I have checked the HG list and many on the list don't sound like they'll work for my hair, though I could be wrong. I feel like I keep striking out with gel, so I'm open to even your wildest suggestions at this point. Also apologies, I'm sure I've posted this before... but I don't remember getting many responses and I'm desperate for advice. I'll list routine (*next to anything with protein) and gels that haven't worked for me in the past. I've tried many more gels than these, but the others are ones from years ago and I don't really remember them well enough to say nay.
Shampoo: Shea Moisture ACV & salicylic acid; Pacifica Pineapple Papapya Curl Love* (I always double cleanse. On clarifying days I either use B&B Sunday or Pantene Volume)
Conditioner: V&CO Wave Babe**
Curl cream: Bounce Curl hydra-lite styling cream
I have a lot of concerns... hold, frizz, but I don't want overly gritty curls. I am prone to moisture overload easily, but I don't want to OD on protein either. Hair finish is somewhere on the medium-soft side? My underside strands are very silky and fall out more easily that my top layers, and top layers are slightly more rough and hold better (been this way my whole life).
Gels that don't work: TreLuxe (not enough hold); Aussie Instant freeze (takes me forever to diffuse, not enough hold); NYM Curl Talk level 5 (too thick, all their products dry my hair out)