Anyone who’s spent a Saturday morning scrolling through straightener reviews knows the question that keeps popping up: Cloud Nine or ghd? The two brands dominate UK salon shelves and bathroom drawers, yet they take surprisingly different approaches to how heat hits your hair. This article compares them head-to-head on temperature precision, hair health claims, price, and real-world results, using data from independent tests and customer reviews.
Temperature settings: 11 ·
Plate material: Ceramic floating ·
Swivel cord: 360° ·
Stockists: Cloud Nine official, Boots, Very, Amazon
Quick snapshot
- Cloud Nine offers 11 adjustable settings (Expert Reviews UK)
- ghd has fixed temperature at 185°C (Expert Reviews UK)
- Cloud Nine claims to strengthen hair with ionic technology (Expert Reviews UK)
- Both use ceramic plates to reduce damage (Reviews.org Australia)
- Cloud Nine Classic around £130-£150 (Expert Reviews UK)
- ghd Platinum+ around £250 (Expert Reviews UK)
- ghd Original around £150 (Expert Reviews UK)
- Cloud Nine: 4.5/5 on Amazon (Amazon customer reviews)
- ghd: 4.6/5 on Amazon (Amazon customer reviews)
The comparison table below summarises the key differences between Cloud Nine and ghd straighteners.
| Feature | Cloud Nine | ghd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature settings | 11 (100°C–200°C) | Fixed 185°C |
| Plate material | Ceramic with sericite coating | Ceramic floating plates |
| Heat-up time | approx. 30 sec | approx. 25 sec |
| Cable length | 3 m | 2.7 m |
| Warranty | 1 yr (upgradeable to 3 yr) | 3 yr out of the box |
| Return policy | 45 days | 21 days |
| Price range (flagship) | £130–£150 | £150–£250 |
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature settings | 11 |
| Plate type | Ceramic floating |
| Swivel cord | 360° |
| Stockists | Cloud Nine official, Boots, Very, Amazon |
| Heat-up time (approx.) | 30 seconds |
| Cable length | 3 m |
| Warranty | 1 year (upgradeable to 3) |
| Return policy | 45 days |
Is Cloud 9 as good as ghd?
Temperature settings and technology comparison
- Cloud Nine straighteners offer a temperature range from 100°C to 200°C, except The Touch Iron which ranges 165°C to 195°C (Reviews.org Australia).
- All GHD hair straighteners heat up to 185°C, which the brand states is the optimal temperature for damage-free heat styling (Expert Reviews UK).
- Cloud Nine adds mineral sericite (a form of mica) to ceramic plates to reduce friction and seal hair cuticles (Expert Reviews UK).
- GHD’s ceramic plates are coated with ceramic material and set on floating springs to glide evenly over hair without snagging (Expert Reviews UK).
Cloud Nine’s Revive Mode vibrates straightening plates 8,000 times per minute to reduce friction during styling (Expert Reviews UK). That’s a feature ghd doesn’t offer, aimed at minimising mechanical stress on the hair shaft.
One pattern, two philosophies: ghd bets on a single perfect temperature, Cloud Nine lets you dial in based on hair type. The implication: if you have fine, damaged, or colour-treated hair, Cloud Nine’s low end at 100°C gives you room to protect it. For thick or coarse hair, 200°C delivers enough heat to get the job done in fewer passes.
Price and warranty comparison
Cloud Nine’s Micro Iron is priced £50 lower than GHD’s Mini straightener (Expert Reviews UK). But GHD’s Original straightener is priced at approximately half the cost of Cloud Nine’s basic offering (Expert Reviews UK). Two price strategies that reflect different market positions.
- GHD offers a three-year warranty on all straighteners out of the box (Reviews.org Australia).
- Cloud Nine straighteners come with a one-year warranty standard, upgradeable to three years if registered within 14 days of purchase (Reviews.org Australia).
- Cloud Nine’s return policy allows 45 days for returns (Reviews.org Australia).
- GHD’s return policy allows 21 days for returns (Reviews.org Australia).
The trade-off: ghd gives you longer coverage without any action required — convenient but less flexible. Cloud Nine’s shorter default warranty requires an extra step, but the upgrade matches ghd’s coverage for those who remember to register.
For UK buyers who tend to lose paperwork, ghd’s out-of-box three-year warranty removes a step. Cloud Nine’s 45-day return window, however, gives you more room to test the straightener on real wash-and-style days before deciding.
User reviews and professional opinions
- Amazon ratings show Cloud Nine at 4.5/5 and ghd at 4.6/5, suggesting very similar satisfaction levels in real-world use.
- Cloud Nine’s official site claims its styling tools “adapt to hair’s specific needs to promote strength, glossiness, and long-lasting health.”
What this means: the difference in customer satisfaction is marginal. Both brands have loyal followings, and the choice often comes down to whether you want adjustable heat or a simpler, proven system.
What are the top 3 hair straighteners?
Top 1: ghd Platinum+
- Rated highly for predictive heat technology that adapts to hair thickness, pass speed, and ambient temperature.
- Priced around £250, reflecting its premium professional positioning.
Top 2: Cloud Nine The Classic
- Offers variable temperature from 100°C to 230°C on some models, suiting multiple hair types.
- Floating ceramic plates with sericite mineral coating for reduced friction.
Top 3: Dyson Corrale
- Uses flexible copper-manganese alloy plates to gather hair without gap pressure.
- Cordless option available, though significantly more expensive than ghd or Cloud Nine.
Based on Expert Reviews UK’s 2025 test, the ranking criteria included heat-up time, temperature control, hair health impact, and overall value. The pattern: the top three all use ceramic or alloy plates, but they diverge sharply on price and temperature flexibility.
What hair type are Cloud 9 best for?
Fine hair
- Cloud Nine variable temperature from 100°C to 230°C suitable for all hair types (Reviews.org Australia).
- Floating plates reduce stress on fine hair by allowing the plates to adjust to hair thickness.
Thick/coarse hair
- For thick hair, higher temperature (up to 200-230°C) needed for effective straightening.
- Cloud Nine’s sericite coating helps seal the cuticle, which can reduce frizz on coarse hair.
Curly hair
- Revive Mode vibrating at 8,000 times per minute helps the straightener glide through curls without pulling.
- Variable heat allows lower temperatures for looser curls and higher for tighter curl patterns.
The catch: fine hair needs lower heat to avoid breakage, and Cloud Nine delivers that. Thick and curly hair benefits from higher temperature options that ghd’s fixed 185°C may not always provide if multiple passes are required.
For someone with fine, colour-treated hair, ghd’s 185°C may be too hot for daily use. Cloud Nine’s 100°C minimum setting means you can style without compounding damage from heat.
Are Cloud 9 straighteners good for your hair?
Ionic technology for reducing frizz
- Cloud Nine claims to promote hair strength and glossiness (Expert Reviews UK).
- Ionic technology is designed to break down water molecules, allowing moisture to be absorbed rather than evaporated.
Heat protection and ceramic coating
- Both Cloud Nine and ghd use ceramic plates, which distribute heat more evenly than metal plates.
- Cloud Nine’s sericite mineral coating fills microscopic gaps in the hair cuticle during styling.
Customer reviews on hair condition
- Positive reviews on hair health improvement on Amazon and review aggregators.
- Some users report less breakage after switching from cheaper straighteners to Cloud Nine.
The trade-off: both brands reduce damage compared to budget straighteners, but the evidence for long-term “hair improvement” rather than “less damage” is limited to manufacturer claims and anecdotal reviews.
What straighteners are as good as ghd?
ghd original
- The classic model that built the brand reputation, now at around £150.
- Fixed 185°C temperature with floating ceramic plates.
Cloud Nine Classic
- Direct competitor to ghd Original at a similar price bracket.
- Offers adjustable heat, longer cable, and sericite coating.
Other alternatives like Babyliss, Remington
- Babyliss 230°C straighteners offer adjustable heat at a lower price point (around £50-£80).
- Remington features ceramic and tourmaline coatings at budget-friendly prices (under £40).
Key features to look for: adjustable heat, plate material (ceramic or tourmaline), and warranty length. The implication: if budget is your primary constraint, Babyliss and Remington offer solid alternatives. If you want professional-grade heat management and durability, Cloud Nine and ghd remain the top two choices from Expert Reviews UK.
Confirmed facts and what remains unclear
Upsides
- Cloud Nine has 11 temperature settings (Expert Reviews UK)
- Floating ceramic plates with sericite coating (Expert Reviews UK)
- 360° swivel cord
- GHD’s fixed 185°C temperature (Expert Reviews UK)
Downsides
- Exact heat-up time (not specified)
- Specific hair health benefits relative to ghd (needs more evidence)
“Our intelligent styling tools adapt to hair’s specific needs to promote strength, glossiness, and long-lasting health.”
Cloud Nine official site
“185°C is the optimal temperature for damage-free heat styling.”
ghd official site
Frequently asked questions
Do Cloud Nine straighteners have automatic shut-off?
Cloud Nine straighteners include an automatic shut-off feature that activates after 60 minutes of inactivity, as standard across their range.
How long does it take for Cloud Nine straighteners to heat up?
Most Cloud Nine models reach their maximum temperature in approximately 30 seconds, though exact heat-up time varies by model.
Are Cloud Nine straighteners dual voltage?
Some Cloud Nine models are dual voltage, but not all. Check the product specifications before purchasing for international travel.
Can Cloud Nine straighteners be used on wet hair?
No, Cloud Nine straighteners should not be used on wet hair. Always dry hair completely before styling to prevent heat damage.
What is the difference between Cloud Nine Classic and Starlight?
The Cloud Nine Classic is the standard model with the sericite coating and variable heat. The Starlight is a limited-edition variant with the same technology but different aesthetics and packaging.
What plate width do Cloud Nine straighteners have?
Cloud Nine straighteners typically feature plates that are 1 inch (25mm) wide, suitable for most hair lengths and textures.
Do Cloud Nine straighteners come with a heat protection mat?
Yes, Cloud Nine straighteners include a heat protection mat in the box, along with a storage pouch in some models.
For UK buyers weighing a premium straightener purchase, the choice between Cloud Nine and ghd comes down to one thing: whether you want a single proven temperature or the ability to adjust heat for your specific hair type. Cloud Nine’s variable settings and longer cable give it an edge for versatility. ghd’s consistent temperature and longer standard warranty favour simplicity. For anyone in the UK market, the implication is clear: test the straightener on your own hair type, or opt for Cloud Nine’s 45-day return window if you want the safety net.
Ryan Singh is Senior Reporter at Aussie Report, covering breaking stories and explainers.