Lol I guess it's called hair relaxers, yes.
Um well my friend did one her hair was straight for a few months then went back to normal. I can't tell you how ultimately *dangerous* and *horrendous* it is, but I think this can probably be attributed to the drug store do-it-yourself brand. Going to a nice salon you trust and get it done there, I'd try it. But then again I know alot of people who did it and it when just fine...maybe there's future side-effects? I never really heard anything negative about it apart that it can damage your hair if poor brands are used.
it's known that it does damage your hair, but to a certain extent if done frequently...
anyway i'm not an expert on this it's just a suggestion, and I can reassure you I know people who did do it and it worked

..
Straigthening your hair frequently is bound to damage your hair too...maybe even more so.
Any other suggestions I can give you...why not go curly? Buy some mousse and instead of straightening it, apply mousse it'll look just as good.
or...buy a cream that is made for hair straightening, that protects your hair and makes it easier for you to straighten it. I am not sure what it's called, but the label description will tell you...
it'll make straightening your hair faster and easier.
Buy a straightener that you can use on wet hair(IT'S SAFE) (although I had one, I wouldn't recommend it, it's not very enjoyable alot of steam comes out)
ehhh..I can't think of anything else...if I do ill let you know.good luck!