in the long run this is a really good product even though the price is steep. I have been using it for years and didn't think too much of it, until the budget got smaller. i had to buy a cheaper product that really dried out my hair, and that is when i realized that this is the right product for my hair. it made it look and feel naturally shiny and strong. i wont steer away from this easily again even if the budget is tighter my hair could not handle it!