If your GHDs have stopped working, one of the first questions is whether to go back to GHD themselves or use an independent repairer. It's a fair question, and the honest answer depends on your situation — so here's a straight comparison of the two routes, covering what GHD offers, what an independent repair offers, and which makes more sense depending on where you stand.
I've been repairing electronics for over 25 years, so I'll give you the balanced picture rather than just telling you to pick me.
Does GHD repair their own straighteners?
No. GHD don't operate a repair service. If your straighteners develop a manufacturing fault while they're under warranty, GHD send you a replacement rather than repairing yours, and that costs you nothing, so if you're within the warranty, go back to GHD first. Always check your warranty status before you pay anyone.
Where it gets more nuanced is once you're out of warranty, which is when most faults actually appear. GHD don't publish an out-of-warranty repair service, so at that point the real choice is between an independent repair and buying a new pair — and that's where it's worth comparing the two honestly.
GHD's route vs an independent repair: the honest comparison
Cost
This is usually the biggest difference. Out of warranty, GHD's route usually means buying a new pair, at £100 or more. An independent repair like mine is a flat, all-in price — £29 for standard models, £39 for Gold/Max/Platinum+ — for what's often a single small failed component. (Full pricing is in my GHD repair cost guide.)
Whether it's actually repaired vs replaced
Under warranty, GHD replace rather than repair, which is fine: you get a new pair. But it means parting with your existing straighteners, and out of warranty there's no GHD repair to fall back on. An independent specialist repairs the actual fault in your own pair, so you keep the straighteners you know.
Transparency
With an independent repair you're dealing directly with the person doing the work. With me specifically, you get an honest answer on what's wrong, a clear all-in price, and I'll tell you straight if something isn't worth fixing — rather than a one-size answer applied regardless of the fault.
Speed and simplicity
Both routes are postal for most people. An independent repairer is often quicker and more direct — you deal with one person start to finish, rather than a larger returns process.
Warranty on the work
A reputable independent repair should come with its own warranty. Mine is 12 months against the same fault returning, plus a PAT safety test and the no-fix-no-fee promise — so even out of manufacturer warranty, you get proper cover on the repair itself.
So which should you choose?
Here's the honest summary:
Still under GHD warranty? Go back to GHD — a covered repair should be free, so use it.
Out of warranty? An independent repair is usually the better value — far cheaper than a new pair, it repairs your actual straighteners, and it comes with its own warranty. I've written more on your options once the warranty's expired in is your GHD out of warranty?.
Got an unrepairable model? The round-button Eclipse and Platinum (S8T261) can't be repaired internally by anyone — GHD or independent — so if that's what you have, neither route offers an internal fix.
There's no catch in that summary — it's genuinely warranty-first, then independent for out-of-warranty. I'd rather give you the honest steer than pretend the independent route is always the answer. If you want the whole route in order, from the warranty to posting them in, how to get your GHDs repaired sets it out step by step.
Choosing a good independent repairer
If you do go the independent route, it's worth choosing well — not all repairers are equal on parts quality, safety testing or warranty. I've put together a short guide on what to look for in a GHD repair service so you can compare fairly.
And if you'd like to use mine, you can see all the GHD repairs I offer and book here — a flat all-in price, a 12-month warranty, PAT safety testing, the no-fix-no-fee promise, and the work done by me personally from start to finish. But whatever you decide, check your warranty status first — that's the honest first step.
The Repair Works is an independent UK repair service, run by me, Paul — 25 years of hands-on repair experience, working by post for customers across the whole country. Not affiliated with or endorsed by GHD
