Starting CG and finding the right balance?
 

So I read CG and scored myseld some Deva Curl samples. Im a solid 3a, but pretty fine and losing thickness as I age. (I'm 34) If I follow CG to the letter my hair is very, very greasy with a pretty pronounced "unwashed" smell. I tried a sulphate free, then One Condition not completely washed out with mixed results...sometimes a little heavy, sometimes not moisturized enough and dry and whispy.

How do you find the right combo for finer hair?

edit

Just starting CG and frustrated here, too. Using an organic shampoo and conditioner for curly hair - the brand escapes me - and Kinky Curly Curling Custard for styling.

My concerns are A) It takes FOREVER to air dry and B) can't get used to the gel cast while drying. It totally freaks me out and it doesn't seem to come completely out, even once the hair is dry and I've tried to tousle it.

Not sure if I'm a 2C or a 3A or a combo. Maybe I'm using too much gel and I've definitely got to get some type of dryer. I've been cheating and using my curling iron to touch up.

Hair type matters very little when choosing ingredients/products. It's more hair properties.

Many of us start with Deva, think we like it and then move on to other things that are better for us. Many of us also rotate products. My hair always satiated--even back in the shampoo/conditioner only days. I wet, use a rinse out and style every day. Seldom let myself use any one product more then once every five days, if that.

It's a trial and error process to find the right products that your hair likes. You have to compensate for the dewpoints and get the protein/moisture balance right. My hair started out as winter wavy/summer 3a. I've learned what my hair likes and what works for me. Now it looks like my signature picture all year around.