We test cheaper alternatives to new GHD Duet Style – one option is a no-brainer

THE new GHD Duet Style, which straightens and dries hair at the same time, promises to reduce heat damage and cut down on energy use.

I tried it out and compared with cheaper alternatives.

Budget

Revlon Salon one-step hair dryer and volumiser, £62.99, boots.com: First up, this is huge, which is great in terms of root lift, but means it takes a good few tries to get used to handling the tool.

I also found my waist-long hair got caught up in the bristles if I tried to dry from root to tip in one stroke, and I ended up having to snap some of it off.

So I settled for drying the roots first then the mid-lengths and ends.

That said, plenty of friends with shorter hair swear by it for achieving the on-trend bouncy blow dry.

So if you have the patience to get to grips with it, it’s a no-brainer.

Mid-range

Amika Double Agent 2-In-1 Straightening Blow Dry Brush, £116, cultbeauty.co.uk: This was by far the easiest to use of the three I tried.

It’s shaped like a paddle brush, but has a ceramic base and heated bristles that use infrared heat, which supposedly locks in more moisture.

I could brush my hair from above or underneath without causing knots thanks to the flexible bristles.

And my hair was definitely left more shiny and smooth than usual.

But my hair is already pretty straight, so I can achieve similar results with a hairdryer and brush in less than half the time.

If you’re prone to frizz or have wavy hair and want something intuitive and fuss-free, it’s for you.

Luxury

GHD Duet Style hot air styler, £379, ghdhair.com: I was dubious at first, to say the least.

The plates are three times wider than a traditional straightener, so I wasn’t sure how I’d get to my roots.

But I was pleasantly surprised.

Air is pushed out of the sides as well as from inside, so it still hits the hair close to the scalp.

I already have straight hair so didn’t feel I’d use it every day until I saw hairstylist Patrick Wilson twisting it to create loose waves.

Now I’m on a mission to nail them, too. If I do, it will become my number one travel companion.

Pick of the week

TOMORROW is National Lash Day, so here are my lash-lengthening picks.

Mascara wise, Rare Beauty perfect strokes universal volumizing mascara, £19, is my favourite.

L’Oreal Paris lash paradise mascara, £11.99, comes a close second.

However, for permanently longer, fuller lashes, try UKLash eyelash serum, £37.99. Apply nightly. Talk about beauty sleep!