Talking about hair

If you read my blog carefully you might remember or at least know couple of months ago I cut my hair. I mean I let my hairdresser cut my hair. I was so excited about it! I trust this fellow so much I waited over a month to set an appointment and even picked not most comfortable date to see him. That is how much I liked his job before. He was also excited to see me and get his hands on my hair. Can you imagine my distress when it went wrong. He did his best but we both are not happy with result. My hair looked bad messy and cut too short. Instead of complimenting my face and features it made me look odd. For over two months I barely took of my hat. I mean I did it only to sleep and work out. Yeah I was that insecure about my looks. I considered hair extensions and wigs. A part of me was ready to cute it even shorter to at least get rid of lack of hair on my right side. But I managed to live through this only using hats, caps and berets.  I just hope right now I wasn't way too opened and honest about my insecurity in my own looks. I know it isn't much but it's really disorienting for person 100% happy and in peace with her body.
Now it's all better. My hair look attractive and even my mom mentioned how cool my hair looked when I've been waiting for her. I'd say my hair now are long enough. But with all that time I wanted to do something about it I started wanting some kind of extreme change. I can't color my hair because of allergy so I normally go for some kind of unusual cut. Also my hair are super straight so I don't have as much styling options as many other people (like my husband of example). Bt to tell the truth I always wanted curls. My cousin and niece both have wonderful curly hair. Like really curly hair. I have always wanted that curl cloud my head on. But it just won't hold. At least it was before. But with strong styling and a nice and easy curling iron things might change. And I actually can look like below with enough effort.

The only thing I need not to pay lots of money to achieve it (I mean doing it at home and not going to hair salon to get your hair done) is to buy curling iron. Do you have any suggestions for me? I'm googling but still can't fully understand what kind of result I want in the end of a day. I liked this two options (clickable) the most but I am still not sure. Any help my all mighty readers?

The first is budget friendly and simple to use. I didn't want to invest to much for a start, you know. However second option is way more expensive but has so many extra options which is making it a great option. I mean I might use it in the other way right? More options more changes it would work.
Also what styling would you suggest to make it last for at least three hours? 

Have a nice day,

Lyosha