I either pick gel or mousse. Wash your hair, use a really good conditioner and leave it in as long as you can before washing it out. Then comb your hair with a pick comb. Flip your head over and crunch gel or mousse in. Blow dry upside down. I usually blow dry it to about 75% dry and then leave it to finish drying on its own. Make sure to do the crunch method when drying too (like close your hand full of hair and lift up). If I get a bit frizzy, I add a bit more gel or mousse after drying. Use it sparingly though as it can make your hair turn hard if you do. Less product the better you want to define your curls but not get the hardness. I also cut my own layers....layering your hair is important otherwise you end up with pyramid hair.