5 Best Mousses for Curly Hair
Best mousses for curly hair
It can be tricky to lock curly hair into place, especially in rainy weather or humid conditions. Some products only offer minimal hold, while others weigh hair down or make it stiff to the touch. Mousse for curly hair is a wonderful alternative to other styling products, thanks to the lightweight hold and body-boosting ingredients it offers.
Hair mousse is a light, foamy styling product that has been popular since it was invented in the 1980s, as it can make even fine, thin hair look thicker and fuller. However, a downside of this modern styling concoction is its tendency to be drying to the hair. But the great thing about mousse that’s made specifically for curls and coils is that it’s formulated with ingredients that moisturize, protect, and define bouncy locks while simultaneously taming frizz.
There are numerous types of mousse available, but if your hair is curly, you need one with ingredients that match your needs. We’ve simplified your search by highlighting our favorite mousses made just for curly hair. In addition, we put together this handy shopping guide with information and advice to help you discover how the right mousse can work wonders for your curls.
Is mousse for curly hair right for me?
Many people with curly hair love the benefits of using mousse, from definition to hold. But it’s not ideal for everyone. Ask yourself a few questions about your curls and styling goals to determine whether mousse should become your go-to styling product.
Do you prefer light hold?
Mousse may not make your do last through a windstorm, but it will define curls and lock the shape in place for hours under most conditions. Similarly to hair sprays and gels, mousse contains ingredients that bind to hairs to “lock” them in place. However, while other products tend to make hair stiff, mousse provides a flexible hold for bouncy curls.
Does your hair need more body?
When it first hit the market, one of the initial purposes of mousse as a styling product was to add volume to limp hair. Many modern mousses that are made for curly locks also volumize hair while they define and hold.
Do you need a versatile styling product?
Another selling point of mousse for curly hair is its versatility. It can be used to lock in the shape of curls and make fine, thin hair look fuller. Because it’s lightweight, it is easy to use with other products, like leave-in conditioners, styling cream, and hair spray. You can even use a bit of mousse on dry hair when your curls need to be refreshed. Additionally, many mousses made for curls contain ingredients that moisturize, protect, and add shine to hair.
Do you need firm hold?
Mousse provides a light, flexible hold that may not be enough in some situations. Rainy, humid weather can make frizz flare up and cause curls to lose definition. Because the hold that mousse offers is somewhat buildable, you can add more product as needed. However, a gel or spray make work better for controlling your curls if you live in a moist climate.
Features of mousse for curly hair
Some features are common to almost every type of mousse, and others are specific to certain brands and formulas.
Type of curls
Just like other hair care products, mousse comes in various formulas designed for specific hair types. As you browse available options, look for a mousse that will match your curls. For example, a product that’s made for waves and loose curls may do little to tame frizz or hold coils in shape. On the other hand, one that is made for tight curls and coils may contain oils and heavy moisturizers that would weigh down looser curls.
Consistency
Although it may vary a bit from brand to brand, most mousses have a light, whipped consistency. That’s why it’s often referred to as styling foam.
Ingredients
Mousse is made with synthetic resins and polymers that bind to hair for control and hold. However, many mousses for curly hair are made with plant oils, vitamins, keratin, and amino acids that work together to control frizz and define the shape of curls. Some premium brands offer products that are made without additives that can be damaging or drying to curls, including parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicone.
Bottles and dispensers
Mousse comes in bottles made of plastic or metal. A nozzle with a button or pump mechanism allows the product to come out fluffy and drip-free.
Mousse for curly hair prices
The price of mousse varies from product to product, from around $5 to almost $40. Pampering your curls with a product made just for them will cost you more than a standard mousse, but you are more likely to get results you’ll love.
Inexpensive
From $5 to $15, you’ll find basic mousses. Formulas for curls in this price range may be drying or lack quality ingredients.
Mid-level
Between $15 and $23, you’ll find many mousse brands with curl-nourishing ingredients.
Expensive
If you are looking for a mousse by a premium brand that will moisturize and protect curls, expect to pay $23 to $40, or a little more. These products are often made without additives like parabens or silicone, and they may contain ingredients like plant extracts and keratin that condition curls.
Tips
- Remember to shake the bottle before using mousse. This will mix the ingredients together and enhance the product’s airy consistency.
- Don’t discount using mousse if your curls are on the dry side. Many modern curly hair formulas by premium hair care brands are loaded with moisturizing ingredients like essential oils and keratin. These are less likely to dry out the hair.
- Use your fingers to style your curls after you apply mousse. Twist it, shape it, scrunch it, and separate it to make your curls pop.
- Remember that less is often more. A few pumps of mousse is all you need to enhance and hold your curls. You can always add a bit more as you go if you feel that you need extra volume and hold. However, if you apply too much product, you risk your curls looking wet or oily or feeling stiff and crunchy.
- Use mousse to add lift at your roots. Apply the product at scalp level, working in an upwards motion. Use a comb, pick, or brush to finish your style.
FAQ
Q. What is the best technique for applying mousse?
A. After you wash your hair, blot it with a towel. While it is still damp, pump the mousse into the palm of your hand, and work it throughout the length of your hair using both hands. Scrunch your curls together to give them definition and shape.
Q. I love the way mousse adds volume to my curls, but sometimes, the light hold isn’t enough. What can I do to make my style last longer?
A. Because mousse is lightweight, you can use it with other styling products without weighing down your hair, provided you use them in moderation. To keep curls in shape when you need a little extra hold, apply mousse first to define your curls. Once your hair is dry, spray them with a bit of hairspray to give your look even more staying power.
Q. How much mousse do I need to use?
A. The answer depends on the length of your hair. For shorter lengths, generally one pump of product about the size of a ping pong ball should do. If your hair is longer or thicker, plan on using two or three times that amount to completely cover your hair.