TechRadar Verdict
The GHD Speed hair dryer provides precise control for both airflow and temperature, with maximum settings offering powerful and hot performance. Its design is intuitive, clearly displaying current settings, and includes useful features like a mode lock and a continuous cool setting. However, the effectiveness of the cool “halo” airflow design is debatable, and the device is somewhat bulky and heavy for a premium product.
- +Lots of control options
- +Intuitive to use
- +Hot and powerful on max
- +Useful settings lock
- +Continuous cool option
- -A tad overpriced
- -“Halo” feature perhaps unnecessary
- -On the heavier side
- -A little bulky
- -Limited attachments
GHD Speed: two-minute review
The GHD Speed stands out as a highly user-friendly hair dryer, providing a broad range of temperature and wind speed options. Its maximum setting delivers exceptional power, allowing for rapid hair drying.
Despite numerous options, GHD has designed the controls intuitively, with dedicated buttons for each category and illuminated indicators around the barrel to clearly show active settings.
Additional features include a mode lock, which prevents accidental setting changes during use, and an always-on cool mode, complementing the cool shot pulse option.
The primary unique selling point is GHD’s “halo dual-airflow technology,” which the brand claims dries hair without heat damage by surrounding the heated airflow with a cool air “halo.” This is said to allow closer proximity to the scalp without burning and enables holding the dryer by the barrel without it becoming hot. However, the effectiveness of preventing scalp burning is questionable, and holding the barrel may feel unnatural.
A significant consideration is the premium price. While its powerful performance and extensive control options offer some justification, competitors like Dyson often provide more features, especially in terms of included attachments, within a similar price range. The GHD Speed comes with a concentrator, but the diffuser is sold separately.
GHD Speed review: price & availability
- List price: £299
- Available: UK
Priced at £299, the GHD Speed falls into the premium category for hair dryers. It is less expensive than Dyson’s Supersonic Nural (£399.99), though the Dyson model includes advanced features like automatic temperature adjustment, attachment memory, and a broader array of standard attachments.
Despite this, the GHD Speed maintains a premium feel, characterized by its extensive control options, high build quality, and powerful performance.
- Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
GHD Speed specs
- Model: GHD Speed
- Wattage: 1,800-2,100W
- Weight (approx, without cord): 1.4lbs / 620g
- Size (H x W x L, approx): 2.6 x 7.9 x 9.3in / 6.7 x 20 x 23.5cm
- Airflow settings: 4
- Temperature settings: 4
- Extra modes: Cool shot, continuous cool
- Cord length: 9.2ft / 2.8m
GHD Speed review: design
- Slightly bulky design
- Lots of setting options, plus a mode lock, all intuitively designed
- Delivers a “halo” of cool air at all times
The GHD Speed features a somewhat unusual, non-foldable design that appears disjointed. It is both chunky and heavy, weighing approximately 620g without its cord, which is notably heavier than models like the Dyson Supersonic Nural (around 455g).
The dryer excels in its control options and design. An on-off slider switch is located on the rear of the handle, alongside controls for temperature and wind speed. It offers four wind speed options and four heat settings, which is typically more than found on comparable devices.
A cool shot option is available, activated either through the heat button or a dedicated button on the handle’s rear. The rear button provides continuous cool air, while the front button delivers cool air only while pressed.
A slider on the front of the handle allows users to lock the current settings, preventing accidental changes during use. This functionality is a valuable addition, addressing a common challenge in hair dryer design where buttons can be inadvertently pressed. GHD’s implementation is both clever and efficient.
When powered on, lights around the dryer barrel illuminate to indicate wind speed and heat settings, changing from orange to blue in cool mode. This visual feedback ensures settings are clear and easily understood.
The dryer includes a double-layered concentrator nozzle that remains cool to the touch. It attaches magnetically and securely. A compatible diffuser is available as an optional purchase for £30.
- Design score: 4 out of 5
GHD Speed review: performance
- Very hot and very powerful on max settings
- Relatively easy to wield and mode lock switch is useful
- Dual airflow isn’t very noticeable, but hair was left looking smooth
The GHD Speed’s primary feature is its “halo dual-airflow technology,” which creates a continuous cool air ring around the main airflow. GHD claims this allows for closer styling to the scalp without discomfort. However, during use, the cool “halo” effect was not distinctly noticeable, and positioning the barrel close to the head still resulted in uncomfortable warmth, even when angled.
This halo feature is also intended to keep the main barrel cool, allowing it to be held there. While the barrel does remain cool, gripping the dryer in this manner may not feel natural for all users.
Despite the somewhat ambiguous ‘halo’ feature, the dryer’s overall performance is impressive. In its maximum modes, the GHD Speed delivers exceptional power and heat. The additional control offered by its multiple settings and the mode lock feature are particularly beneficial, often negating the need to always use the highest settings.
GHD asserts that the dryer “smooths and seals the cuticle” for a glossy finish. When compared in a side-by-side test with another hair dryer, such as the Dyson Supersonic r, the GHD-treated side appeared slightly smoother, though it did not achieve the 56% more shine claimed by the brand.
- Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
How I tested the GHD Speed
The GHD Speed was tested over several weeks to evaluate its overall performance and impact on hair appearance. Testing included timing hair drying for collarbone-length hair and comparing results against other reviewed hair dryers. Ease of handling and general usability were also assessed, with comparisons made to other models available.
- First reviewed: February 2025
