Are you looking for a high-performing hair straightener without the hefty price tag? Then look no further! This review delves into the Toni & Guy XXL Wide Plate Straighteners, a budget-friendly alternative that delivers surprisingly impressive results. Tired of struggling with thin plates and limited versatility? This review explores how these wide-plate straighteners not only straighten hair effectively but also excel at creating a variety of curls and waves. We’ll examine the features, performance, and overall value of this product, comparing it to more expensive brands like GHD to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.This detailed review covers the author's experience switching from their long-time GHD straighteners to the Toni & Guy XXL model. We explore the reasons behind the change, focusing on the price difference and the desire for wider plates to improve both straightening and curling capabilities. The review assesses the straightener's features, ease of use, performance on different hair types, and the overall durability and build quality. Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis will help you decide if the Toni & Guy XXL Wide Plate Straighteners are the right investment for your hair styling needs.
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Reason for Upgrade
My old GHD straighteners, used since I was 14, were no longer gliding smoothly and struggled to straighten my thicker hair. The plates were also too thin to create curls effectively. I needed a wider barrel for better coverage and curling versatility.
I'd always been loyal to GHD due to their reputation for quality and ceramic plates. However, I felt other brands had caught up and offered comparable quality at a more affordable price.
The high cost of GHDs (around £100+) made me look for a more budget-friendly alternative that still offered decent performance.
Introducing the Toni & Guy XXL Straighteners
I opted for the Toni & Guy XXL Wide Plate Straighteners, which I found on Amazon for around £35 (originally £50). They boast advanced ionic tourmaline technology for reduced heat damage, ten heat settings up to 235 degrees, and a five-year guarantee.
The straighteners feature a sleek matte black design with a locking mechanism, a large on/off button, and +/- buttons for easy temperature adjustment. A digital LED screen clearly displays the selected temperature.
The colour-coded temperature display (140°C - white, 170°C - amber, 200-235°C - red) is a helpful visual guide.
Straightening and Curling Performance
Testing the straighteners on my naturally straight, fine hair, I was impressed by the smoothness and speed. The plates glided effortlessly through my hair, achieving a poker-straight finish without causing any damage or frizz.
The wider plates allowed for quicker straightening than my old GHDs, significantly reducing styling time. The straighteners also performed well in curling my hair, creating both loose waves and tighter curls depending on the technique used.
Different curling techniques were explored. A simple twist-and-pull created loose waves, while an 'under, over, through the middle' method yielded tighter curls. The beveled edges of the plates facilitated the curling process.
Overall Impression and Conclusion
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Toni & Guy XXL straighteners, considering their affordability. The build quality felt substantial, far exceeding my expectations for a budget-friendly option.
These straighteners surpassed my old GHDs in terms of performance and versatility. The wider plates offer better coverage and the ability to curl efficiently.
With a five-year guarantee and excellent straightening and curling capabilities, the Toni & Guy XXL Wide Plate Straighteners are a fantastic alternative to more expensive brands and are highly recommended for anyone in the market for a new hair styling tool.