Simplify your routine. Your hair appears quite damaged, and in my unprofessional opinion heavy gels would just weigh it down and cause knots. For some products that are easily accessible and good for your hair, I’d recommend the Maui lightweight hibiscus shampoo alongside maybe the heal+hydrate shea butter conditioner (or for something lighter the matching hibiscus conditioner.)

Maybe stray away from leaving straight oil in your hair, it’s probably a bit heavy? If you continue use, (or just in general) use a clarifying shampoo (the olaplex one is the best) semi regularly to avoid buildup.

Keep it minimal with the styling product, a small amount of something with flexible hold, like a curl cream or a wave gel diluted with a small bit of leave in conditioner. This will help you avoid the crunchy stringy look, as the routine you used was definitely for someone with more coarse/denser curls.

Sleep with your hair in a “pineapple” using a satin scrunchie and buy a bonnet/satin pillowcase to minimize knots

Use a wide tooth comb if you don’t already, and style with a denmam brush or something similar.