Ways to wear short hair?

Okay, my hair is dark brown, really thick and naturally curly/wavy/does whatever it feels like doing. I normally straighten it, and (my sides are asymmetrical) one side goes to my shoulder and the other touches my neck. They both angle up to the back. I like my haircut, but I just want some other ways to wear it. Girls at my school seem to wear their hair perfect all the time. Also, how would I curl it?? I always mess up the back because I can't see it, and the curls just are never as pretty as the other girls.