First to make this story make sense I must tell everyone b/f they read this that I am in my 5th month of hair growth; the dreaded AWKWARD PHASE! I have been plastering my wavy hair with gel to keep it from puffing. The other day someone at the gym told me my hair looked really greasey, this really pissed me off. So today at work whereas I would usually gel my hair back I didn't put any gel in. I hopped out of the shower styled my wet hair with a middle part and went off to work. About a half hour later I looked in the mirror and to my surprise my hair was puffed up like a fro! I had one of the worst days of my life at work. So for all of you in the awkward phase now keep the gel, mousse, leave in conditioner, etc, etc in your hair! My hairdresser says once my hair is long enough it will weigh itself down, i sure as hell hope; or I'm afraid my dreams of being a longhair will be shattered!
Carlos
Try using hair straightening balm instead of grease. I like the Redken product, but there are several brands. It works for me to keep my hair from puffing up, but doesn't look greasy. Also, when I put it on damp hair, I can dry it more quickly.
Doug
I found that by combing the hair while its nearly dry and adding a bit of water to the parts that stick up and solve this problem, at least it did for me when I reached that phase. But my stupid parents hauled me off to get my hair cut really short for my grandmother's funeral (and at the time I didnt really care since I was too upset) and I'm starting all over again. 2.5 months and counting, this is gonna be hell.
Taso
Keep the faith Carlos, and stick with it.
Some people swear by leaving a bit of conditioner in their hair, and blowing it dry, then some hairspray to hold the resulting style. I used to get a very neat "dry look" that way.
What ever you do, don't give up. Smooth waves and a curly ponytail look so great!