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Buying your girlfriend a hair tool for Christmas, but completely stumped by which one she'd actually want?
It's a promising gift idea until you start shopping. Search for straighteners and you're faced with different plate widths, temperature settings and gift sets. Then a Dyson Airwrap enters the picture and you're wondering whether that's a better present altogether. You want the lovely moment when she opens something she's been hoping for. You really don't want to spend all that money on the wrong thing.
Cloud Nine, ghd, Dyson and Shark can all make sense, but they aren't interchangeable gifts. Before choosing between them, I'd find out what she uses now and what she'd like to do differently. That little bit of detective work is worth more than choosing the most expensive box.
The same goes for a friend, sister, mum or partner: start with the person. Let's untangle the tools, including the less expensive Remington and BaByliss options, so you can choose something they'll actually be pleased to use.
What would they actually enjoy using?
- They love their current straighteners and want a replacement: find the model name first. Compare a conventional iron such as Cloud Nine's Original Iron or ghd Gold before changing the way they style their hair.
- They want volume, blowouts and the option of curls: look at an air styler such as the Dyson Airwrap or Shark FlexStyle, then check the exact attachments.
- They usually wear their natural curls: ask about their dryer and diffuser. A straightening tool may have nothing to do with the result they want.
- They've named an expensive model: a contribution towards that exact tool can be a better present than a different appliance bought as a surprise.
- You know very little about their routine: choose together. You can still surprise them with the offer to buy it.
Four details help enormously: their current tool's model, what they want to do differently, the length of the hair they style, and the amount you're comfortable spending. A wishlist link can answer more than an hour spent comparing gift-box colours.
Cloud Nine or ghd: would they like to choose the temperature?
Cloud Nine makes straighteners, dryers and curling tools. Its current Original Iron is worth considering for someone who wants control over the heat: it has 11 settings from 100–200°C and 1-inch plates. That gives the recipient room to choose a setting for their routine rather than accept one fixed temperature.
The ghd Gold takes the fixed-temperature approach, operating at 185°C with 26mm plates. It suits a buyer looking for a straightforward replacement for a familiar ghd-style routine. Someone who specifically wants a lower selectable setting should look elsewhere.
Neither specification tells you which will give a particular person their favourite finish. The buying distinction is the control they want to have. If they're attached to their old tool, ask what they liked about it before paying for an upgrade.
Two different approaches to straightening
Compare side by side. Scroll across to see every option.
| What matters |  Cloud Nine The Original Iron — Black |  ghd Gold — Black, 26mm |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For someone who wants to select the heat setting on a conventional straightener. | A fixed-temperature option for someone who likes a familiar straightening routine. |
| Controls | 11 settings, 100–200°C | Fixed 185°C |
| Format | 1-inch plates | 26mm plates |
| Price & retailer | Check current priceCloud NineView product | Check current priceghdView product |
Check the exact model, availability and delivery at the retailer. Prices are shown for seven days after a check.
Cloud Nine's plate sizes are also useful to understand. The Wide Iron has 1.5-inch plates and is aimed at longer, thicker hair; the Slim Iron has 0.5-inch plates. Narrower plates are worth investigating for shorter sections and fringes, where manoeuvrability matters. Wide is a format choice, not a universal upgrade.
Check the exact generation on the box. A review of an older Cloud Nine iron may describe different temperature settings from the current model.
If they like making waves as well as straightening, watch how a stylist holds and turns the iron. Chlöe Swift's review covers the 2024 Starlight Original Iron and Curling Wand, so the model and finish differ from the current black iron above. Cloud Nine supplied her tools; she also discloses affiliate links.
Grip is worth asking about. In her 2024 Original Iron review for Reviews.org, Anula Wiwatowska liked the manoeuvrability but reported occasional snagging and a hot tip. In the Australian owner discussion below, some people praise their Cloud Nine while others dislike how it feels when curling. The comments cover different models and hair types; look for the details that resemble your recipient's routine.
Our Cloud Nine shopping guideCloud NineBuying Cloud Nine for someone else? Start with the plate width and heat controls they want, then compare the exact gift set and its return conditions.Buying guide · View store → and
ghd shopping guideghdChoosing a ghd gift starts with the tool the recipient already loves. Compare the exact straightener, plate size and bundle before paying for an upgrade.Buying guide · View store → bring together the model choices and gift-buying checks.
A useful straightener can cost much less
If your friend wants a conventional straightener and hasn't asked for a particular premium brand, Remington's Shine Therapy S8500 is a sensible lower-cost model to investigate. It has selectable heat from 150–230°C. Its lowest setting is higher than the current Cloud Nine Original Iron's, so “adjustable” doesn't mean the ranges are the same.
BaByliss's Super Smooth Wide 2597U offers a different reason to consider it: 35mm plates for someone who wants a wider tool, with six settings from 140–235°C. BaByliss positions it for longer, thicker hair.
These are useful alternatives when those controls and plate formats match the recipient's needs. The presence of similar features doesn't establish identical performance, and the highest number on a temperature dial is not a reason to spend more. Follow the tool's instructions and choose an appropriate setting for the hair being styled.
Two options for a smaller gift budget
Compare side by side. Scroll across to see every option.
| What matters |  Remington Shine Therapy S8500 — White |  BaByliss Super Smooth Wide 2597U |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Selectable heat at a smaller observed purchase price; compare its minimum setting with the recipient’s needs. | Consider for someone who wants wider plates for longer, thicker hair. |
| Controls | 150–230°C | 6 settings, 140–235°C |
| Format | Floating plates | 35mm plates |
| Price & retailer | Check current priceRemingtonView product | Check current priceBaBylissView product |
Check the exact model, availability and delivery at the retailer. Prices are shown for seven days after a check.
Compare the model codes and purchase details in our Remington guideRemingtonRemington is worth a look when you want a useful styling tool on a smaller budget. Compare the controls and plate format with the recipient’s routine.Buying guide · View store → and BaByliss guideBaBylissBaByliss offers another route to a hair-tool gift, including wider straighteners. Match the exact model to the hair and sections the recipient styles.Buying guide · View store →.
Dyson Airwrap or Shark FlexStyle: do they want a new styling routine?
An air styler combines airflow with interchangeable attachments to dry and shape hair. It asks a different question from replacing a straightener: would the recipient enjoy using brushes and curling barrels, preparing their hair for them and learning the technique?
The Dyson Airwrap i.d. has a personalised curling sequence set through the MyDyson app. The Straight+Wavy version below is a specific Prussian blue/Rich copper bundle. Its listed attachments include curling barrels, a round volumising brush and a Dryer+Flyaway smoother. Check the in-box list against what the recipient wants to use.
There is also a newer Airwrap Co-anda2x family. Dyson says its attachments do not fit previous Airwrap devices, and earlier attachments do not fit it. If you're buying an extra brush or barrel as a smaller gift, check the generation first.
For someone who has asked for an Airwrap i.d.
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Straight+Wavy — Prussian blue/Rich copper
A specific Airwrap i.d. bundle for someone who wants to build a drying and styling routine.
- Controls
- Personalised i.d. curl sequence
- Format
- Straight+Wavy bundle
DysonCheck price
Would they enjoy the setup? Dyson's short guide introduces the i.d. controls, app pairing and curling sequence. Watching that routine together can tell you more than guessing whether they'd like a “smart” hair tool.
For a longer account, TechRadar's Airwrap i.d. review describes how the timed curling sequence helped its reviewer keep the cooling step consistent. An Airwrap owner's comparison on Reddit is more reserved about upgrading from a Complete Long: they liked the convenience but reported similar styling results on their curly-wavy hair. If the recipient already owns an Airwrap, ask what they actually want an upgrade to change.
Our Dyson shopping guideDysonA Dyson wishlist needs a model name. Use this guide to distinguish hair-tool generations, compare accessories and judge the total cost of the exact package.Buying guide · View store → covers generation and attachment checks before you order.
Shark FlexStyle is another option for the blow-dry-and-curl routine, with a body that rotates between dryer and styler positions. The Black Cherry HD456CRUK set below includes 24mm and 32mm curlers, an oval brush, a concentrator and a FrizzFighter finishing tool, plus clips and a storage bag. It does not list a diffuser in the box.
That is exactly why the bundle matters. Someone who wants to diffuse their natural curls has a different shopping list from someone who mainly wants a round-brush blowout. Compare the specific package, including the cost of any missing attachment, before choosing a colour.
We may earn a commission if you buy through the Shark link below, at no extra cost to you.
Check the attachments in this FlexStyle gift set
Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 HD456CRUK — Black Cherry
Two curler sizes, a brush and finishing tools; a diffuser is not listed in this bundle.
- Controls
- Rotates between dryer and styler
- Format
- HD456CRUK bundle
SharkCheck price
For either brand, ask whether the recipient has tried an air styler or enjoys learning new techniques. Paying more cannot tell you whether they'll enjoy the routine or how well a particular curl will hold in their hair.
For a look at the two styling systems, Chloe Wen's 2023 comparison puts the Airwrap Complete Long alongside FlexStyle. It predates the Airwrap i.d. and Co-anda2x, and the packages shown differ from the current UK gift set above. She bought her Dyson and says Shark supplied the FlexStyle without requiring a review; her description includes affiliate links.
Check the exact FlexStyle package in our SharkNinja shopping guideSharkNinjaSharkNinja sells beauty, cleaning and kitchen appliances. For a FlexStyle gift, the important comparison is what comes in the exact box the recipient will open.10 current offers · View store → before settling on the gift set.
If they love their natural curls, start with their dryer
A good gift should support the way someone wants to wear their hair. Ask whether they need a replacement dryer, a compatible diffuser, or simply nothing electrical at all.
If they already have a dryer they like, get its exact model before shopping for an attachment. If you're choosing a whole new tool, find out which controls and diffuser they use now. Weight, grip and the way they hold it can matter more to them than an extra styling mode.
The same goes for a partner with a fringe or a friend with short hair: buy for the sections they actually style. The largest appliance or fullest box needn't be the most useful present.
Buying for a partner, a friend or a group gift
For a partner: a remembered request is a strong starting point. “You mentioned replacing your straighteners; is this the model?” still leaves room for a thoughtful present. A tool they use every morning is worth getting precisely right.
For a friend or sibling: if you don't know their routine, ask another person to help confirm the wishlist or choose together. Avoid turning a gift into an unsolicited suggestion that their hair needs fixing.
When several people are contributing: agree the exact model, colour and bundle before collecting the money. Keep one person responsible for the order confirmation and any return. A shared contribution can make the requested tool possible without anyone stretching their own budget.
For a smaller gesture, a compatible attachment or a replacement accessory they've asked for can be more useful than a whole new appliance. If you'd rather give something unrelated to hair, our letterbox gift ideas offer a different starting point.
Compare the whole purchase before wrapping it
Start with the exact model number and included accessories, then compare the delivered total. A bag or free brush adds value only if the recipient will use it. Colour variants can have different prices and bundles, even within the same range.
If you're shopping at a beauty retailer, check whether electrical tools and the chosen brand qualify for its code. Our 
LOOKFANTASTIC offers guideLOOKFANTASTIC UKLOOKFANTASTIC is an online hair and beauty retailer. This guide brings its current UK affiliate offers together so you can compare the conditions before heading to the checkout.9 current offers · View store → is a place to check current conditions; confirm that the discount applies to your item in the basket before paying.
For a surprise present, returns can be worth more than personalisation. Cloud Nine's UK website policy gives 45 days from receipt and excludes personalised products. Keep any included free gifts and read the return conditions before opening or using the tool. If you're buying well ahead of a birthday or Christmas, work out how much of that window will remain when the present is opened.
Use the policy of the seller you're actually buying from. A manufacturer's direct-purchase trial is not automatically the offer at another retailer. Keep the order details accessible so the recipient can ask for help without feeling awkward.
If the tool will travel abroad, check its voltage as well as the plug. Even items in one bundle can differ: Cloud Nine lists 100–240V for the current Wide Iron, while the Hot Air Brush gift on that page is 220–240V. A travel adaptor doesn't settle whether a tool is suitable for the destination.
The nicest version of this gift is something they wanted, in the right configuration, with an easy way to change it if necessary. Start there and the brand name becomes a useful choice rather than a guess.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloud Nine better than ghd as a gift?
Choose according to the recipient's preferences. The current Cloud Nine Original Iron offers 100–200°C settings; ghd Gold operates at 185°C. Model, plate width and the routine they already enjoy matter more than a universal brand winner.
Is an Airwrap the same thing as a straightener?
The Airwrap is an air styler with interchangeable attachments. A conventional straightener uses heated plates. Find out which styling method and finish the recipient wants before treating one as a replacement for the other.
Can I buy an attachment for any Dyson Airwrap?
Check the generation. Dyson says Airwrap Co-anda2x attachments and earlier Airwrap attachments are not interchangeable. Match the accessory to the recipient's exact device.
Should I personalise a hair-tool gift?
Only once you're sure of the choice and have checked the seller's terms. Cloud Nine excludes personalised products from its advertised 45-day website returns guarantee, which matters if the recipient may want to change models.
What if the tool they want is outside my budget?
Offer a contribution, organise a group gift or choose an accessory they've requested. Ask before substituting another tool: a lower price is useful only when the recipient also wants the alternative.
