regular use of heat to style hair will always cause damage in some respect. I have had my ceramic straightners for quite some time but always use a 'heat protective styling product' and regularly use conditioning treatments as well as my daily conditioner. My hairdresser has said that she feels there is some change in the condition of my hair since i started using them but no real damage and fine to continue as I am. Sure it really depends on how you look after your locks!!!
No permanent damage. Hair is dead and whether you straighten it or perm it you are just altering the intermolecular bonding between the protein chains. When your new hair grows it will be like all the other hair you have had.
I've used GHD ceramic straighteners almost every day for nearly a year. People comment on how lovely and shiny my hair looks - and my hairdresser always comments on how healthy and "soft" my hair is!! I use conditioner every day (quite a lot of it - but only relatively cheap stuff) and use serum before I dry my hair (again only a cheap product). So I guess the answer to your question is probably no!!
Don't beleive these people....hair straighteners do damage hair regardless of whether it is dead, alive or dancing round the kitchen!! Don't get me wrong, I love my hair straighteners and yes my hair always looks in the best possible condition when I use them but they do damage my hair and I do use the best protective serums out. My advice is too use them on special occasions, once a week maybe but not everyday and have your hair cut not longer than 6 weeks