Are gel/mousse damaging my hair?

I used to straighten and curl my hair a lot. However, I decided to stop because I really want to grow out my hair. I came up with this plan that instead, I would wear it natural every day during the summer (just scrunching it) . I do use a lot of gel, but thats mostly to keep it from frizzing.. I have a deep conditioner I use in the shower && I have naturally really oily and curly hair but the question is, is this damaging my hair even worse than the heat appliances ?. If it is , are there any products you'd reccomend that wont damage it?