Glamorous curls are having a major moment — but getting that effortlessly undone finish at home is all in the technique. Editor Trudi Brewer sat down with New Zealand's ghd senior educator, Michael Mendel, for a lesson in how to get the most from the ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong.
Creating volume and movement is the secret to curls that look effortlessly glamorous — and actually last. The right hot tool matters, but what you do with it makes all the difference. From how you section your hair and wrap each piece around the barrel, to how long you hold the curl and, crucially, how you let it cool - technique is everything. In this Q&A, we get the how-to secrets from ghd on creating movement and curl using the Chronos Curve Grand Tong — including the tricks for adding volume without going too ‘done’, making curls last all day and night, adapting your technique for fine or thick hair, and turning freshly curled hair into soft, touchable waves. Because great hair isn’t just about the tool — it’s knowing exactly how to use it.
ghd senior educator, Michael Mendel and editor Trudi Brewer
How to Q & A
What sets the Chronos Curve Tong apart from others on the market?
I love this question because I always say that using a ghd tool is about the complete ghd experience, and that absolutely applies to the ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong. It styles at the optimal temperature of 185°C, and the advanced technology behind the tool really sets it apart. You get fast, effortless styling with beautiful results, while helping to protect the hair from extreme heat damage.
What hair type is best suited to this hair tool?
The ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong is incredibly versatile and works across a range of hair lengths. On longer hair, it creates soft, glamorous curls and loose waves; on shoulder-length hair, it adds beautiful bounce and volume; and on shorter styles, it creates texture and soft movement. It's perfect for anyone wanting effortless body, shape and shine.
What is the difference between creating a curl and creating volume with this Curve Tong?
Curl and volume come together when you use a tong to style your hair. It's all about this very easy technique. For a voluminous curl result, we wrap the hair section very flat around the barrel. Always start from the roots to the ends. From the newest part to the oldest part of the hair.
What is the one technique that makes the biggest difference to the finished result?
More than the technique itself, I personally recommend that proper sectioning makes a huge difference when you are DIY-styling. Starting from the back, working with neat sections, and adding a dose of patience will directly affect the result.
ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, $340.
There’s something particularly good about a beauty buy that gives back. For 23 years, ghd’s Pink Collection has been supporting breast cancer charities globally. It has raised more than 25.5 million US dollars through its annual pink campaigns. It’s a partnership with real history, here too. Locally, ghd has supported Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and raised over $1.109 million for more than two decades, and that New Zealand partnership helps fund research, patient support, and vital breast-health awareness. In 2026, ghd’s limited-edition Dusted Pink tools are continuing to support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, with $20 from every pink tool purchased in New Zealand donated to the Foundation. That includes the new ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong — so your quest for big, glossy, bouncy curls can also help fund breast cancer research and education initiatives here in New Zealand.
Good hair. A gorgeous shade of pink. And a purchase that gives something back. That’s a beauty tool we can get behind.
If you only had five minutes to create big, glamorous hair, what would you do?
The 32mm barrel of the ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong is perfect for fast styling. I'd take larger sections of hair and wrap each section around the barrel for just three to five seconds to create soft, glamorous curls with plenty of volume and movement. It's a quick and easy way to achieve an effortlessly polished look in minutes.
What should you never do immediately after taking a curl off the tong?
Always let each section of hair cool down before brushing it out. About five minutes is perfect, and it helps the curl hold its shape.
How can you make big curls last all night long?
Prepping the hair with the correct styling products is vital for curl longevity. The ghd Curly Ever After combines a heat-protectant spray with curl hold that lasts up to 24 hours. This super lightweight spray has a natural-shine finish and can be applied to dry hair, section by section, before using the curler.
How would you adapt the technique for fine hair that struggles to hold a curl?
We have two alternatives: smaller hair sections if you are using the ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, or, for a more formed curl, the ghd Chronos Classic Tong 26 mm; this smaller barrel creates a more classic look. But prep both with ghd Curly Ever After spray.
What about thick or very long hair?
A good option for this type of hair is to drop the hair from the tong, then wrap the section up with your fingers and secure the curl with a hair clip until it’s cool to the touch.
What is your trick for getting volume around the face without creating old-school pageant curls?
I actually love old-school glamour curls, just with a modern twist. My favourite trick is to brush the curls out using the ghd Comb Out Detangling Comb. It gently breaks up the curl pattern, transforming defined curls into beautiful, bouncy waves with plenty of volume and movement around the face. The result is glamorous, effortless, and never overly 'done', so your hair still feels modern, soft, and touchable.
If you could share three rules for getting big, bouncy, long-lasting curls with the ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, what would they be?
Section your hair, use ghd Curly Ever After, and don’t be afraid to dress the hair out at the end with a wide-tooth comb.
If you use hot tools, use a heat-protecting spray like ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray, $53.
For longer-lasting curls, use ghd Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray, $53. If your hair is coloured, it needs extra care to prevent heat damage; use ghd Rehab Damaged Hair Repairer Spray, $63. One of my go-to blow-out hot tools for a salon-fresh polish is the ghd Duet Blowdry Brush in Dusted Pink, $645.
How to create glamorous curls at home.