J has the thick fine hair and it is a pita to do much with. For this growing out phase, I recommend the hairband shown n the picture of alice posted above this. You can buy all types, and they are easy to make. For keeping your hair out of your way around the house, use a bandanna or scarf. Fold in half diagonally, roll the folded edge down an inch or two, put up on your head and bring ends down to see where to tie. Mkae the first tie with it up on your head (half of a square knot) and then make the second with the bandanna around your neck. Make sure all hair is up over the bandanna, pull bandanna up over your forehead to where it is comfortable.
You can make an easy hairband at home in very few minutes. Here are super easy, clear directions (more clear than I can write, lol):
http://www.ehow.com/how_7623932_create-own-headbands.html You can make them to fit any outfit, and they are often really comfortable. I don't use pins or an iron, and usually I sew them by hand because I have a hate-hate relationship with sewing machines. (Hey, I tried to like them. My mom's sewing machine when I was a kid hated me - it was possessed and hungered for my blood. It put a curse on me and now most of them hate me too!) I can sew one in well under half an hour.
Put some mousse on your hair and then put the headband on. Age doesn't matter - headbands look great on anyone! Also keep an eye out because they are selling them all over the place again. I found some on clearance at Old Navy a while ago for a buck each and they are super comfortable. I have to be careful because if they are very tight I get a headache but if they are loose they don't stay up.