So, you tested the thermostat in a cup of hot water in the sink to verify it is opening properly at the right temperature? If not, that's step one.
If it is, you have an air issue. Park the car so it is nose up- the steeper the grade the better. Fill as best you can and let it sit an hour, and then add more as it seeps in. Make sure the heater is on, "full blast" and keep adding coolant as the thermostat finally opens. Note that the thermostat WON'T open if it's not in water- if it's dry, due to some blockage, it will never open. But, you also should not be getting a water temperature reading without water, and the sensor and thermostat are in the same housing...
I think even the crappy Haynes manuals detail burping the system. Since you are doing a head gasket, perhaps the radiator is blocked, which caused the overheat the first time... HAs all the support equipment been checked? The water pump impeller is turning correctly, and not spinning free on the drive shaft? (another common failure)
"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"
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