How can i define my short, kinky hair?

WITHOUT gel? when i say kinky hair, i mean 4a/b with SOME 3c type hair. as in tiny ringlets in some places and little rolls in others. and a curl here and there. hair is only 3.5 inches short, and i don't like the idea of stacking gel on my hair, for it is already dry and i don't want to make it dryer. i need a product that is under 20 bucks, please.... no matter how hard i look, all i see is gel, gel, gel gel. I don't want to become a product junky, and i don't want to "create a curl pattern". I just want whatever curl, nap or whatever it is that i already have to be more visible. does anyone have any suggestions??