That's the result of the stylist spending longer than I would have liked with a hair dryer and a giant roller brush. (I hate hair dryers, I never use them.) Not as much trouble as you have, I'll admit, but not a natural effect, either, and not one I'm likely to bother pursuing on my own. (For what it's worth, I think you should get the cut you like before you go, if only to avoid thinking "man I wish I'd gotten that cut" every time you look into a mirror, but financial considerations are a thing too. Maybe leave it as is for now until you get a better idea of how much a stylist you like will cost, then if you can fit it into your budget go ahead and get the awesome cut? You do have pictures you can give for reference!)

Hangouts would be awesome! I start classes next week, but have managed a three-day-a-week schedule, so (maybe-)Thursday/Friday/Saturday are open. I hope for your sake that your neck is behaving by then. Well, ideally long before then. ♥