How do I give my hair a whole lot LESS volume?

I look like the character from dilbert with the triangular shaped curly hair. I don't have the time to straighten it but it looks absolutely disgusting! How do I make it thinner, or less puffy, or anything? I tried getting it relaxed, and it worked, but then I got a bad haircut and I don't have the money to do it again...so it looks just as bad, if not worse than originally. Is there anything that can be done that's low maintenance for someone on a budget? Also, is there anything that won't be screwed up by chlorine?