It normally goes from low cut to mini afro in like 3 weeks naturally
In a month and change, it went to pure bebes
You have to moisturize and brush it everyday, maybe even twice a day.
Get a durag, wear it at night. Brush in the morning, and before you go to sleep.
Your hair sounds coarse, which means the coils are tight, it gets dry easily, and it has to be maintained.
Either go the route that will get you waves, or moisturize it everyday, and use the "sponge method" after about 6 weeks to get that "nappy fro" look that's really popular with the youth.