chemically relaxing

Hi everyone.

I`m not African American, but my hairdresser says my hair is quite similar. Its really curly, and I`m fed up of straightening everyday, only to step outside into rain/wind etc and have all my work undone. I`m thinking of having it chemically relaxed for the first time, and, as I`ve never done anything permanent to my hair before, was hoping you could offer me some pearls of wisdom.

Thankyou,
Sammy.