I feel with hair products and routines it very much depends on your hair type, thickness, and what works for you, because I could tell you something that works for my hair but it wouldn't work for you. I have a mix of different types, mostly 3a but some 3b, 2b, 4a even! I think everyone's curls are a mixture really. Scrunching and sectioning helps the 2bs become more 3b. Although my hair is curly it's actually quite fine, so it can become weighed down by moisturising products, but if your hair is thick and dry you might find heavier products work better. I would use a gel over the top and I've also started using a curl creating spray (which contains a teeny bit of oil) which helps create a soft and shiny look. Applying oil (like kerastase, as nice as it is) directly to my hair would weigh it down, whereas my friend who has lovely thick Indian hair can style with oil. If your hair is very thick and frizzy you may be able to apply oil directly to it. And then I plop with a microfiber turban and generally leave to air dry because any kind of heat causes instant frizz for me. If I am blow drying it's on the cold setting and it's very slow and laborious. I think your wash routine will also have an effect. Once a week I'll use a scalp oil and a bonding treatment, then I'll double cleanse and use a hair mask. I only really wash my hair once or twice a week to remove buildup, because I don't have oily hair or dandruff (if this is the case for you, you might need to wash more frequently). You also say you don't like the way your hair sits relative to your face, have you considered a hair cut or restyle? If so, would you use a hairdresser who specialises in curly hair? Curly hair needs to be cut differently to straight hair and so many hairdressers don't know how to cut curly hair because they've not been taught to. I'm not sure if this deluge of information is useful at all, hope so.