Often, yes. GHD dryers have a reputation for being hard to repair, but most of what goes wrong with them comes down to a handful of parts, and several of those can be replaced. What matters is which fault yours has, so here's what usually fails, what you can check first, and how to get yours looked at.
GHD don't repair their dryers
Worth knowing before anything else: GHD don't operate a repair service. If your dryer is still under warranty and develops a manufacturing fault, GHD will replace it, so find your proof of purchase first. Out of warranty, the choice is between an independent repair and buying a new one.
What usually goes wrong
- A loud screech or whine. A very common complaint on the GHD Air, and it usually means the motor bearings have worn. The dryer still runs, but it gets louder over time, and the airflow can drop.
- Dead, or cutting out when you move the cable. Usually the cable, where it flexes at the handle. My guide to cable faults explains why.
- Blowing cold. A heater or thermal fuse fault. On the GHD Air, the thermal fuse is built into the heater element.
- Buttons not responding. Usually the switch or its circuit board.
- A pop, then nothing (Helios). Often the motor's control board.
Don't keep using a dryer that's screeching or smells of burning. A failing bearing can take the motor with it, and heat where it shouldn't be is a safety risk.
Checks to try first
- Try a different socket, and if your plug has a replaceable fuse, try a new one.
- Clear the filter at the back of the dryer. A blocked filter makes it run hot and noisy.
- If it only works with the cable held a certain way, stop using it. That's a cable fault, and it won't get better on its own.
Can yours be repaired?
Cable, switch and heater faults are usually straightforward, because the parts exist. Motor faults are the harder ones: new motors are hard to come by, so a repair depends on whether the motor's bearings can be replaced or a sound motor can be sourced. That's why I'd rather hear about yours before you post it.
Get in touch first
Tell me which model you have, GHD Air or Helios, and what it's doing: screeching, dead, cutting out, blowing cold, or buttons not working. I'll tell you honestly whether it's one I can repair and what it would cost, before you send anything. Get in touch here.
If it's not one I can fix, I'll say so, and you won't have paid to post it.
Straighteners and Curve tongs
If you've also got GHD straighteners or a Curve tong playing up, those are a different story. Most faults are a fixed-price repair from £29 for straighteners or £39 for the Curve, with a 12-month warranty and the no-fix-no-fee promise. See all the GHD repairs I offer, or read about GHD Curve curling tong repair.
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.
