Poufy top layer

I have thick, wavy, shoulder-length hair that is layered at the sides and back - longish layers. The top is shorter, and is gradually layered to blend with the rest. I try to let my hair air dry, except for the top which I curl with a curling iron. However, when my hair starts getting long at the top (about 3 weeks after my hair is cut) it starts looking "poufy" at the top. I hate this look! I feel like my choice is to either, 1) constantly get the top trimmed, which is annoying, or 2) let the top grow out so that the top layer gets long and I won`t feel like I`d have to curl it. However, I`ve had bangs for years and don`t know whether I would like my hair without them. Also, I wouldn`t know how to deal with the "in-between" growing out stage.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Either styling advice, or hair-cut ideas that would help?

Thanks!!!

I`ve had bangs for most of my life, but I grew them out because they were always in the way and don`t (didn`t?) look very sophisticated.

The first part of the growing out stage mainly involved styling my bangs so the fell to either side of my face. A little styling product... Sometimes I had to use pins or little clips. Eventually they got to my cheekbones (which looked great!) and have been no trouble since.

Go for it! If you don`t like them when they`re grown out it is terribly easy to cut them again.