btw... straightner and blowdryer do about the same amount of damage...
atleast thts wht i learned in cosmetology.
U should definitely use a heat protecting cream or spray before using either...
blowdying takes longer and doesnt really provide teh same results unless u know how to do it properly.
Also, blowdrying takes longer than straigntening if u have thick hair... plus wth blowdrying u have to pull comb the hair sooo much for it to turn out right.
if ur really trying to be careful about ur hair... try wrapping it. It turns out sooo great and soft afterwards especially for layered hair styles. Only thing is the hair has to be completelyyy dry before u open the wrap. I suggest taking a shower at night and wrapping ur hair and opening it in the morning only if ur sure it is completely 100% dry. If it is not, just blowdry from far away to make the process faster.