Thanks all.
My hairdresser is pretty well versed in straightening, so I would HOPE it would not be damaging.
I am currently using an intense treatment 3 times a week in prep, but I will talk to her more about it before committing.
She said it would last for a year.
My hair is not REAL curly, but enough that I can not just wash it and let it go (not curly enough to be "pretty").
I have to blow dry and THEN straighten. Takes me 45 min as my hair is very thick. I am quite tired of it.