Products for unruly, pouffy/rough textured, curly hair

[TrufflePioneer]

I've searched for so many years to find the right product (or cut) for my hair, but almost always end up disappointed. I know everything works differently for different people, so I'm prepared for trial and error, but what are your best experiences?

The Curly Girl method didn't work for me despite trying dozens of different products over an 8 month period - it still looked dry, frizzy, and kinky not curly. The top layer in particular is dry and weak (breaks easily) despite many glossing treatments, and it doesn't change over the years so it isn't temporary damage - it's just the way the hair is, apparently.

I went to see a curly hair specialist recently, who reluctantly told me to wear my hair straightened as it has a rough, uneven texture. I have identified great products for styling it straight/smooth with heat, but in 15 years of wearing it long have never found anything to make it feel nice and smooth and glossy when wavy/curly - either with silicone or without.

Any ideas? I've experimented with loads over the years - is the specialist right, is there no hope for ever air-drying my hair?

PS if this sounds familiar, I have posted before under another name, but that was all about getting a good cut - that failed, so I'm looking at products again now!

I recommended the trepadoras papaya slip, but over the weekend I impulse bought Shrub curl defining cream. I'd never heard of it, was shopping on boots and saw it. Tried it. I bloody love it. Never had such soft curls! And curly curls too, with no effort! So now, I'm recommending that!

That's a new one DonLewis, thanks for giving it a trial and reporting back!

I watched a few hair tutorials and started to wonder if I'm simply not using enough product. So I rewashed and layered on multiple products in more generous amounts (but not toooo much) - it certainly felt smoother when wet, so I had high hopes, and let it air dry.

Nope, it was MASSIVE - loads of soft smooshy frizz. I could barely get it into a pony tail, it was so big and strong.

I've washed again this morning, filled it full of silicones and straightened it. It is still surprisingly pouffy at the sides though, I have no idea what's going on - even the humidity shouldn't beat the Dreamcoat, but it's standing out like crystal tipps. 😭