soblessed, i hope your name rings true because you certainly help so many; you definitely deserve it. i did some research through the forum and found the transitioners section. judging from what you advised another poster who sent a pic, i think i'm a 4c. i hate that i have to guess at it but i don't have a way to upload any photos of my poofiness.
after close inspection of my roots, i think i have a lot of waves going on. no spirals. and from i've been told by various stylists, i have thick hair. so it's probably course. and i know it's really big. i will definitely try the souffle and whipped cream. i tried the kit again this morning and it was more of the same.
unfortunately i was mid-way through my work day before i caught a glimpse of how truly crazy i looked. picture a wet, poofy, 1/4 part frizzy, 1/4 kind of straight, 1/4 limp, 1/8 curly, 1/8 indescribable mess. add a headband for semblance of control. i hope the products come soon so i can try it your way. i'll keep you posted. thanks for your help soblessed!
p.s. - can you recommend a way to identify one's hair type? i can't find an answer on the forum and the google results are confusing. thanks a lot again.