Help with very strong hair

 

At present, I have my hair spiked up at the front.  Problem is that my hair is strong, sorta like African Hair.

 

Anyways, with it spiked up at the front, no matter how hard I try, I can't really develope a new style from it as it just stands up straight no matter what.  Worse still, if I leave it grow too long, it starts to curl inwards.  All the hair folicles will start to bend inwards instead of outwards which is obviously what I'd want to grow it longer.

 

Is there anything I could do to make my hair finer and more managable.  Also, what would be the best styling product to use.  Presently use blue dax.