I'm a guy and have been experimenting with growing my hair out. My hair is very thick and wavy and by keeping it well-conditioned I've been able to keep it mostly under control while I've been growing it out. My issue is that I really like how it is when it's wet, it's not quite as wavy, it lays flatter, and just generally looks better. When it dries out, it gets more wavy and poofy and doesn't lay flat at all.
I've tried using leave-in conditioner and while that does seem to extend the wet-hair look, it's still dry by the time lunch comes around.
I don't really want to gel it in place so it gets hard and crusty, do I have any other options?