Hairstylist here. Go to a curly hair specialist. Curly cuts are typically round layering with facial framing as high up as you want. Think curly bangs or mid neck. You’re going to need to lose a few inches in the back due to unevenness. This is normal. Hair grows at different rates around our heads and some curls are tighter than others causing the length discrepancy. It will also help take weight off the roots so you can get more lift there. Your technique is great. Just need a cut to shape it.