I never was skilled with a curling iron, and so have slept in foam rollers for years. I always use end papers and do not roll too tightly . . . really just the last 4 to 5 inches of my hair. I have NOT suffered any breakage or other damage as a result, and because I have done it for so many years, discomfort is not an issue either. You said that you have a shorter haircut, which leads me to believe you'd roll your hair all the way to your scalp. If so, it may cause some discomfort.