GHD IV Original Styler and GHD Max Styler side by side on a bathroom vanity, showing the difference in plate width for short, medium, long and thick hair styling.

GHD IV Original Styler vs GHD Max Styler: Which One's Right for You?

ghd IV vs ghd Max: the quick answer

If your hair is short to medium length, the ghd IV Original Styler is the one you'll reach for daily. It's precise, quick to heat up and great for everyday styling. If you've got longer or thicker hair and want to style bigger sections at once, the ghd Max Styler's wider plates will save you real time.

ghd IV Original Styler: who it's best for

This is ghd's classic, do-it-all straightener. The plate size suits most hair types and lengths, and it's brilliant for sleek, straight looks as well as soft waves and curls. If you only want to own one styler, this is usually the one we recommend.

ghd Max Styler: who it's best for

The Max Styler has wider plates, built specifically for longer or thicker hair where speed matters. It's not as nimble for close-to-the-root work or creating tight curls, but if you're straightening a lot of hair regularly, it cuts your styling time down noticeably.

ghd IV vs Max: plate size and heat compared

Both stylers reach the same professional heat range, so it's not a difference in performance quality. It's a difference in plate width and what that width is best suited to. Think of the IV Original Styler as the all-rounder and the Max as the specialist for volume and length.

ghd IV Original Styler ghd Max Styler
Plates Standard width Wide
Best for Short to medium hair, most hair types Long or thick hair
Curls and waves Great for both Waves, not tight curls
Styling speed Quick Fastest on lots of hair
Heat Professional heat range Same professional heat range

Which ghd styler should you buy?

Short-to-medium hair, or want versatility for curls, waves and straight styles? Go the IV Original Styler. Long or thick hair, and straightening is your main goal? The Max Styler will genuinely save you time every single morning.

Frequently asked questions

Which ghd styler is best for long or thick hair?

The ghd Max Styler. Its wider plates let you style larger sections at once, so you get through long or thick hair faster.

Is the ghd Max Styler good for curls too?

It can create waves, but the ghd IV Original Styler is better suited to tighter curls thanks to its more compact plate size.

What's the warranty on ghd stylers bought through Tanglez?

All our ghd stylers come with the standard manufacturer's warranty. Reach out to our team if you need the specific details for your model.

Do ghd stylers work on NZ power without a converter?

Yes. Both the ghd IV Original and ghd Max are designed to work straight out of the box on New Zealand power, with no converter needed.

Where can I buy ghd stylers in NZ?

You can buy ghd stylers online right here at Tanglez, and we ship NZ-wide. Browse our full ghd range, or flick our team a message if you're stuck choosing between the IV and the Max.

Back to blog