I need pictures for maximum efficiency in advice.

As a general rule, you do not want to use water. If you want to use water (it's good to mold your hair), use it in very small amounts.

Use a strong gel (ex: dippity do -- orange color), glue gel (joico ice), or if you are feeling daring, use white or wood glue, but I've never had to use it, and I have had 7 inch spikey hair -- pic --

Usually that's enough for most people to spike their hair up at the back -- dry hair, strong gel. Pics help, once again. Post pics.