Is gel okay to use?
 

I have curly hair ... Im multiracial. Lately I have been using conditoner , gel, and olive oil. If I just leave in conditoner by the end of the day my curls poof up. What daily steps should I take and what do I need to put in my hair? Is gel a big nono???

There are lots of gels out there that different people have success with, so gels definitely aren't a no-no.

I've made homemade FSG (flax seed gel) and like how that gives a light hold and leaves my hair touchable, but I've also recently discovered that if I mix KCCC (Kinky-Curly Curling Custard) with a little EVOO or CJ CIAB, or KCKT, that it gives pretty good hold, decreases frizz, but doesn't make my hair look stringy (KCCC used on it's own on my hair just doesn't work for whatever reason).

In general, I'm very cautious about proteins in products, plus I try to stay pretty CG, so those criteria guide my choices. You'll probably have to do some experimenting with products to find a favorite/favorites, but I imagine there are ones out there that will work for you.

Gels definitely aren't a no-no for me (and I'm CG). If you're worried about dryness coming with hold, however, make sure to look for alcohol free gels. I think magnesium sulfate can also be drying for some.

I ONLY use gels in terms of stylers.
With a good leave in I don't get much dryness.
My hair can't take a ton of moisture anyway.