How to fix longer hair

Hey Everyone

My hair is about at my natural waist, and I always wear it down. Unless I blow dry it, it gets a bit wavy in the back, but in the front it is straight. I tried curling the ends the other night...after a little gel was applied and it looked nice for about 30 minutes then they just fell out.
I've noticed that since my hair is longer/heavier..I don't have the volume I once hair before, and it is a bit irritating.
Any tips on what I can use to give it some volume, or being able to style it?

Also, my bangs are almost to my chin, but I am tempted to cut them again (ahhh) I always had my bangs just curled under just a little and that at least had a fixed look, while the rest of my hair was straight in the back.
Any tips would be appreciated, ty