Product Review: Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel

I have been using Paul Mitchell's Super Clean Sculpting Gel since I did my first Big Chop in the 90's.  I was a receptionist at a hair salon that did not know a thing about ethnic kinky "textured" hair so I kind of got guinea pigged into using certain products.  We won't even talk about the haircut I got there one time.  Let's not bring back those memories. *Moment of silence for my jacked up hairline please*

Anyway, out of all the products I spent my employee discount on, my Paul Mitchell gel was the only one that was tried, true and not insanely overpriced for its results. How do I know?  Because I have tried to substitute this gel for something cheaper too many times and have yet to get the same results.  This is the only gel that defines my 4a/4b curls and is a staple in my hair regimen.

The Super Clean gel is part of the Paul Mitchell's Firm Style line. It comes in various sizes but if you use a good bit of gel to set and define your hair in sections, I suggest getting the 16.9 oz as it has an easy to use pump.  The gel is at almost a liquid consistency and is not sticky nor does it have a strong fragrance (hence the "clean"). Here's a tip: if you have fine to medium hair and/or a texturizer or relaxer that you define with gel and then dry naturally, I recommend their Super Sculpt Drying Glaze  from their Flexible Style line if you find this gel makes your hair too crunchy. I rocked that for quite some time when I got the notion that putting a relaxer in my hair would make it more manageable.  My hair was more porous.  Looking back that only made it more manageable for about three weeks before the new growth and the older hair started working against each other.  When I decided to go completely natural, I found that the Super Sculpt Drying Glaze didn't provide enough hold or definition for me.  I believe that part of the reason is because the creamy products I am using on my hair (Cantu Leave In and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie) are too thick for it to provide any hold.  This is why I strictly use the Super Clean Sculpting Gel now.  It's my favorite hands down.

Pros:
- Good shine, clean feel and smell.
- Non-drying (may depend on what other products you use on your hair).
- Great for hold and definition
- 16.9 oz size goes a long way

Cons:
- Paul Mitchell products can be pricey depending on where you get them.  I recommend getting them at the salons in Wal-mart or Trade Secret in the mall where they are cheaper and sometimes buy one get one half off.  Their products are more expensive at drug stores.