SASSYBELLA compares the two:
Earlier this month I told you that the Cloud Nine hair styler (created by the founders of the iconic ghd hair straightener) has launched in Australia with some former staffers jumping ship locally to launch the new straightener into our ghd-saturated market. Since I’m always curious about ‘competing’ beauty products (right now true mineral make up is fascinating me too) I couldn’t say no when one was offered to me on loan.
But let me start off by saying, I had never personally used a ghd before reviewing both the Cloud Nine and the ghd IV styler. Why? Because I never understood why people would fork out the ‘big bucks’ when it came to these heated tongs that flatten hair. I’d rather spend the money on clothes or shoes. Apparently I was wrong to think with a fashion brain, and was happy to be proven otherwise since my hair is naturally straight but thick, making styling difficult if I didn’t want it to just ‘hang’ limply.
Thanks to Twitter, I discovered some of you were keen to find out what the difference between the Cloud Nine and the ghd IV Styler were – and if it was worthwhile to change loyalties or upgrade from a cheaper alternative. So I’ve created this quick comparison table which I hope helps you make up your mind.
Cloud Nine vs ghd IV Styler
The hair straightener features comparison table
| Cloud Nine | ghd IV Styler | |
| Temperature: | User controlled, from 100°C to 200°C. *Straighteners come with recommended temperatures for styling different looks. |
180°C |
| Colour: | Black plates, black coating & blue logo | Orange plates, black coating and orange logo. |
| Weight: | Approx 250 – 260 grams^ Feels lighter when using. |
Approx 250 – 260 grams^ Feels heavier when using. |
| Finish on hair: | Glossy natural shine (apparently due to their black plates) | Natural shine, but not as glossy |
| Safety features: | Built in safety chip which turns off the straightener after 30 minutes of non-use | Built in safety chip which turns off the straightener after 30 minutes of non-use |
| Special features: | - RFID Chip for tracking authenticity and quality control. - Flashing light to tell you when the iron is at the right heat. - Worldwide voltage - User control temperature panel that is ‘state-of-the-art temperature control technology’ |
- ‘Shiver mode’ which protects the iron from internal condensation when exposed to temperatures below 5 degrees. - A flashing light and beeping-noise to tell you when the iron is up to heat. - Worldwide voltage - ‘Innovative digital temperature control’ - A variety of colours |
| Extra components: | - Plastic heat guard for quick post use storage so you don’t have to worry about the irons coming into contact with non-heat resistant surfaces. - Heat protector bag - Swivel cord (smooth) - 2 year warranty |
- Heat protector bag - Swivel cord (a little tight) |
| Price: | AUD RRP$279 GBP RRP£129.95 |
AUD RRP$299 GBP RRP£119 |
^Weight taken with old kitchen scales so approximates given.
Our verdict:
The little things really set the Cloud Nine apart for me – the temperature control and plastic heat protector – and the fact that I found the finish was nicer on the Cloud Nine.
But if I already forked out for a ghd, would I fork out for another one? Probably not, especially in the wake of the GFC and my longing for an European or New York City holiday. But it’s always good to see some competition in the market, especially since the ghd has, for the most part, been competitor-less for almost a decade.
THE GALLERY STOCKS CLOUD NINE STYLERS AND THE O, COME IN TO EXPERIENCE THE NEW GHD!
