Does hair gel dry hair out?

I put tons of hair gel in my hair bcuz if I don't it will b poofy and hair to manage I have so many curls and my hair is so long. I've never seen anyone with hair like mine. I've been puttin hair gel in my hair for years now.. nd it luks nice with gel in it but... wen I straighten it .. it looks like hay.... I'm puerto rican. but other prs have nice hair wen straightened. help me out here.