Thin, Poofy hair problem

I'd like to grow my hair out a little longer, rather than having extremely short. Right now I have been getting the fade hair cut for about 10 years and I've always wanted it a little longer. The problem is my hair is rather thin and after washing it, it tends to grow straight out instead of lying down. I'm afraid if I start to grow it out it will look like an Afro. Is there any shampoo or conditioners to treat this problem? Or will it start to lie down when it grows out? I've heard the reason it grows straight out is because the barber uses clippers when they cut my hair. Should I start to go to a stylist?