I have never used gel until about three months ago when I started CG. I have never been happy with how it makes my hair feel - really dried out and tangly. Yesterday I tried mousse for the first time since the late 80's. LOVE! the hold is amazing and my hair feels soft and the curls are just perfect in terms of shape and volume. If this continues to work for me I'll never use gel again! The one I used has no drying alcohols in it that I can see.