How bad is straightening your hair for its health?

There are certain flat irons that let you control how hot it gets so you won’t toast your hair. As Noellptc said, make sure you use protection.

It really depends on the chemicals you use and if using a flat iron, the temperature you use, and how often you will condition your hair and so on.
If you are new to the process than ask someone you know who has been straightening their hair and shares the same texture of hair that you do.
It also depends on the current condition of your hair. If your hair is very brittle than go to a salon and get advice on what can be done and how to proceed, so your hair is healthy enough to endure what you have to do to it.
Good thing is, since you are a guy, it will be no big deal to get your hair cropped really short if it goes wonky.
For now, condition, condition, condition.

On a side note, healthy hair is an oxymoron. Hair is dead. It can still look nice, but it will never be healthy.

Go to your nearest salon or salon wholesale store, and ask about sprays for straight iron protection. I used a product by Ion that was strictly for the purpose of protecting my hair from the extreme heat of the straight iron.

You really shouldn’t straighten it every day though, because it is extremely bad for your hair. After using a straight iron for several months, I had to cut off about an inch of hair to get rid of damaged ends.

If you do it EVERYDAY its horrid. You will probably get really damaged burnt hair or even
expearience hair loss. You might have really straight hair but its worth it. Every couple
of days is fine. But dont put it on high about 350 degrees is the best way to go.