/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Does anyone have recommendations for heat protecting/volumizing products to use when curling hair? Whenever I try using a curling rod my hair starts off okay but as I get to the upper layers it starts getting nasty and winds up looking like I didn't even do my hair. It feels weighed down on top and super dry on the ends.

Or if there are any other haircuts/styles that would better suit my face because I've just kept it straight with sideswept bangs for years.