I've switched to doing this as well. I no longer use combs/brushes and I find my curls look totally different. And I use gel, it really helps my wng's last longer.
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I started to experiment with gels because I saw a youtuber with 4a hair doing the TC and it really did help the definition. I know 1Ballareina use it but I never wear my hair out. But I am sometimes just not up to all that. When your hair is below TBL it can take time no matter how scaled down the routine is. Washing and conditioning is quick but by the time I detangle, and separate then twist(because braiding took even longer) I am still over an hour doing my hair. Got to love this long hair.
I am now in 11 twists but will try to get down to less and not compromise the health with to many tangles. I am working on getting down to 7 twists. Then I may return to braiding because it does hold better in braids. Still a work in progress.
Your hair is looking fabulous.