ghd curling wands NZ: classic tong vs conical vs max

Updated November 2026.

Searching for a curling wand in NZ throws up dozens of tools. In the salon we use ghd, and across the Chronos Curve range the main thing that changes is the barrel: its size, its shape, and whether it has a clamp. Pick by the curl you want, not by the name on the box.

This guide covers the four ghd curlers we get asked about: the classic tong, the conical wand, the max wand and the triple barrel waver. If you're weighing up a straightener that curls instead, we cover that too.

Curling wand vs curling tong: what's the difference?

• A tong (what most people call a curling iron) has a clamp. You clamp the ends and wind up. It's the easiest to learn and gives the most even curl. If you searched for a ghd curler with a clamp, this is it.
• A wand has no clamp. You wrap the hair around the barrel and hold the ends. It gives softer, more natural-looking waves, but there's a learning curve.
• A conical wand tapers, so it's wider at the base and narrower at the tip. The curl comes out looser at the root and tighter at the ends.
• A waver isn't a curler at all. You press it down the hair like a straightener and it sets an S-shaped wave.

None of them is better across the board. They just make different shapes, and some are easier to learn than others.

ghd curling wands compared: classic tong vs conical vs max wand

For the live price on any of these, see the product page. Our ghd price guide explains how ghd pricing works in New Zealand.

Best curling wand for beginners

Buy the ghd chronos curve classic tong. The clamp holds the hair for you, which takes away the single hardest part of learning to curl. Wands make lovely waves, but you have to hold the hair against a hot barrel, and everyone burns a finger learning. If you want to try a wand anyway, wear a heat-resistant glove for the first few weeks.

The tong is also the most forgiving if you're curling the back of your own head, where you can't see what your hands are doing.

ghd conical wand: who it suits

The ghd chronos curve conical wand is the one for the undone, lived-in wave. Because the barrel tapers, you get a little more volume near the root and a tighter twist through the ends. It works best on mid-length to long hair.

If you've searched conical curling wand vs regular: a regular barrel gives the same curl from top to bottom, a conical barrel gives a curl that changes along its length. Conical looks softer and more natural. Regular looks more polished and lasts a touch longer on hair that drops easily.

ghd chronos curve max wand: long hair only

The ghd chronos curve max wand has a 38mm large barrel. On long hair it gives loose, glossy waves, close to the finish of a good blow-dry. It needs length to wrap around, so on a bob it will barely bend the hair. For a similar soft finish on shorter hair, a round-brush blow-dry does it better. See our hot brush guide or how we do the bouncy blow-wave.

Short hair, long hair, fine hair: which ghd curler?

• Short hair or a bob: the classic tong or the conical wand. Leave the last couple of centimetres out of the barrel so the ends don't flick into a ringlet.
• Mid-length hair: the conical wand for beachy waves, or the tong for a neater curl.
• Long hair: the max wand for loose glossy waves, or the ghd wave triple barrel waver if you want waves fast.
• Fine hair that drops: the tong, in small sections, cooled completely before you touch it.
• Thick hair: any of them work. Take smaller sections than you think you need, and hold a little longer.

Is a curling wand better than curling with a straightener?

A wand is easier to learn and more consistent from curl to curl. A straightener such as the ghd platinum+ styler can curl and straighten, so it's the better buy if you want one tool for both. Straightener curls take more practice and come out slightly flatter. Our ghd straightener guide covers which models curl best.

Do you need the Chronos version?

The Chronos Curve wands hold their temperature more consistently than ghd's older Curve range, which matters most if you're curling a full head. If you only curl your fringe or a few face-framing pieces twice a week, an older ghd wand you already own is still fine. Wondering if ghd is worth it at all? We answer that honestly in is ghd worth it.

How to use a curling wand without frying your hair

1. Start with completely dry hair. Curling damp hair is the quickest way to damage it.
2. Put heat protection through every section.
3. Take sections about 2 to 3cm wide. Bigger sections mean more passes, and more passes mean more heat.
4. Wrap away from your face, hold for a few seconds, then release into your hand.
5. Let every curl cool completely before you touch it. Cooling is what sets the curl.
6. Rake through with your fingers once everything's cool, and finish with a little oil on the ends.

For natural texture, our Kérastase Curl Manifesto guide covers looking after curls and waves you already have.

Heat protection for curling

A curling wand holds hair against heat for longer than a straightener does, so protection matters more, not less. Our pick is Kérastase Nectar Thermique for dry or thick hair, Genesis Défense Thermique for fine hair that breaks easily, and Chroma Thermique if your hair is coloured. Put it through damp hair before you blow-dry, so it's already in when you curl.

Why buy your ghd curler from Crew

We're working stylists in Queenstown, and we use these tools on clients every day. Authorised ghd stockist: genuine ghd, supplied direct by ghd NZ (Jemella New Zealand Ltd), with the full two-year ghd warranty. Free NZ shipping over $75. If a tool isn't in stock in the salon, it ships direct from ghd NZ, which can take up to 7 days. Discount codes don't apply to ghd, so the price you see is the price. If you'd like a curl shown to you on your own hair first, book in with us in Queenstown.

Planning ahead for a deal? See when ghd actually goes on sale.

Shop the tools in this guide

• ghd chronos curve classic tong
• ghd chronos curve conical wand
• ghd chronos curve max wand
• ghd wave triple barrel waver
• ghd platinum+ styler
• Kérastase Nectar Thermique