As a beauty editor, I’ve tested countless hair tools over the years. From GHD straighteners to the Dyson Airwrap, almost every hairdryer, hot brush, curling tong and multi-styler has passed through my hands at some point. Still, even with so many tools available, I had never quite found a curling wand that could give my long hair those soft, effortless-looking loose waves I always wanted.
That changed when I was invited to an exclusive briefing for GHD’s latest launch, the Chronos Curve Max Wand (£189), last month. After using it for the past six weeks, I can honestly say it has become one of the most complimented hair tools in my routine. Here are my full thoughts on the new curling wand and the technology behind it.
You may already be familiar with GHD’s curling wands and tongs, but the brand has now upgraded them with its Chronos technology, which is also used in the newest models of its hair straighteners. This update is designed to deliver more consistent heat coverage, faster styling and shinier-looking results.
The Chronos technology has now been added to the GHD Curve Classic Tong, Curve Conical Wand and Curve Grand Tong. Alongside these updated tools, GHD has also introduced a completely new size: the Curve Max Wand. At 38mm, it is GHD’s largest curling wand yet, and it also features the Chronos upgrade.
I have tried plenty of curling wands before, but most barrels have never been large enough to create the loose, relaxed waves I like on my long hair. This 38mm barrel feels ideal for creating soft curls, light movement and an undone finish.
If you prefer your hair to look polished but not overly styled, this wand is a very strong option. In general, a smaller barrel creates a tighter curl, while a larger barrel gives a softer, more relaxed wave. For me, this wand gives the kind of look my hair usually has on the second day after a salon blowdry. There is still volume and movement, but instead of a strong curl, the result is a gentle ripple through the lengths.
The tool itself is also very simple to use. It heats up in just 50 seconds, and because the barrel is both large and long, I was able to curl bigger sections of hair at once. This made the whole styling process much quicker. My hair is long and thick, but I could style it fully in around 10 minutes or less. I only needed to hold each section around the barrel for about 10 seconds to create a loose curl that lasted well.
My hair usually holds a curl fairly well, but I was still impressed by how these soft waves looked the next day. Even though the curls were loose, they did not completely drop out overnight. I only needed to refresh a few pieces at the front the following morning.
I test a lot of hair tools, but only a few end up staying in my regular routine. The GHD Chronos Curve Max Wand has definitely earned a permanent place in my weekly styling lineup. The larger barrel works especially well for my long, thick hair, helps reduce styling time and gives me the undone waves I have struggled to achieve with other curling wands.
It has not only made styling faster, but it also gives me curls that last until my next wash day. That makes it feel much more useful than a tool I would only reach for occasionally.
Of course, the price is worth mentioning. At £189, this is definitely a premium purchase. However, if you regularly want soft, undone waves at home and want to avoid paying for frequent salon blowdries, it could be a smart investment. It also makes sense if loose waves are your everyday hairstyle, especially because larger curling wands that create this exact finish are not always easy to find.
I can also see the benefits of the Chronos technology. Each section of my hair looks smoother, shinier and less frizzy after styling. I also like that GHD has added the same technology to the other three curlers in the range, giving different hair lengths and styling preferences more options.
That said, if your hair is shoulder-length or shorter, such as a bob, you may prefer a smaller barrel for better control and definition. If you are unsure which curling wand is right for your hair type and desired style, GHD also offers a quiz to help match you with the best model. If you are tempted, the full Chronos Curve range includes four curlers to choose from.
