I’ve tested a lot of hair dryers, but the GHD Speed — a new addition to the brand’s lineup and the newest model to grace my dressing table — is perhaps the most powerful I’ve ever used. It also offers an intriguing special feature in the form of “dual airflow halo technology”. Essentially, there is a perimeter of always cool air surrounding the main airflow.
I sat down with Janine Jennings, Education Manager at GHD UK&I, to find out more about the new tumble dryer and the idea behind the ‘halo’ effect.
In my testing, I was blown away (almost literally) by how powerful the GHD Speed was at max out of its four wind speed options, so the first half of that statement gets the seal of approval from me. The second half is related to the “halo” functionality.
Jennings told me that the combination of cool and warm air “keeps the hair’s exit temperature up to 20 degrees.” [Celsius] cooler, [which] helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of heat damage.
I’m always skeptical of “no heat damage” claims, but Jennings was able to provide some supporting information: “At our Cambridge R&D lab, our scientific team rigorously tests thermal performance on multiple hair types. In these controlled studies, no thermal damage was detected after three drying passes using an oval brush and the Halo Professional Styling Concentrator on maximum heat and airflow, compared to naturally dried hair.
Hold on
The “halo” feature also has additional ripple effects. “It keeps the dryer cool to the touch, allowing you to get closer to the roots to maximize volume for better results and enhanced shine,” says Jennings.
I’m a little more hesitant on this part. Jennings and GHD marketing for the Speed dryer suggest that by adding this halo of cooler air you can get closer to your root. However, in practice, I couldn’t really feel the cool air and I definitely couldn’t hold the dryer close to my scalp without it feeling uncomfortably hot. This was true even if I held the dryer sideways to my head.
However, Jennings is correct when she says the dryer barrel stays cool to the touch. It was a little strange, but I was able to hold the GHD Speed by its barrel for more precise control of the airflow direction.
Nice customer
Although cool air is mixed with the main airflow, this “halo” feature is not intended to replace fresh airflow. “A cool photo is always recommended to lock in your final style,” says Jennings. “Halo technology intelligently manages heat throughout drying, but the cool dose allows for the final step of sealing the cuticles for long-lasting hold.”
The GHD Speed makes this step incredibly easy. Not only does it have a cool pulse button, but it also includes “cold” as its primary temperature setting, providing a continuous flow of cool air without the need to hold down a button. I’ve tested many of the best hair dryers on the market and haven’t seen this option anywhere else.
The GHD Speed is available to buy now, direct from GHD and selected retailers, at a list price of £299.
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