How can I get the wet curly hair look?

I'vee done it plenty of times before but was never satisfied. I'm african american with a little white, therefore my hair is naturally curly. I've used mousse in my hair tons of times to achieve curlyness which is some what cute and hard but it still looks poofy! help !! i want it to look flat, and presentable, not puffy and like somethings growing in my head :/ I don't really want to weigh it down with gel, but if that helps. GIVE SUGGESTIONS ! PLEASSEE (: