How to get your GHDs repaired depends on three things: how old they are, which model you have, and what's actually wrong. Take them in the right order and you won't pay for a repair you didn't need, or post off a pair that can't be fixed. Here's the order I'd go in.
Step 1: Check whether they're still under GHD's warranty
GHD straighteners come with a two-year warranty from the date of purchase, so find your receipt or order confirmation first. If you're inside those two years and the fault isn't accidental damage, go to GHD before anyone else, including me.
Worth knowing: GHD don't repair straighteners. If they accept a warranty claim, they send you a replacement. You fill in the returns form on their website, they give you a postage label, and you send the straighteners without the box or accessories.
Don't open them before you claim. Opening them yourself, or having anyone else open them, may give GHD a reason to decline.
Step 2: If the warranty has run out, check your rights with the retailer
Outside GHD's two years, you may still have rights against the shop you bought them from. Under the Consumer Rights Act, goods have to last a reasonable length of time, and you can make a claim against the retailer for up to six years (five in Scotland). If the fault appears within six months of buying them, it's assumed to have been there from the start unless the retailer can show otherwise. After that, it's generally up to you to show it.
For a pair that's a few years old and hasn't been dropped, a polite email to the retailer is worth sending before you pay for anything. It's general information rather than legal advice, and I've gone into more detail on what to do when your GHDs are out of warranty.
Step 3: Find your model number
This decides whether they can be repaired and what it costs. The model number is on the rating label, and how to find your GHD model number shows exactly where to look.
- Sliding-switch models — the Mk4, Mk5, original 3.1b, Gold, Max, Mini and Platinum+ — can be repaired internally.
- The round-button Eclipse and the original Platinum (S8T261) are sealed units. I can replace the cable on these, but not the internals. Can the Eclipse and Platinum be repaired? explains why.
- The GHD Air 2.0 hair dryer isn't one I repair.
Step 4: Get a rough idea of what's wrong
You don't need a diagnosis, but a rough idea helps you book the right repair.
- They power on but won't heat, or one plate stays cold. Usually the thermal fuse or a heater: GHD not heating up.
- They're dead, or cut out when you move the cable. Usually the cable: GHD power and cable repair.
- They beep and won't heat. Often a heater or sensor fault, though not always.
- You're not sure. Book the any-fault straightener repair and I'll find it.
If they spark, crackle or smell of burning, unplug them and stop using them. Don't test them again to check.
Step 5: Choose where to get them repaired
Out of warranty, GHD don't offer a repair service, so the choice is between independent repairers: a local shop, if there's one near you that works on straighteners, or a specialist that repairs by post. GHD repair near me covers why posting is often the easier option. Whoever you use, these seven things are worth checking: safety testing, a warranty on the work, no fix, no fee, clear all-in pricing, the correct parts for your model, real GHD experience, and knowing who actually does the repair.
Step 6: Send them in
With me, it works like this:
- Book the repair online and pay the fixed price: £29 all-in for standard models, or £39 for the Gold, Max, Platinum+, Mini and Curve.
- I email you simple packing instructions. Wrap them well, send them tracked, and keep your proof of postage.
- I find the actual fault, fit the correct part for your model, then heat-test and PAT safety test them.
- They come back to you by insured, tracked post, with a 12-month warranty on the repair.
If I can't repair them, there's no repair fee: I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage. The current turnaround is shown when you book.
What it costs
£29 or £39 all-in, including the part, labour, return postage and the safety test. How much GHD repair costs compares that with other repairers and with buying new.
Questions people ask
Can I take my GHDs back to the shop instead?
If they're faulty and you bought them within the last 30 days, you can usually reject them for a refund. After that, the retailer is normally entitled to offer a repair or replacement first. It's worth asking, especially if they're less than a couple of years old.
Should I try to fix them myself?
Some faults are simple, but these are mains appliances that run very hot, so there are real safety risks. Can you repair GHDs yourself? goes through what's realistic.
Are old GHDs worth repairing?
Usually, yes. Most faults are one inexpensive part on an otherwise good pair. Are GHDs worth repairing? runs the numbers.
If you're ready to send yours, see all the GHD repairs I offer and book the one that matches your fault.
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.
