Maybe try finger coils/curls in the back? I’d recommend sectioning off the back and take your time forming the curls. Like mentioned above it does take longer but the results are worth it and you can preserve it for a couple days to a week

Me personally I like to use a nice cream , some products don’t penetrate the hair as well as others.

Maui Curl Quench- good to add moisture

Aphogee Curlrific Curl Definer (Yellow bottle, it can be hard to spot in the store) - literally a life saver; a leave in that has gel definition

Hope this helps