to be clear, whilst this is called a tonic, really it is a hair oil. when you apply it the hair will be very shiny but also very soft and conditioned.
the instructions are 5 to 10 pumps but in my experience (very thick course hair) 5 will be enough for most applications.
the scent is pleasant and obviously it is very easy to apply to the hair. i use this for days where I might be just wearing a hat and don't want my hair to get too big, too frizzy, or to dry out, and it works perfectly.
I also use this prior to using the cub & co clay, which I found to dry almost instantly and then become very difficult to style, this product stops it from drying out and allows you some time to style so the two products work very well in combination.
i wouldn't try using this for other products like a pomade or something a bit wetter or oilier because I think it will keep the hair to wet and inhibit the wetter product from working.
an exception to this might be if you blow-dried after applying the oil, I haven't tried this so can't comment on whether it would be effective.
I'm quite happy with this product and likely will purchase again in future.