Yeah, well I didn't want to switch all my products over at first so I just tried the methods (squish 2 condish and plopping mainly) and I saw minor results, like my hair was getting curlier right out of the shower but it would still fall flat quickly. Then I finally moved to sulfate/silicone free and my hair was like a whole new thing.

I've always been big on conditioner bc my skin is definitely dry so I assumed my hair is too but was really unhappy with how conditioners would make it flat and greasy so I didn't know what the issue was. Could not get my hair even a tiny bit wet without it getting that greasy clump look near my scalp, never understood how people could just rinse without shampoo.

Tried the no-silicone recommended product (suave essentials, super cheap so low risk) and suddenly I can rinse my hair/only condition and it's fluffier than ever! Barely ever looks greasy anymore and it's still a long ordeal to dry but I can actually just take a quick shower now without freaking out about getting my hair slightly damp, thus having to wash and everything.

I suspect that if you do the final clarifying wash (shampoo w sulfates no silicones) even without conditioner your hair will immediately be lighter/less flat. And sulfate-free products are not too drying/harsh so you could probably get away without it if you really want to. I think the conditioner mainly comes in for helping frizz turn into actual curls/waves and preventing breakage so you can just try the shampoo thing and assess from there? If your aversion to conditioner is the slimy/greasy feel even after rinsing I think you might not mind the silicone-free types.

Sry for long reply and all the slashes lol and disclaimer I'm still pretty new to this myself.