Hey spitfire!
Welcome to the forum.
Hope you come back to read this reply as I didn't answer you right away and I apologize.
I think the best thing for you to do is to let your hair grow out at least a little. The weight from longer lengths will pull out the waves and therefore eliminate the "poofiness" you describe. Anytime you cut hair into short lengths, it has the ease, lightweight freedom to spring up into poofs or curls or waves. Go for a longer style, one you can have cut into longer layers or even opt for all one length something.
As for your bangs, try an off center part as you grow it out. At this length, on the side will drive you nuts as it probably won't work too well. Off center it until it grows out some then experiment with where you would like to try it. A severe side part is going to help expose a high forehead more so than one that's closer to the middle so keep that in mind.
Good luck!