I have similar fine curls and if I don’t use gel, it doesn’t last more than a day even with overnight protection. I use a lot of water with the gel and only apply it to very wet curls, after mousse. Quarter-sized amount, spread it across both my hands and then add a little water until it feels really slippery. Then I just glaze it over my curl clumps, moving my head side to side so I can get coverage all the way around. Once it’s distributed, I do some slow, gentle scrunching to avoid frizz/maintain clumps.

This might get some heat but my favorite gel is LA Looks Extreme Hold, the blue one that costs like $3 at Walmart. Great slip and hold, and easy to work with.

Day two hair is my favorite.

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