We lab-tested nine straightening irons on swatches of naturally curly hair (testers counted how many passes it took to get the hair straight). We also asked staffers to use the straighteners at home. As with blow dryers, differences in wattage and claims didn't always track with straightening performance.

Bottom line
The best value was the Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30, which is very light and travels well. The best performer overall was the Infiniti Nano Silver by Conair SS9, $100. It has an LED temperature display and retractable combs to grip hair. Both shut off automatically in about 60 minutes, but that's still a long time. You need to be careful with any straightener: Some reach temperatures of 400º F in a couple of minutes, which is hot enough to burn skin on contact. The outside of the Revlon near the plates got especially hot, so be sure to grab the straightener by its handle.