Less: Marc Anthony Simply Straight Instant Straightening Cream ($7.99, walgreens.com)
Luxe: Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm ($25, amazon.com)

Ingredients in Action
Both products contain panthenol (a conditioner) and glycerin (a humectant), but the cheaper product claims its silk fibers are responsible for smoothing. Lightweight silicones and cetearyl alcohol -- a fatty alcohol common in conditioners -- in the pricier version supposedly give you a straighter style.

And the Winner Is …
Both fight frizz and flyaways to keep your hair straighter. But cetearyl alcohol adds additional slipperiness, which makes it easier to glide a brush through your hair as you hit it with a hot blow-dryer.