i used to use gel, but this made my hair go rather hard. so, i decided to try this and it's excellent. i only use a small amount when my hair is damp and the results are excellent. my hair now seems to be soft, yet i'm able to shape it the same way i did with gel. another positive i have discovered, is that the regular brylcreem has, over the last few weeks, completely stopped my dandruff! this is definitely a bonus imo.