I've used both! Paul Mitchell for 3 years and Giovanni now for 1 year. PM was heavier and sticker on my hair....also drying...it wasn't really moisturizing my hair. But I 've pretty much always been natural...maybe relaxed heads have better success with PM.
Really like Giovanni Direct Leave-In but I can't use much or it will result in the stickiness I found with PM. This is conjunction with Aubre;y Organics Honeysuckle Rose is the winning combo for my natural hair.