Me personally, I use aunt Jackie's curl-la-la curl custard. It hydrates my hair and helps bring out the curls and it doesn't have the stickiness or residue of gel and mousse. It honestly has the texture of lotion and smells amazing. I also use Aussie miracle curls shampoo and conditioner. I'm no hairstylist but that's just what works for me, I really hope it helps ❤️