I found this gel to be quite effective and of great quality. I purchased this gel from a hair salon for $12.95 (CAD). The qualities that I like are that this product is alcohol free and not too sticky. It also improves the texture of my color-treated hair, while adding shine, volume and hold. This gel also claims to give "flexible hold". I find that it does hold pretty well, but is not stiff. The only minor qualm that I have with this product is that it is creamy in texture rather than clear.However, it does spread evenly; it is much better than Got 2 Be's gel smoothing creme which I tried several months ago, that gvae my hair great texture and softness but left so much residue. On dry hair, Wella Color Preserve gel defines my curls nicely, and the results are even better when I mix this gel with Wella Brilliant spray gel. Since both are alcohol free and conditioning, I have to say that my hair texture has improved. All in all, Color Preserve styling gel is a great salon quality product--I have not found a drugstore brand that works nearly as well as this one. I just wish Wella would inrtroduce more hair styling products, such as gel more often.Price-wise, thir products are usually not as affordable as d/s products, but not as high as dep't store ones.