Latest news with #ghd
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
I lost $1000 after carrying a product I was assured was travel friendly
As a frequent traveller and travel journalist, I feel I have mastered the art of travelling. I'm no stranger to carry-on restrictions or security screenings, and I've got packing my bags down to a fine art. Travelling with expensive camera gear means I ensure it is safely packed in carry-on, and I even take the batteries out for easy inspection. I'm so used to it, I like to think of myself as a pro-packer. The latest backpack that fits all you need, I have it. Suitcases that roll so easily they could walk themselves, I'm taking it. From the latest travel gadgets to make life on the move easier, such as pocket power banks, to water bottles that purify water, and even reversible jeans that give you extra outfit options in one, I have them all. For me, it's all about convenience, comfort and minimising weight (because no one likes lugging around bags when travelling). So, when I saw ghd offered a cordless hair straightener that promised to be 'Flight Friendly', I was sold. No longer would my wild hair that turns into a bird's nest at the mere whisper of the word humidity be an issue while travelling. I could whip out my compact, travel-friendly hair straightener and slick that unruly hair back down where it belonged. It was sleek, compact, and sold with promises of 'hybrid co-lithium technology' and 'flight-friendly' status in line with IATA guidelines on carriage of portable electronic devices. Additionally, it fully charges in just two hours and comes with a heat-resistant case for safe storage. And all for a starting price of $475 AUD. It was in my cart and purchased faster than I could say ghd. Perfect! I tried it out at home first, and it did everything it promised. So, it was the first thing I packed in my checked-in bag ahead of my trip to New Zealand. I used it daily throughout my week-long adventures around Northland, and when it came time to fly home to Brisbane from Auckland, I had it packed safely in my checked-in bag again. This is where my lesson in lithium batteries, international regulations – and why even 'flight-friendly' doesn't always mean airline-approved – began. I returned home to Brisbane and discovered a note in my suitcase from the New Zealand Aviation Security Service, saying they had 'confirmed the inspected item was unsuitable for air carriage and the item was removed', listing 1 ghd Hair Straightener. I was devastated, not only at the loss of a $475 personal item (gulp), but also that I'd lost my handy travel companion. Undeterred (and still committed to good hair days on the road), I replaced the confiscated unit with the same model before a trip to Japan. This time, I decided to follow what I believed were IATA-aligned guidelines more closely and packed it in my carry-on bag. Departing Australia, there was no issue. The straightener passed through security at Brisbane Airport, and I used it during my stay in Tokyo without trouble. But when I went to fly from Haneda to Sapporo, I was stopped at screening. The ghd straightener was swiftly and unapologetically confiscated. Two hair straighteners down and a day into Hokkaido's 40-degree summer heat with a frizzy mass of hair, I decided to go sleuth on the subject of 'what can and cannot be taken on a flight'. According to the Aviation Security Service (AvSec) website, they now prohibit certain cordless hair straighteners from being packed in either carry-on or checked baggage — unless they meet specific safety conditions. Under the new guidelines, cordless styling tools without a flight-safe mode — such as the ghd Unplugged — are no longer allowed on flights from New Zealand. The issue stems from their battery configuration. If a device doesn't have a way to disconnect the heating element from the battery (either via a removable battery or a flight-safe tag), it poses a potential fire hazard. By contrast, devices like the Dyson Corrale, which include a flight mode that isolates the battery, are permitted on board — provided the flight-safe tag is removed before travel. Standard plug-in hair straighteners powered by mains electricity are unaffected by the changes and can continue to travel in both checked and carry-on luggage. It seems several other airports are following suit, with these updated policies focusing on the fire risk posed by battery-powered heating devices. Many airlines and airport security agencies have strict and varying rules around battery-powered devices, particularly those containing lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries, due to fire risk. Even if the device is powered off, certain types of lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage at all. And in carry-on luggage, regulations can differ by country and even by airport. When I put my recent experience to ghd customer care, while they were 'sorry' for my experience, the decision whether the device can be taken on board or not 'rests with individual airlines and airport authorities, whose policies may vary.' 'The ghd unplugged fully complies with IATA guidelines for portable electronic devices,' the statement read. 'As you've experienced, some security teams may confiscate devices containing non-removable lithium batteries despite compliance. Unfortunately, this is outside ghd's control. As outlined in the safety guidelines included in the packaging, we recommend contacting your airline prior to travel for advice on how to carry your ghd unplugged.' What this experience taught me is that 'flight-friendly' doesn't mean universally accepted. Even if a brand markets a device as compliant with international air travel guidelines, interpretation of those rules can vary dramatically between countries — and airport security has the final say. Had I known, I likely would've saved myself the cost of two cordless straighteners and the inconvenience of dealing with inconsistent enforcement. For travellers who rely on styling tools, consider packing a corded straightener or one with removable batteries instead. And always check your airline's dangerous goods information page before packing. Because the only thing worse than a bad hair day … is losing your favourite straightener to airport security, twice.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Zara McDermott's on-sale blowdry brush works even if you're ‘awful' at hair
Zara McDermott swears by this clever 2-in-1 styling tool for achieving a salon-worthy blowdry at home, and it's now on sale with over £150 off If you're the type who struggles to style your hair with a brush and hairdryer without ending up in a tangle, you're not alone. Zara McDermott gets it, and as someone self-proclaimed at being 'awful' at hair, she's shared her go-to hair tool that delivers a bouncy, salon-style blowdry at home. And the best part? The hair tool is currently on sale with over £150 off. The tool in question is the ghd Duet Blowdry, a clever 2-in-1 blow-dry brush that dries and styles your hair simultaneously. Originally priced at £389, the limited edition Galactic Lilac colourway has been slashed by £159 at Boots, bringing its price down to a slightly more wallet-friendly £230. Designed for anyone who finds round-brush styling difficult, the brush uses smart Heat-Air Xchange Technology ™ to give you smooth, voluminous results with minimal effort. You also don't need to worry about any heat damage to your hair, as the heat is kept consistent, thanks to sensors that monitor it 400 times a second. The brush actually promises 50% more shine with none of the dreaded frizz, so you can achieve salon-worthy hair every day without the hair salon prices. And it's not just Zara who's obsessed with this hair tool. A Boots reviewer wrote: "Game changer, dry and smooth hair, no need for straighteners". While over on the ghd website, one shopper raved: "Best thing invented since sliced bread. I have been saving for this for so long! And I am so happy I did buy it in the end! Best Thing ever. Time saving and my hair looks soooo healthy!". However, not everyone was as impressed with lack of heat settings. A reviewer said: "The blower brush does work really well, however, I wish it had different settings. It seems like a missed opportunity to just have 1 heat, no option for cool. The tip gets super hot as you get further into the blow-dry." If you're looking for a more affordable blowdry brush, Dry Bar's The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush is currently priced at £125 and has been praised by shoppers for being excellent for curly hair. While the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Brush and Comb is almost 50% off at Amazon. Normally priced at £99.99, it's now 45% off at £54.99.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
ghd straightener that 'glides through hair' now under £100
The ghd Original Hair Straightener promises to heat up fast with plates that glide through hair without pulling out strands A good hair day depends on various factors and while shampoo and conditioner provide a good level of nourishment, the use of a quality hair tool can have a more significant impact on achieving style outcomes. ghd's Original Hair Straightener is an iconic hair tool that everyone was talking about during the YouTube beauty boom in the early 2000s. The popular product made it easy to get salon-like results, delivering sleek, smooth and shiny hair, without the risk of extreme heat damage. For a limited time, the straightener is down to a lower price on Amazon, reducing from £139 to £97.99 - a saving of 30%. Shoppers can find the ghd Original on the brand's official website at full price (£139), or at Boots (reduced to £97.99). The hair tool has had a few upgrades since it was first launched in 2001, with the latest version featuring single-zone ceramic technology, to maintain an optimum temperature of 185°C across both styling plates. The rounded barrel helps users to effortlessly create soft waves, bouncy curls or poker-straight looks, while the golden floating plates add a glossy appearance to tresses. ghd's straightener has received a high 4.6 out of five star rating on Amazon, one loyal customer shared: "Last pair gave up after 20 years. Love these, I like the little tune when they are up to full heat. Glide through my hair. The only thing I need to get used to, is they have a curved outer case and don't sit like the others. I just use a silicone mat. Here's to the next 20 years." Another loved the fast 30-second heat up and automatic sleep mode, commenting: " Heats ups quickly and light weight which is what I needed now." A third mentioned that the plates are smooth enough to "glide through the hair without pulling". In need of a quick styling? Cloud Nine's The New Original Iron heats up in 20 seconds and has 11 temperature settings between 100 and 200°C. Currently on offer with £50 saving, shoppers can get this online for £169 instead of £219. LookFantastic has reduced the price of BaByliss Super Styler Hair Straightener from £125 to £43.75 - a whopping 65% off but one shopper said: "It requires a lot of pulling on your hair to get them to move down it." ghd has been rated the UK's number-one straightener brand and its Original Hair Straightener is loved and recommended by hair professionals. One hairdresser detailed: "I use this on my clients for everything - straightening, curling, beach wave, straight bob - you name it. It is light to use and it doesn't damage the hair. I made wavy looks using this as well and my client can't believe it." Another removed a star from their review, saying: "I bought this a few weeks ago , they are great, but the plug is very small to grab hold of, when trying to unplug from stock it's quite hard." Someone else found casing material 'plasticky and cheap' and preferred the ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener instead, which is down to £229 (was £239). The ghd Original Hair Straightener is available on Amazon for £97.99 instead of £139.
North Wales Live
14-07-2025
- North Wales Live
'I tried ghd's new curling wand - it gave me perfect waves in 15 minutes'
ghd is a well-known name in the beauty industry, renowned for delivering salon-quality results at home for over 20 years and securing a permanent place in the routines of professionals and beauty enthusiasts alike. Their Chronos Curve range is the latest launch from ghd that has got beauty writer Lauren Codling excited. Following the recent release of the Chronos Straighteners, the four new styling tools - Curve Classic Tong, Curve Grand Tong, Curve Conical Wand and Curve Max Wand - are each designed to achieve different curl objectives. They're all priced at £189, which aligns with GHD's premium pricing - but if you're familiar with the brand, you know the tools often live up to the hype. The Max Wand was tempting, especially with its large barrel designed for longer hair and loose curls, while the Classic Tong promised polished, defined waves. Meanwhile, the Grand Tong looked like it could deliver the kind of voluminous ringlets that bounce with every step. But she opted for the Conical Wand, which she considered "the most versatile of the four" as it is designed to create more relaxed, natural curls, reports the Mirror. Lauren said: "I'm typically more inclined to use a straightener for curling, so utilising a dedicated wand was a bit of a departure for me. Upon initial inspection, the tool possesses the same sleek, lightweight feel as other ghd devices, with a straightforward on/off switch and a minimalistic design that wouldn't look out of place in a professional salon. "The lack of adjustable heat settings may be a letdown for those who like to modify it based on the style or section they're working on. However, as any ghd aficionado will tell you, all their tools operate at a steady 185°C, which the brand touts as the 'optimum styling temperature' - and to be fair, it worked a treat for my fine-to-medium hair." Other who want to adjust the heat setting on the hair styling tool can try Babyliss' Rose Quartz 25mm Curling Tong (£35, Amazon) offers six temperature options, ranging from 160°C to 210°C. Alternatively, the TRESemmé Large Ceramic Curling Tong (£27, Argos) provides three settings, with a top temperature of 200°C. Returning to the Conical Wand, it took Lauren a few attempts to master the technique - wrapping sections around the barrel rather than clamping, as she is accustomed to. She continued: "I did manage to scorch my thumb at one point, only to discover that there were heat-resistant gloves included in the box. I divided my hair into sections and wrapped each strand for roughly five seconds. Once brushed out, the result was a soft, natural-looking curl that didn't appear overly 'done'. "The styling process was surprisingly efficient, taking me just 10 to 15 minutes to style my entire head. The wand was lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, ensuring my arms didn't tire halfway through. "The swivel cord was a bonus, allowing me to style without feeling like I was wrestling with the wire. A cool tip also proved useful for holding the wand steady without burning my fingers (barring my initial mishap). "Despite this minor issue, the wand delivered exactly what I had hoped for, without requiring excessive heat or prolonged styling time. The curls held remarkably well with minimal hairspray - slightly softer but still present - and my hair maintained its softness and shine throughout the evening." The ghd Chronos Curve Conical Wand provided a more uniform and rounded shape with less trial and error when compared to hair straighteners and shoppers looking to achieve volume, definition, and curls, the entire Chronos Curve range is available here.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP confirms State Pension age change for people with certain birthdates
The DWP will start to implement a State Pension age change from next year, moving from 66 to 67 - and this is how it will affect you depending on your date of birth The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will commence a change in the State Pension age from next year, transitioning from 66 to 67. Those born between October 6, 1954, and April 5, 1960, will still officially reach pensionable age at 66. This applies until the conclusion of the 2025/2026 financial year. Following this, the State Pension age for both men and women will start to rise to 67, in a phased adjustment set to be finalised by 2028. This will impact anyone born between April 6, 1960, and April 5, 1977. READ MORE: 'I'm a beauty writer - the new ghd curling wand gave me perfect waves in 15 mins' In certain instances, individuals will attain State Pension age on their birthday, but those born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will experience a gradual increase. This means they'll reach their State Pension age at 66 years plus an incrementally increasing number of additional months as it ascends to 67. We've compiled a list below detailing how you'll be affected and when you're due to receive your State Pension. Date of birth and the date when State Pension age is reached Born April 6, 1960-May 5, 1960: 66 years and 1 month (May-June 2026) Born May 6, 1960-June 5, 1960: 66 years and 2 months (July-August 2026) Born June 6, 1960-July 5, 1960: 66 years and 3 months (September-October 2026) Born July 6, 1960-August 5, 1960: 66 years and 4 months (November-December 2026). Note that a person born on July 31, 1960, is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 4 months on November 30, 2026. Born August 6, 1960-September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months (January-February 2027) Born September 6, 1960-October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months (March-April 2027) Born October 6, 1960-November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months (May-June 2027) Born November 6, 1960-December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months (July-August 2027) Born December 6, 1960-January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months (September-October 2027). But note that a person born on December 31, 1960, is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 9 months on September 30, 2027. Born January 6, 1961-February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months (November-December 2027). But note that a person born on January 31, 1961, is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 10 months on November 30, 2027. Born February 6, 1961-March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months (January-February 2028) Born March 6, 1961-April 5, 1977: 67 (March-April 2028) For people born after April 5, 1969 but before April 6, 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, State Pension age was already 67. Looking ahead, the State Pension age for both genders is currently slated to rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. This will affect those born after April 6, 1977, reports Birmingham Live.
