Hands up if you have been scarred by a chopstick styler? The thinnest kind of wand is the most confusing tool to use because the finished result can vary from perfect loose waves to ’70s disco hair to tight coils, and the factors that lead to the end result are vast. So that’s why, when the latest GHD drop, the Thin Wand, landed in my lap ahead of its launch, I was dubious about what the finished result was going to look like on me.
Last time I used a thin wand, my hair was shoulder-length and bluntly cut. The end result was a super-voluminous lob that showcased the best bit about my natural hair: the texture. Now, though still natural, I’m currently wearing my hair straight with super-long extensions, and I was interested to see just how this type of wand worked for really long, straight hair. The GHD Curve range of wands and tongs has some of my go-to hair tools. The Creative Curve wand is my favourite, an easy-to-use tool for quick waves that last. As is GHD’s MO, the Thin Wand heats up to 185ºC in just 30 seconds, and the entire barrel stays the same heat throughout use—not always the case with other tools, which is why sometimes you’ll get a variety of holds with your waves and curls.
Before using the GHD Thin Wand.
The first thing I noticed about this wand is how long it was. Not something I cared about when my hair was short, but with these extensions, which are about 22 inches, I could fit it all on easily. The look I wanted was a full, bouncy wave that would hold. Because of the length of this hair, the heaviness makes styles drop out quickly, so a smaller wand would mean the ringlets would fall into easy, breezy waves.
After using the GHD Thin Wand.
I took pretty thick pieces, about two inches, and wrapped them around the barrel, held them for about 10 seconds and gently released them. Normally, I would pin each section and let it cool so that the style set, but because I didn’t want ringlets, I just let it fall immediately. The result was stunning—loose, cascading waves that felt silky soft. This wand can be used by anyone with shoulder-length hair and longer and by any hair type. I’m excited to use it on my natural texture (which is coily/curly) to define fluffier parts of my twist-out, and I think that finer and straighter textures could create hidden volume when they wave by curling smaller sections from the crown to the nape and brushing out when set.
I honestly think I might reach for this wand over my beloved Creative Curl Wand now.
The Best Finishing Products
I'm not normally a fan of aerosol hair products because as well as they hold, they dry my hair out. This spray by hair god Sam McKnight gives moveable hold for waves and curls that last all night.
If hot tools tend to knock the shine from your locks, this mist provides a light, healthy sheen. It also includes hyaluronic acid for added moisture retention.
For thick, coarser hair like mine, sometimes a light oil spray isn’t enough to truly lock in shine. This Aēsop find is rich but lightweight. Spread it through the lengths before brushing out your curls for smooth, static-free locks.
One of the best ways to use this mist is to spritz on your hands and run through the layers of your hair for beautiful shine.
A blend of argan oil, bergamot and cassis work together in this conditioning oil. Apply a tiny amount to the palm of your hands and run through the ends to seal in shine.
If frizz is a big concern, this spray needs to be in your next beauty haul. It gives the hair a softness and smooths flyaways without any silicones in the formula.
Heavy sprays can leave finer hair types feeling flat, but this finishing product doesn’t cake and veils your style with a light hold.
Next up, the '70s hairstyles having a major moment.
