Does anyone’s hair not stick together after they’ve applied their gel? Or does their hair poof up almost immediately after applying gel? If so, what do you determine to be the reason? Not enough water, too much water, not enough gel, not a strong enough gel, etc.?
My hair used to poof up after applying gel. But it was a series of things and not one thing.
1. I had to wet my hair more often. I couldn't let my hair get dehydrated and then think the gel was going to hold it down. This was my problem this month. My hair felt fine but it didn't curl right. I had to go back to rinsing every 3 days instead of 5. For me it makes the difference.
2. My hair doesn't hold water well, so I get it as wet as possible putting the sprayer right on my hair like they do at the salon. And within 30 seconds start applying the gel. Then I apply more water. Then more gel.
3. I also have to make sure I don't use too much conditioner too often. Sometimes its faster to cowash but I can do that once before I need to use a cleanser. My hair builds up quick.
I have found that there are gels that won't work on my hair no matter what I do. But the 3 reasons above are with gels I know that work.
You can also try the following:
Really work the gel into your ends. I have had problems with moisture leeching out through my ends.
Unfortunately it could be a number of things. All the things you mentioned can cause that to happen. (sorry)