Need help with short/wavey hair

Out of desperation, I'm really trying to improve my whole 'look'.

I think my hair is really holding me back from looking decent. When I cut it down really short (1/2 inch) it's straight and whatnot, but when I grow it out to like an inch, it starts getting these waves in it that just look ridiculous. I'm a guy, but I look sooo much better when my hair is a bit longer vs. short, when I have some bangs going on. I can't do this with my hair right now, though, because my hair just becomes wavey and ridiculous.

I really wanna relax it and make it straighter, but I donno how to go about this. I've tried conditioners, stay-in conditioners, hot combs, hair straightening shampoo, etc etc. My hair is just too damn thick and stubborn! I really don't wanna use chemical relaxers because I've heard bad things about those.. what can I do for this? I'll try and get a pic up later

Thanks for any help!