Trying to tame my mane

Before the summer began, my hair and I were in a battle. Some days it was curly, some days it was half straight and half wavy, and some days it was just straight crazy. I remembered when I was little (and my hair was straight) I used to braid my hair after the shower, sleep in the braids, and wake up to take them out and find...well, some kind of kinky, poofy, semi-wavy do. So, I decided I would give it a try for old times sake.

Before...
After


The picture is dark and blown out, but you get the idea. It sort of worked, although slightly kinky. As summer goes on, I continue to battle with my crazy hair. I am seriously trying to grow my hair out and have a couple of inches to go. In the meantime, Rachel Scholl (fabulous) gave me some highlights which makes me happier with my crazy hair. Here is me this morning sporting bedhead + a bobby pin!
Not so crazy today. I continue to experiment with hot rollers, foam curlers, and all different products to tame this mane. A heat index of 120 does not help! Alas, I will be in Alaska in 60 degree weather at the end of this week and I expect to have fabulous hair! Do you have any tips to beat this heat (perhaps more practical than braids?)