alternate hair stuff (not clay or wax)?

[grundletaint]

i've got pretty fine, straight hair short on sides and longer up top. it looks, to me, best when i've slept on it after a shower or after the pool/beach.

clay/wax gives too much separation and forces me to give it more of a "styled" look that i don't really like.

also, i scratch my head/run fingers through hair a lot (out of habit, no dry scalp or bugs or nuthin) and it wrecks the "hold pattern." i'd rather use something that wouldn't be adversely affected by this.

is there anything i can put in it that will give it a dry/messy look without the separation and hold?

i'm wondering if the b&b tonic or 'surf' spray or whatever would do it.


things i've tried:

sumotech
sumowax
clay wax
HOP wax