What is a good hair product to use when curling your hair?

I have long, thick hair and I want to try to curl my hair using rollers. What is a good product to use in my hair before and/or after curling my hair for better hold without making it too stiff (no crunchy hair!) and is not too expensive?What is a good hair product to use when curling your hair?
garnier fructis cream gel is really great. wet your hair and then put the stuff in your hair. it takes about a quarter ammount, and make sure you distribute it evenly. then put the rollers in, and put a hairnet or a shower cap and put it in for about 30 mins, depending how thick your hair is. make sure the rollers are hot, though. run a pick through it to loosen the curls. you're good to go!