firstly i would see what kind of hair type you have in terms of porosity (how your hair takes on moisture), texture (how thick your strands are), and density (how much hair you have). so my hair can probably get a little wavier than yours (finnicky lol 2c-3a), and is low-porosity, fine (texture), and normal/medium (density). for me, getting volume and a pattern isn’t too hard (esp with styling) but product builds up and weighs my hair down easily
i would buy small sizes of different products that match your hair type and test them out. you might try a light gel (clear eco/ice?) or mousse maybe. wavy hair also usually does well with a salt water spray (not your mother’s has one). i recently have tried the miss jessie’s pillow soft curls cream and liked it. but my usual routine has been just scrunching with a small amount of gel and then diffusing
also, you don’t mention how you wash/dry your hair - if you aren’t doing so, cold water + cotton t shirt instead of a towel + diffusing with a hair dryer will make a big difference. and always brush before you shower or when you condition, but never during/after you’re drying it
i hope this helps!
