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I had the stick-out problem for about 18 months after I had my last major chop in Feb 2000. I was determined to grow out my hair. Initially I just plastered it flat to my head with mousse (so it looked like I had it in a ponytail from the front anyway!) but when it became too long to do that, I used a styling spritz. It looked fantastic and a cyclone wouldn't have shifted it but it was as hard as a rock and was horrible to wash out. Eventually I found that going to bed while my hair was still slightly damp (not soaking wet!) and pushing it flat down the side of my head would work. I still do this now and, even after sleeping my hair still looks as though it's only just had a comb put through it.
It is interesting that you dreamt of long hair as well. This is also partially why I grew my hair because I used to dream of it quite often.