I hate my hair, what kind of cut should i get?

I like my hair short, but not so short i cant style it, cuz my hair looks like crap dry and short. I like getting a #2 on the sides and back, but just cant figure out a good length for the top. I have a bad cowlick in the front that is like a twirl in my hair. Usually i get the top like 1 inch long, but i just cant style it good no matter what. tips for what i should get and do?