We reviewed Ghd’s Iced Luxe Duet Style – here's our take

We all know that browsing products online isn’t the same as taking them for a test spin, so we’re here to help. In our series of in-depth reviews, our editors pick out products you may be curious about and provide the low-down on all their features. 

This time, we’re reviewing the Ghd Iced Luxe Duet Style, a two-in-one styler that streamlines your routine for any occasion. Looking for a hair tool that’s powerful yet gentle? Read on to see if this is the right choice for you, then head to the Cathay Shop to purchase it.

A little bit of background

Part of Ghd’s limited-edition Iced Luxe collection – which features the brand’s salon-level styling tools in a snazzy icy blue exterior – the Duet Style dries and styles hair at the same time, promising up to 48 hours of soft, frizz-free tresses. Built to dry and style efficiently while protecting hair, it’s suitable for all hair types and packed with plenty of state-of-the-art features.
 
Its four floating plates feature smart infinity sensors to predict your hair’s needs and maintain an optimal styling temperature, finished in a glossy coating for snag-free styling. Its Air-Fusion^™ technology and air-drying chamber combine advanced aerodynamics, an expert air grille and low-temperature plates for simultaneous drying and styling, as well as an ultra-concentrated airflow and even temperature to preserve your hair’s natural moisture. When it comes to styling hair, the tool’s Shine Shot^™ mode works at an optimal 185°C. 

First impressions 

The Duet Style is enclosed in a wave-patterned, pearlescent vanity case, reminiscent of the fish from the beloved children’s book The Rainbow Fish – whimsical, magical and playful. The box is sturdy and beautifully designed, as is the Duet Style itself, which is rendered in striking glacial blue.  

I was initially shocked by the sound, which is unlike most hair dryers: it sounds like a muted vacuum cleaner, producing more of a suction noise than a blowing noise. Its bespoke acoustic system is designed to offer lower sound levels – which your neighbours will surely appreciate – and the way the sound revs up and down when it turns on and off is a useful indicator of when the tool is ready to use or put away. If, like me, you’ve forgotten to turn off your hair straightener after use, you’ll be glad to know that there's no danger of that with the Duet Style. And that’s not just because of its sound, but also due to the automatic sleep mode, which switches the tool off after 30 minutes of inactivity. 

I was pleasantly surprised that the Ghd hot air styler delivered on its promise to reduce heat damage while drying my hair. The two-in-one tool also outperformed other hair dryers or hair straighteners that I’ve used. While others leave my hair tangled and dry, the Duet Style left my locks feeling soft and smooth. I also found it to be effective on wet hair, allowing me to dry and straighten simultaneously without damaging my cuticles. 

Any cons? 

To begin with, I found the Duet Style more finicky than regular hair dryers, as you have to clamp your hair between the plates. It was a challenge to reach my roots and the back of my head, but I quickly got used to it. Its optimally constructed, angled root-drying vents direct the airflow outwards at a lower temperature, reducing heat damage even if visibility is limited. The only other potential drawback is its size and weight – its wide head is a bit too hefty to be truly portable.   

Final thoughts  

This multifunctional, easy-to-use combined hair dryer and styler is now integral to my everyday routine. I often leave drying my hair to the last minute, but the Duet Style quickly dries and straightens hair at the same time, getting me ready for bed in record time. Most importantly, it produces the silkiest finish – a welcome result for anyone with unruly hair.