I have that "poker straight" hair you mentioned. When I was little my 2 older sisters would curl my hair and then watch the curls fall out. Never took long. :) When I was in my 20's I got perms every 3 months. I did this until about 2 years ago. Decided I didn't want to keep spending the money. Now it's straight and about shoulder length. Still doesn't hold a curl but I can put a flip in the ends with a flat iron. I've decided ponytails aren't that bad, especially when we go camping in the summer. :)