well handy and great if you are on holidays as the heat mat actually conveniently attaches to this so you never have to worry about putting your styler down on a surface. My particular GHDs have been well travelled and I have never had any problems with them. It is good to know that they switch off if you forget to leave them on. Not that to my knowledge I have ever done this. The warranty also gives added peace of mind though again I have never had to send them for repair. The free clips are useful as the hair has to be sectioned to ensure great smooth results. The wider plates glide through my thick hair and straightening is achieved in a matter of a few minutes, without too much fussing about. The area I have to spend most time on is the back of the hair as there is nothing worse than having stray hair that flicks away from the rest. Again though it does not take long to manage this with these stylers and achieve great results. Comes with 2 year guarantee and free repair within this warranty period. Online support is also available at GHD.COM.

Disadvantages

The most obvious disadvantage with this product is the price. You will not get them for less than £100. I believe though that you get what you pay for and for GHDs I think that actually it is reasonably priced. The stylers do get Hot Hot Hot up to 170 degrees!!!!!!! I would recommend caution when using them for the first few times as burning yourself is easy to do particularly if your concentration slips. Trust me I have done this only once and don't wish to repeat the experience. Heat protection spray is essential however expensive. There are cheaper products that can be bought I personally don't always buy GHD sprays. Cleaning is a pest particularly when you are in a hurry although special wipes are available which will get rid of any residue on the ceramic plates left by using hair styling products. Doing this after every use will keep on top of this task (make sure the styler is luke warm before doing this though). Failure to clean regularly will impede the stylers' performance.

Overall

A must for those who have thick hair. The results are stunning and achieved easily with very little effort. There are so many of these products on the market. Having personally tried several heat stylers over the years I have to admit that this is the best product for taming and controlling very thick hair. I would give GHD IV Stylers 5 stars. The added bonus is the 2 year warranty. Give them a try you definitely won't be disappointed.

Order at GHD.COM and avoid the Fakes!!!!!!!!!!!!

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