“Is Muk Hair better than Ghd?” has got to be the number one question we’ve received recently with the launch of Muk Hair in NZ. Naturally, I had to find out for myself. I swapped out my trusty Ghd Original for a week for the new Muk Hair Straightener Style Stick… for science, of course.

The Ghd Original – My OG

The Ghd Original really needs no introduction. Famous for standing the test of time (we’ve seen ones 20 years old still going strong) and giving iconic results, she’s definitely our all-time best-selling hair straightener.

The trusty Ghd Original has been my sidekick for the past three years (I figured, starting work at a haircare company, it was probably time to retire the old 2000s cheetah-print straightener). She’s a dream on my naturally wavy/curly hair. Sleek, soft waves, bouncy curls – I definitely have the styling with the Ghd Original down pat.

The Muk Hair Straightener Original Style Stick

The new kid on the block definitely caught my eye when we started stocking Muk. Priced the same as the Original (RRP $315, currently on sale for $252), my interest was piqued by its innovative features.

What intrigued me most about the Muk Hair Straightener is the ability to control the temperature from 140°C to 230°C. I’ve got some lingering bleach on my ends from a balayage I did a few years back, so being able to dial down the heat is important to me.

Working at Synergy Hair, I’ve naturally been designated the ‘hairstylist’ for everyone on a night out, so being able to style my friends’ different hair types safely and quickly is a huge bonus. My bestie has mega bleached, fine hair, while my flatmate has thick, coily hair that normally takes several passes to style. Being able to adjust the temperature for each hair type? Absolute game-changer.

Trying It Out

I gave the Muk Iron seven days to answer the big question. My trusty Ghd went into hibernation, and I swear I saw it give me the side-eye.

First Impressions

• When I opened the box, I noticed a tag saying “What’s the Buzz?”, explaining to expect a buzzing sound caused by the Infra-Red technology. This tech claims to heat hair from the inside out, protecting the delicate structure while sealing in natural oils and moisture. Result? Shinier, healthier hair with better style longevity.
• The 3m cord is incredible (anyone else get mega stressed when the cord whacks everything in the bathroom?).
• Spritzing my hair with the Muk Hot Thermal Protector (smells incredible), I sectioned it as usual. Holding the iron, it felt super lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• I went for 180°C and it was fully heated within seconds. Gliding through my hair felt smooth with zero snags or pulls.

I wanted to see if it really lived up to the “one-pass” claim, and to my surprise, my hair was straighter and sleeker with one pass of the Muk than with several passes of the Ghd!

I didn’t do anything wild – just my go-to straight, managed-hair look – but gosh, it looked shiny.

Style Longevity

Normally, my hair frizzes or curls slightly underneath before the day is even over, requiring a quick refresh with my Ghd Glide. Not this time.

• The following morning, my hair was still sleek, straight, and frizz-free.
• Two days later, it looked just as good without any touch-ups.

On the next wash day, I went for soft waves (finally mastered curling with a straightener after YEARS) and spritzed with the Muk Hot 6-in-1 Working Spray. The curls didn’t drop as usual, and my hair stayed glam until wash day – probably thanks to the Infra-Red technology.

So… Is Muk Hair Better Than Ghd?

It really depends on your hair type and needs:

• Fine/damaged/coloured hair: Benefits from Muk’s temperature control feature (especially if you’ve got lingering bleach like me!).
• Coarse/mega curly/thick hair: Muk can go hotter than a Ghd for easier styling on more stubborn hair types.
• Style longevity: Infrared technology helps your look last longer.
• Shine: Ionic Generator leaves hair glossy and smooth.

I know which one I prefer… and I might just leave my trusty old Ghd tucked in the drawer for now.