Help! I have horrible hair?

alrighty, so i have: short, layered,curly, thick(in some places like the top part), hair that stands up because it's short and thick, in the back it goes to my shoulders if its straightened. i always have to wear a beanie so the hair wont show and wont stand up. what should i do? i use to have really nice long hair, and i was stupid so i cut it off, hate it. any products that are average price that i can use? thanks