My mum bought me my first pair of GHDs roughly five years ago. Looking back I can honestly say that I have no idea how I managed without them! I had a pair of pretty rubbish things in my first year at secondary school but it wasn't until I had GHDs that my hair was properly managed.

These were the original GHDs that were first on the market. They were innovative because they only took 7 seconds to heat up (my previous babyliss ones I think took roughly 20 mins until they were close to having any effect on my hair) and the red light flashed once they had heated up (with my old straightners the only way of knowing if they were on was to touch the plate and take all your skin off) so naturally they were the better buy!

So it was time to invest in a new pair. With my birthday fast approaching I persuaded my mum to look on the internet and get me a new pair. My dad was on the case and Ebaying like mad to try and find himself a bargain. At the time GHD had their limited edition pink GHDs on the market and there were quite a few pairs online, however I did not actually think that my dad would be willing to pay more for my straightners just to conform to my girly image!

Since I had just rolled out my bed and ran downstairs to open my presents (yes I was seventeen but that is always the way it goes on my birthday!) I decided that before anyone else could take any more hideous photos of me I would try out the straightners. And I have to admit that somehow they managed to excel the performance of my old straightners.

The pink straightners now heat to 230 and only take 7 seconds. The flashing red light turns off once they have reached optimum temperature so you know when they are ready for use. They have a monitor so that if they are not used for 30 minutes they will shut off and if the room temperature is too cold they will also turn off to prevent them from getting damaged. This is a good addition because with my old straightners I was constantly panicking at the thought of my room burning down because I did not check my straightners were turned off before I left.

The hair straightners are clamped down into contact with the hair and they glide down from the roots to the end. You can angle the straightner into different positions and your hair should follow their direction (i.e. flicking out at the ends) This style can then be sprayed with hair spray for an all day lasting effect and to add a little bit of variety to hairstyles. This makes the stylers easy to use and means that you can segment your hair and do each segment quickly and effectively.

Now obviously using such an intense heat on your hair isn't going to be doing it any favours but GHD also have this covered. You can purchase all sorts of products designed for use with their straightners such as heat protection spray and shampoos and conditioners. GHD's website (www.ghdhair.com) allows you to purchase individual products or complete bundles along with straightners and often because you are buying direct this means that you are saving money compared to buying from other retailers.

They are definitely one of the most expensive products available on the market, but this is reflected in the high quality product that you receive. The product lasts long (my mum is still using my old pair from 5 years ago) and they give you a years guarantee so that if you do encounter any faults you will receive a new pair.