Looking after your ghd cable

A ghd cable flexes and twists every time you use your straighteners. Over the years that wear adds up, and a damaged cable is one of the most common faults we repair. The good news is that a few small habits make a real difference.

Why cables fail

Inside the outer sleeve are fine copper wires. Each time the cable is bent sharply or twisted tightly, a few strands are stressed. Eventually they break, usually close to where the cable enters the straightener, because that's where it bends most.

When enough strands go, the straighteners may cut out, work only when the cable is held a certain way, or stop altogether. Broken strands can also get hot, which is why a damaged cable is a safety issue and not just an annoyance.

Habits that help

• Don't wrap the cable round the straighteners. It's the most common cause of cable damage we see. Wrapping puts a tight bend right where the cable meets the body.
• Coil it loosely instead. Make a few loose loops in your hand and lay them alongside the straighteners, or use a soft tie.
• Let it untwist. If the cable has twisted up, let it hang and unwind before you put it away.
• Unplug by the plug. Pulling the cable out of the socket strains the connection at the plug end.
• Wait until they're cool. Laying a cable against hot plates can melt the outer sleeve.

Signs your cable needs attention

• The straighteners cut out when you move the cable
• The outer sleeve is split, flattened or scorched
• You can see coloured wires or copper
• The cable gets warm in one spot

If you notice any of these, stop using them and unplug them. Tape isn't a safe fix for a mains cable.

We fit new cables

A damaged cable is a straightforward repair for us. We fit a new cable and test the straighteners before they go back. Book your repair online.