Should I stop treating my hair like curly hair?

I have fine hair that if brushed straight while wet and not scrunched dry, dries straight. 8 months ago I started experimenting with curly/wavy methods and I come out with waves or curls of sorts. The only problem is my hair is much more knotty now and I worry I get more breakage. Am I forcing waves and damaging my hair?

Routine:

• Wash once a week with Native shampoo and conditioner or with Aveeno apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner when needed,
• Scrunch in Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Sculpting Gel while wet,
• Scrunch with cotton t-shirt and let the rest air dry
• I don’t brush my hair dry at all, I only detangle in the shower with product.