GHD Flashing Red Light & Beeping? Here’s What It Means (And How to Fix It)
If you’ve sat down to style your hair only to be met with a persistent flashing red light and a repetitive beeping sound, you aren't alone. In the repair world, this is often called the "Red Ring of Death," and it’s especially common in the GHD Platinum+ and GHD Gold models.
But before you throw your expensive stylers in the bin, let’s look at what your GHDs are trying to tell you—and why a professional repair is almost always cheaper than a replacement.
1. The "Shiver Mode" Fix (Try this first!)
If it’s winter or your straighteners have been in a cold room, they might be in Shiver Mode. This is a safety feature designed to prevent electrical shorts caused by condensation.
The Symptom: Constant beeping and flashing as soon as you turn them on.
The Fix: Wrap them in a warm towel or place them in a warm room for 30 minutes. Do not put them on a radiator. If they work after warming up, you’ve just saved yourself a repair bill!
2. The "Red Ring of Death" (Platinum+ / Gold Original Models)
If your GHD Platinum+ / Gold or Original model is flashing red and beeping before or during already warmed up—or won't stop beeping even when warm—it usually indicates a component failure on the internal circuit board.
Common Causes: A faulty heater or a blown thermal fuse.
The Reality: GHD’s official stance is often that the Platinum+ model "cannot be repaired" once out of warranty. We disagree. Our technicians specialize in these complex boards, replacing the specific micro-components that GHD won't touch.
3. Intermittent Beeping (The Cable Issue)
Does your GHD beep randomly while you are moving it around? This is almost always a sign of a fractured power cable or a loose internal connector.
The Danger: A sparking cable is a fire hazard. If your GHDs "cut out" and "beep back on" as you rotate them, stop using them immediately.
Why DIY GHD Repairs are Risky
It’s tempting to follow a YouTube tutorial, but modern GHDs are incredibly sensitive.
Safety First: Every repair we do ends with a PAT (Portable Appliance Test). We ensure your stylers aren't just working, but are electrically safe to put near your face.
Specific Parts: Using the wrong "cheap" thermistor from eBay can cause your plates to overheat to over 200°C, permanently damaging your hair.
Get Your GHDs Back to Life
Don’t spend £150+ on a new pair. At GHDs Repairs, we’ve been bringing these iconic tools back to life since 2006.
24-Hour Turnaround (typically)
6-Month Warranty
UK-Wide Postal Service
