Excessive heat, such as 450 degrees Fahrenheit, can compromise the internal structure of the hair strand; conversely, the lowest heat settings can harm the cuticle layer without providing a lasting style. GHD has struck a balanced approach. “Consider 365 degrees as the optimal point, the ideal middle ground for achieving enduring results without inflicting extreme heat damage,” Kirkland explains.
GHD solidifies its commitment to the scientifically-backed 365-degree benchmark with HD Motion-Responsive technology, an innovative mechanism integrated into both the original Chronos and the Chronos Max. This technology tackles the temperature drop that occurs due to heat being transferred from the straightener to the hair, a phenomenon GHD describes as thermal lag.
Kirkland illustrates this by mimicking the use of a flat iron on a strand of her hair. “As [the straightener] glides along the strand, it may read 430, then 420 … it’s not steady,” she notes. “Our technology can instantly recover from this temperature drop with sensors that assess the entire plate surface 250 times per second, ensuring that every part of the plate maintains the same temperature throughout the styling process.”
In essence, even if you believe you are using a high-heat tool, it may actually be operating at 365 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower, while simultaneously causing unnecessary damage. Kirkland adds that these consistent temperature sensors enable users to straighten their hair more efficiently, hence the name “Chronos” (Chronos was the god of time in Greek mythology).
No Pain, No Gain
This is undeniably impressive, and it justifies the premium pricing of the Chronos Max (which is notably high for a non-air-powered Dyson or a multi-tool), but does it actually straighten as effectively as a 450-degree iron? For my frizzy curls, the answer is a mixed bag.
Starting with damp hair, I used a Shark FlexFusion blow-dry brush attachment followed by a heat protectant spray (as recommended by GHD), then made a single pass on each section with the Chronos Max. I repeated this process multiple times. My hair was straightened, though not nearly as sleek as with my higher-heat ceramic tools like the Paul Mitchell Style+ or Smooth+, and certainly not as effective as a titanium tool like the Sutra. I suspect if my hair were dense and tightly coiled, like 4a or beyond, the Chronos would fall short. However, it performed admirably for daily touch-ups and resulted in noticeable shine over time, whether due to the plates’ “ultra gloss” finish or simply a reduction in damage.
Video courtesy of Kat Merck
But what about those oversized plates? Some users prefer narrower plates, as they can be trickier to handle if you like to create waves or curls after straightening. Kirkland notes that because the plates of the Max are positioned closer to the edge of the clamps, this straightener can still function as a versatile tool despite its width. I tested this, and while my skills for curling with a straightening iron aren’t the best, I found it just as easy to achieve curls with the Max as with a 1-inch iron.
Overall, even if it didn’t leave my coarse curls as polished as a hotter straightening iron, the Chronos Max remains a viable option for those with more manageable hair and/or those looking to reduce damage. Just temper your expectations—although it’s understandable to hope for miraculous results at this price point.
