u/kittycatparade

So after years of trial and error, I've finally got a routine I'm mostly really happy with:

• Shampoo with Plaine Products Cherry Almond shampoo every day
  • Side note: I know washing every day is unthinkable for some (maybe most?) CGs, but I've tried to cut it down multiple times over the years, and all it did was make my hair greasy
• Condition with Plaine Products Citrus Lavender conditioner every day (mainly just raking it through to detangle)
• Scrunch Kinky Curly Knot Today into sopping wet hair
  • Side note 2: I'm an eco girly, so I'm interested in trying Ecoslay's Rice Pudding leave-in conditioner (if you've tried it, let me know how you like it!), but if it's not as good, I'll stick with KCKT
• Plop with a microfiber towel for ~10 minutes
• Let my hair air dry (takes about 3-4 hours)

That gets my hair like 75% of the way there, but I still think I'm missing a good styler (gel, mousse, foam, cream, etc.) that could help define my curls and tame my frizz. I'd really love some recommendations for a product if anyone knows one that might work for my hair 🙏

Relevant info:

• I'm EU-based, but travel to the US a couple of times a year so could easily pick something up there
• Hair is 2A/2B, very thick, very low porosity, and flash dries with most coconut-based products
• I really like the hold/frizz control of gels that make a cast, BUT I've got some sensory issues and heavy gels like LA Looks, flax gels, etc. feel like goop on my head and take like 6 hours to air dry
  • Side note 3: I've heard cold diffusing might help, but realistically I need a low-maintenance routine and I can't see myself actually doing that every day
• Most mousses leave my hair stringy, most foams aren't strong enough to make a dent in my super thick hair, and most creams weigh my hair down or leave it greasy, but I'm open to trying ones that people swear by
• I've been thinking a gel that's a bit lighter, with a jelly- or custard-like texture, might work better, so especially open to recs there.

Would majorly appreciate any suggestions! Thinking I'll test out like 3-5 products 🙏