The ghd Curve Creative Curl Wand stands out with its tapered barrel design, a single heat setting of 185ºC, and thoughtful safety features like a heat-proof glove, an automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, and a cool tip at the wand's end. This combination aims to deliver salon-worthy waves at home while staying accessible to users who’ve struggled with bulkier curling tools or multiple heat options.
Design and Shape: Why the Tapered Barrel Matters
Let’s begin with a quick analysis of the shape: unlike most designs, which tend to have an even cylindrical shape from top to bottom, the ghd Curve’s wand is tapered, meaning it’s wider at the base and gets smaller towards the top of the tool. This offers a variety of styling options, from loose waves using the wider end (28mm around), to tighter curls at the thinner end (23mm around).
The wand - which comes with a heat-proof glove for safe usage - has one temperature setting at 185ºC. While other brands may offer a range of heat settings, ghd chose to do this as it claims this is actually the "optimum" temperature for hair styling: any lower and styles won’t hold and set, any higher and unnecessary damage will be inflicted on the hair.
Safety and Practicality: Built for Confidence
Safety-wise, aside from the aforementioned glove, the tool also has an automatic switch-off setting, meaning after 30 minutes of no use, it’ll turn off and cool down. There’s also a cool tip at the top of the wand, meaning less chance of getting burnt accidentally.
Performance on Short Hair and Beginner-Friendly Design
Ghd says that this is a tool that’s particularly impressive on shorter locks, and I have to agree. As mentioned, I often find curling tongs a bit bulky and difficult to use without long, luscious lengths. While some may say the single heat setting makes it a little less advanced than other tools on the market, I’d argue this makes it perfect for newbies. It’s simple, fuss-free and uncomplicated for people who, like me, have struggled with curlers in the past.
I much prefer wands that, like this one, don't have a "clip" and allow you to curl with just one hand. The former may sound easier in theory, but having a simple wand to wrap sections around is so much better, in my opinion. I sectioned my hair, reaching for smaller pieces to apply the heat to, then waited just under 10 seconds per piece. This resulted in nice, fairly loose but well-defined waves that felt very "me". They weren't too tight, but still had shape and bounce.
If you wanted tighter curls, you could use the smaller end of the wand and hold the hair on the heat a little longer - just not too much. I do have to stress, however, that if you prefer very tight curls, this may not be the correct tool for you as it’s not small enough.
Another thing I like about this ghd tool is the longevity factor: the waves last a good while and don't tend to drop, as they sometimes do with other tools I’ve tried.
How Does the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand Compare?
As mentioned, this wand has several defining features that set it apart from other models; it has a tapered shape and doesn’t feature a clip to secure hair. I personally like both of these things as I think they allow for more of a variety of hairstyles, and are better for beginners, respectively.
The single temperature setting is somewhat unique, with many modern designs featuring more than one. But, again, I think this takes the hassle and effort out of choosing between multiple options.
Is the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand Worth Buying?
All in all, the ghd Creative Curl Wand is a great beginner's curling tool if you’re thinking of investing - trust me, if I can do it, so can you. I have a confession to make. Although I have naturally wavy hair, I still use a curling wand on a weekly basis. Yes, I love my natural waves, but sometimes I want those big, bouncy curls that only a hair tool can recreate. As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of hair tools over the years, from investment buys such as the Dyson Airwrap to more affordable finds such as this under-£50 Babyliss curling wand. However, nothing compares to my GHD wand. This trusty curling tool has been a part of my collection for years, and I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon.
When I first got my hands on this tool, I didn't think much of it. On the surface it looks like another standard curling wand, but it is genuinely the best tool I have ever tried for getting salon-worthy waves at home. Don't believe me? Keep on scrolling for my full review, and prepare to be persuaded...
What Is the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand?
So, what is this magical hair tool I speak of? GHD has lots of curling wands on offer, but my personal favourite is the Curve Creative Curl Wand. I know what you're thinking, what makes it different from others on the market? Well, this wand has a unique tapered barrel (measured at 28mm - 23mm) that helps to create deep waves for a big, bouncy finish. Prior to getting my hands on this tool, I had never used a tapered curling wand, and it turns out that I was missing out big time.
Of course, the tool also comes with all of GHD's snazzy features such as a built-in safety stand, a professional-length cord, automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes without use and universal voltage. The tool also features the brand's clever technology that ensures it stays at the right curling temperature of 185 degrees.
How to Use the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand: Step-by-Step
- Divide Hair Into Sections: Once I have washed and blow dried my hair with the smoothing brush on my Dyson Airwrap, I like to divide it into sections to get the best results. As I have thicker hair I find that this is a necessary step, but it's all about what works best for you.
- Apply Heat Protectant: Once my hair has been divided into sections, I always make sure to apply heat protectant in order to minimise damage.
- Wrap Hair Around the Curling Wand: Time for the fun bit. I like to wrap my hair around the curling wand while pointing the hair away from my face, as I find that this gives me the best results. However, thanks to the versatile tool, you can curl your hair in any way you want in order to achieve a range of different results. My one tip is to be careful when using the tool in order to avoid burning your hands. The curling wand does come with a glove to protect your hands, so I recommend using this to begin with. Allow your curl to take shape before removing the wand. If you want your style to last, I recommend holding the section of hair in your hand (as long as it's not too hot) and allowing the curl to cool before letting it drop.
- Comb Through Curls: Once my hair is all done, I like to comb through my curls as I find that this gives them a bouncy, voluminous finish. Again, this step is totally up to you. If you want to use some hairspray to set everything in place, I recommend doing this after you've brushed your curls out.
The Verdict: All in all, this curling wand is worth the investment for beginners and anyone seeking versatile, salon-like waves at home. The tapered barrel makes a significant difference, and the wand delivers soft waves as well as the potential for more defined curls depending on technique and time held on each section.
Additional Details and Offers
Save up to 30% during promotions and look out for bundle offers, including complimentary gifts with certain codes at checkout. The wand is available with a 2-year warranty and is designed for universal voltage, making it suitable for travel and international use.
Table: Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Barrel | Tapered 28mm base to 23mm top |
| Heat setting | 185ºC single setting |
| Safety | Automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, heat-proof glove, cool tip |
| Other | Built-in safety stand, universal voltage, sleep mode |
For visual learners, an infographic illustrating how the tapered barrel creates both loose waves and tighter curls can be helpful. The infographic would show the wider base producing looser waves and the narrower tip creating tighter spirals, along with heat protection tips and safety features.
TRYING OUT 3 CURLING WANDS || Are they actually different??
If a short tutorial helps, a short video demonstration showing step-by-step sectioning, wrapping, and cooling could enhance understanding of technique while using the wand.