Beauty Diary: ghd Chronos Max review – does size really matter?

Aussie consumers are “loving” a new larger version of a cult bathroom product, with some declaring it proves size really does matter.

A cult-beauty brand has done the impossible: releasing a “better” version of its most popular product.

Just last year, British brand ghd released its Chronos Hair Styler, a next-generation straightener with some pretty decent improvements, including being “three times faster” and an one-stroke ability to lock in “high-definition results that last 24 hours”.

But less than 12 months on, the hair care brand – which stands for “Good Hair Day” – has released another iteration of the tool, leaving many wondering how on earth ghd have levelled up an already impressive gadget?

The answer lies in its size, with ghd creating a significantly bigger version of the Chronos for those with long and thick hair.

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ghd recently released the Chronos Max (left), a larger version of its cult Chronos styler (right). Picture: news.com.au

“At ghd we are constantly innovating and listening to the consumer’s needs,” James Kavanagh, Education Manager at ghd Australia and New Zealand, told news.com.au’s The Beauty Diary.

“70 per cent of women have hair shoulder length or longer, 10 per cent wear extensions, 46 per cent of women have thick hair and 33 per cent have textured hair so creating the Chronos Max addresses these needs making it easier and quicker to style their hair.”

But it’s not just those with hair that is more demanding who can benefit from the ghd $495 hair tool, Mr Kavanagh explained.

“Time is so important. Making the plates 85 per larger than our gold styler delivers up to 3 times faster styling.”

As someone who is already obsessed with the Chronos styler (I declared it one of the “best new product launches of 2024”), I was interested to see if size really does matter.

The larger version has plates that are ‘85 per larger’ than an original styler. Picture: Supplied

Straighteners have come a long way since ghd released its first-ever product back in 2001.

Since the OG, there have been several iterations of the device, but the Chronos overtook last year as the brand’s flagship product, surpassing its still incredibly great “Platinum+” styler, which was released in September 2018.

The Chronos, and now the Chronos Max, feature ceramic plates that ghd claim will style your hair in one stroke.

Both also promise to deliver 85 per cent more shine.

Chronos vs. Chronos Max

But how do they compare?

One of the things I loved about the Chronos was that it is smaller and lighter than other straighteners, making it my go-to hair tool for travelling.

In terms of a simple sleek look, the super-sized version has fast become a device I reach for every day, as it’s definitely shaved a few minutes off getting ready in the morning.

That’s down to simple maths: The wider plates cover more hair, meaning I get the job done faster.

I put the Chronos Max to the test. Picture: Supplied

And was impressed with the results, which some state prove ‘bigger is always better’. Picture: Supplied

I’ve also found the Max version really great for curling in a hurry for the exact same reason.

The curl tends to have a softer, somewhat more casual finish, which is great for day-to-day wear.

In comparison, the original Chronos creates a sleeker curl, which takes a little longer to complete.

Both also have an impressive ability to beat frizz, which during summer is nothing short of miraculous.

I’ve really struggled to say which device I prefer better, as it really depends on my mood and needs. So choosing which one I love more has been impossible. Both are great.

‘Bigger is always better’

But many on social media have sided with the larger version, proving “bigger is always better”.

“Consumers have been extremely positive about the Chronos Max, with consumers stating they are ‘loving’ the shiny results and one-stroke styling,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“Chronos and Chronos Max have HD Motion responsive technology which adapts to the users’ movements, guaranteeing unparalleled heat monitoring accuracy measuring 250 times per second to make sure the hair is constantly styled at 185 degrees.”

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Originally published as Beauty Diary: ghd Chronos Max review – does size really matter?