Cheerbear, it gets harder and harder each week, but I find I need to use more product and even different produtcts when Im 6 weeks or more past retouch. Used to my new growth wouldnt even bother me till at least 8 weeks but with surge and Im assuming my new vitamin regimen, its coming in like crazy....
Also an antifrizz serum and/or a little pomade will make it lay down more, and tie the perimeter down with a scarf, it should dry fairly straight.
You can also try doing it in two or more ponytails so u can pull more of your hair straight that way, Ive been doing low pigtails and rollling the ends on a big roller...next Im going to try 4 ponytails(Like when u were a kid) and roll each one to smooth the ends....
Some of the relaxing balms are good for when u have a lot of new growth, Phytodefrisant works pretty well to smooth mine out.
My problem is the outside will be fairly straight but underneath the top layer its fuzzy wuzzy....better not put my hand in there, it might get stuck or something might bite me