Was hesitant to try this product at first, since 1) other than online retailers, it is only physically available at Duane-Reade, which is a pharmacy in the NY/NJ area, 2) Sephora stopped carrying it (but only in the stores, they still sell it online), 3) the container lid does not seem too fancy (seems a little cheap even, although without the lid, the container does seem fancier), 4) the product, in the container, seems like it smelled too feminine and too strongly, and 5) the consistency, before scooping it out of the container and emulsifying it, seems like t was too caked.
However, after trying many products without finding the right one, and after continuous good reviews at Amazon, and everywhere else, I decided to try it. AM I GLAD I DID!
Although I initially was turned off to this product the most by it, in all honesty, after actually using it, I have concluded that the very best thing about this product is the smell. It smells like vanilla bean and almond paste. As the day progresses, it smells less of vanilla bean and more of almonds (within minute). I find myself running my hands though the hair just to smell them. The smell is great and not overpowering when applied - although it woud seem overpowering an a little concentrated when smelling from the container. But heed my words, on the hair itself after a few minutes, the smell is the BEST thing about the product.
The product has no real hold, unless you use double or triple the supposed amount to be applied (which is still not much) but then it gets a little oily. However, the product does do exactly what it claims to do - that is - make the hair look and feel like it has been a day or 2 after washing. Although there is no real hold, it does look natural and does create a messy, structured style. Due to the fact that it provides so much control, and you will have a styled and messy, piece-y hairstyle, one can forego literal "hold" for control - unless you want each strand to like a certain way, or want actual spikes or anime-hair, the control it has is a perfect substitute for traditional "hold."
The product seems to be a hardened, cake-paste, which is what I prefer. It does emulsify easily in the hands and IS easy to spread on dry hair. Although it can be applied (as per the instructions) on damp har as well as dry hair, it looks much better when applied on dry hair.
PROS: Extreme texture, looks like no product was applied (almost). SMELLS excellent, makes me wanna eat my hair.
Hair is not stiff - feels natural (but a little oily, as it would be if you had not washed it in 2 days). Can be piled on (re-applied at night, the next day, and the next night, even if you did not wash your hair) without any real buildup.
CONS: Little hold. Can get oily if too much is applied, but not too oily.
Hold: 4 - More hold than pomades (but matte finish), less hold than clays, waxes or putties.
Control: 9 - it allows fine hair to be managed and styled perfectly.
Smell: 10 - best smell out of any hair product I've tried (and I've tried a lot) - with Tigi Bedhead Manipulator coming in tied or second, smell-wise.
Washing Out: 10 - washes out easy, even alone with water.
Ease of Use: 10 - no science, just scoop, rub palms together, and apply.
Feel in the hair: 9 - feels like there is no product in the hair.
Humidity Resistance: 4 - will eventually get puffy in humid weather.
Bottom line: Does exactly what it is supposed to, perfect manageability. Did not receive 5 stars because 1) had no real hold, although it does provide excellent control and an awesome look, and 2) hair will eventually get puffy in humid weather or after sweating - but less so than with most products (in fact, the only ones I have found that prevent puffiness are clays and hard to wash out.
I like this way better than products tried, which include:
Tigi BedHead Manipulator - barely stands humidity, may spill when travelling
Alterna Hemp Concrete (I like the hold and texture of Concrete better, but it builds up and is hard to wash of - see my review for that product)
Aveda Control Paste - horrible smell, greasier than this one
Fudge Hair Shaper - flakes
Bumble & Bumble SumoTech - not matte enough and only holds 1- 2 hrs
Gatsby Moving Rubber - hair feels unnatural and hard to wash off, hate the smell
BedHead Hard to Get - hate the smell
TIGI Bed Head Men Matte Separation Wax - horrible smell, too thick
Got2B Glued Spiking Glue - won't wash off, no texture
Girl/Boy Spank - too oily, no hold, won't wash off
American Crew Fiber - hard to manipulate, too thick, Grooming Cream - too shiny, not enough hold - and ost of the American Crew line
Redken for Men, Maneuver - yucky looking and feeling
Redken Rewind 06 - not impressed at all, too shiny, cheap feeling, chemical smelling
I will keep Jonathan Dirt in my arsenal for daily use, but am till in the quest to a product to use when more hold/dressier/more styled hair is needed (i.e. events, outings, parties). For now, I alternate with
Matrix Vavoom Messy Couture Molding Paste, 1.7 Ounce which allows the more sculpted/dressier/more styled hair and is an excellent product, and use Dirt for casual styles,