I use a curling iron every day and it definitely damages my ends. My niece uses a flat iron every day and her ends are damaged, as well. The thing is, they’re more noticeable on perfectly straight hair than on slightly curled hair. I’d go easy on it if I were you.
Like everyone else has said, the flat iron will damage your hair, but it wont ruin it. Can I also just recommend the professional hair straighteners? I use a GHD and although its expensive, it works wonders! GHD also have a range of products availale to help protect your hair.
Use it often enough though and it will damage your hair, Ive found that if you get it cut often enough and use even fairly decent shampoos/conditioners it doesnt do that much damage.
We really need a :shakehead: smiley.
You didn’t really expect all us chicks to stop talking hair and acknowledge your bad joke, did you, mangeorge? 
:o
Anything for a little attention. 
Has anyone seen the Maxiglide infomercial on TV? This particular flat iron has a lot of ceramic pins that straighten the hair and doesn’t damage the hair; so they say.
I was born with very curly, almost kinky, hair kinda like this guy, only a little curlier.
I know what it’s like to go to bed with wet hair and not comb it out. I know irons, chemicals, weird combs, and all that stuff. I suffer those pretty girls always runnung their fingers through my hair (heh heh).
I finally gave it up and grew me a real cool 
natural (afro). Now that I’m older I simply keep it really short.
So, I feel your pain. I suggest a buzz cut for all. :eek:
Peace,
mangeorge
Sorry…I’m mixed blood white and Native. My hair is fairly straight except for some areas where I’ve inherited a slight wave…I find it appears in the middle of my hair and in my bangs. Wouldn’t be so bad if it was a uniform wave, instead of random bumps and curly-q’s everywhere. My hair is naturally a dark chocolate sort of brown/black but I’m going grey so I do colour it now. It tends to get frizzy, especially on humid days.
Ooop, forgot to mention also that it’s long…about 3" past my shoulders.
Welp, looks like I’ll be looking for a new flatiron. The one I got was used (only $5!). It’s from the 70’s and it has brass plates. Sounds like ceramic is better. Thanks for the info!