GHD Duet Blow Dry Review: How I turned my “boring” straight hair into Korean-style C-curls

My morning routine usually ends with blow-drying my chemically treated hair for about thirty minutes until it’s completely dry, followed by curling or straightening to achieve a polished finish. Needless to say, rushing out the door with tame, frizz-free strands and root volume is often a struggle. So when I heard about the GHD Duet Blow Dry, a hybrid hair dryer and brush that promises to dry and style hair in one step without damage, I was instantly intrigued and eager to put it to the test.

Designed with an elliptical heated plate and ceramic-coated bristles, it’s powered by a patented aerodynamic system that harnesses airflow to actively heat the barrel and bristles. The Duet Blow Dry is made to glide smoothly through wet hair, adding body and shine while minimising tugging. It promises safer styling for fragile strands by sensing temperature 400 times per second, maintaining the optimum low heat for styling wet hair without causing heat damage.

With that promise in mind, here’s how it performed in my hands.

The Review

I’ll be honest. I’m not the most coordinated when it comes to hot tools. So when I tried the GHD Duet Blow Dry, I was surprised at how easy it was to use straight out of the box. There’s no fiddling with settings or guessing what temperature is safe. It heats up quickly and stays consistent, which made me feel a lot more confident while using it.

Pro tip: Section your hair into two large parts—top and bottom. It makes it much easier to reach every strand and ensures a smoother, more even finish without missing spots.

One thing I really appreciated was how gentle it felt, even on my dry, chemically treated hair. I usually worry about tools making my ends look worse, but this one left my hair noticeably smoother. The big brush head also made a huge difference: it grips a generous section of hair without slipping, which made it super easy to add volume at the roots.

If you’re new to using it, I’d recommend starting with simple inward “C” curls. They’re really easy to master and look polished with minimal effort. Just make sure your hair is about 60–70% dry before using it (not dripping wet), and definitely brush out any tangles beforehand to avoid tugging.

Another quick tip: For maximum body, lift the hair at the crown by placing the brush at the roots and holding it there for a few seconds. That little pause adds instant volume right where you want it most.

Beyond the great results, one of the biggest perks for me is how much time it’s saved in my routine. It dries and styles in one step, so I’m not juggling a blow dryer and then going back in with a curler or straightener. It also saves space when traveling. One tool does it all, making packing (and getting ready) much easier.

My only real gripe? It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than I expected — perfect for creating bodacious, voluminous curls — but it does turn a full blowout into a bit of an arm workout. It’s also on the louder side, so if you’re sharing your space, that’s something to keep in mind. That said, the results more than make up for it.

For longer-lasting curls, hold the tool in place for about 30 seconds per section to help set the shape. I also recommend using a mousse or setting product especially if you have fine hair like mine for added grip and hold.

The Verdict 

Absolutely. Especially if you’ve been burned—literally or figuratively—by hot tools in the past. It’s user-friendly, gentle on fragile hair, and delivers a smooth, voluminous finish with minimal effort.

The large, wide barrel is particularly effective for creating lift at the crown, and I also found it great for shaping face-framing layers and fringe with ease. If you’re aiming for more tightly coiled curls, it may take a little practice due to the wide barrel, but achieving polished C-curls is easy right out of the gate.

The GHD Duet Blow Dry, priced at $645, is available from the GHD official store on Lazada, Zalora, and at Sephora.