If you have been blessed with a head of gorgeous curls (like me), then you will know that there are some days when you wake up and your hair is ready to go, but there are also days when your locks need a little more love to look their best. Now we all know that using the best products for curly hair and styling your locks when wet can reduce the effort you’ll have to put into styling on a daily basis until your next wash day.
After using the best shampoos for curly hair, you can follow it with styling products like curling creams, sprays, gels or mousse. Depending on different types of curly hair, wavy hair or straight hair, these styling products can be used in different ways to achieve the best results.
As someone with curls, I’ve found that using hair mousse can give you stunning results that often last perfectly for days. I'm also a hair and beauty writer so I've collected a number of top tips from the hair experts I work with everyday to bring the secret for how to use hair mousse correctly. So, if you’ve been wondering how to use hair mousse properly then here's everything you need to know.
What does mousse do for your hair?
Hair mousse is a styling product that is light and has the consistency of foam, which can be used to style hair to give it more definition and volume. Since it is quite lightweight, I’ve found that hair mousse is perfect for those who have fine hair or thin hair that would benefit from having more volume at the roots to create a fuller look.
I have curly hair that is quite fine and thin, but very long. So, using heavy styling creams usually weighs down my hair due to the length. This is why I love how hair mousse works on my hair. It offers a strong hold and curl definition without being too heavy and does not cause as much build-up as heavier gels or creams. It essential works exactly like a curl defining cream or styling gel, just lighter in texture, providing more volume and bounce.
How to use hair mousse for curls?
When it comes to using hair mousse, this styling routine which always works for me. Hair mousse works best when it is used on damp, clean hair right after your shower. If you are familiar with the Curly Girl Method, you can simply follow the same steps while applying hair mousse too.
Step 1
Although it can be easy to assume you need lots of product, a little goes a long way when it comes to applying hair mousse, despite the light, foamy texture. I am using John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse here and the first step would be to take a golf-ball sized amount of product in your palm.
Step 2
Rub your palms to ensure the foam is evenly distributed and then run your fingers through the length of your damp hair. Pay attention to the ends and make sure you are starting straight from the roots to add volume and lift. You can do this by dividing your hair into sections for ease if you have thick or long hair.
Step 3
Scrunch your hair up and you can even finger coil to add more definition to your curls. Make sure you are scrunching gently and not disturbing the natural curl pattern. Once the texture starts to set, do not run your fingers through your hair and let it air dry, or you can use a diffuser as well. You will begin to notice curls being formed and becoming more defined as your hair dries. From my experience, my curls have lasted with the same perfection for up to 3 days using hair mousse.
How to use hair mousse for volume
There are specific hair mousses to enhance volume if you are looking for a major boost in body and bounce. But you can elevate the volume and look of your hair using any hair mousse and the trick is to focus on the roots. A flat crown will instantly make your hair look thin and lifeless. So, make sure to apply the product evenly from the roots to the ends.
Another hack that has always worked for me is to bend down, bring all your hair forward and then scrunch it up after applying the mousse. This will make sure your hair is not falling flat on your crown when you are styling it and give the top some volume and definition. This way you curls will start right from the roots.
Using a diffuser to dry your hair after styling it will also enhance volume and definition. Make sure to go straight to the roots with the diffuser without disturbing the curl patterns. If you have fine or thin hair that is mostly straight, you can also use a blow-dryer to add more volume after styling it with the product in.
How to use curl mousse on wavy hair
Wavy hair also tends to behave quite like curly hair when you try to apply hair mousse and style it. The only difference would be the curl texture and the tightness of your curls. You can follow the same steps mentioned above to style wavy hair with mousse. Just remember that wavy hair will not require as much product as curly hair. You might want to focus more on adding volume and definition to ensure the waves stay defined for a few days. You can do this by following the above steps to increase volume.
How to use hair mousse on short hair
Using hair mousse on short hair can be gamechanger if you are looking to bring some more volume back to your roots and make your hair look bigger and bouncier. The key is to take some hair mousse and massage it while scrunching your hair into your scalp. This is going to make sure the mousse gets right to the roots.
You will notice that your curls or waves look more defined and voluminous once it dries. If you have straight hair, you can choose to blow dry your hair after applying the hair mousse straight to your roots and running it through the strands.
How to use mousse on fine hair?
Hair mousse is a great way to add more thickness and volume if you have fine hair. You can follow the same steps as mentioned above to style your hair. But if your hair is really fine, you can get the same amazing results using lesser amount of product. So, start with a small amount and go from there. Using hair mousse can help bring much more definition and body to thin hair that will leave it looking glamourous with little to no effort.
Best hair mousse for different hair types
Akhila Thomas/Yourswww.boots.com
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse is a styling product I have been using for a few months, and it works like a charm every single time. The formula is enriched with Rosehip oil and curl enhancing technology that improves the elasticity of hair, reduces frizz and always takes my curls from limp and frizzy to soft and defined. It is also built to offer heat protection in case you are blow-drying or diffusing your hair after. I found that my curls are quite defined, bouncy and soft to touch for days after using this product. It also has a very subtle, pleasant fragrance and it is not all drying.
Pros
- The formula is enriched with Rosehip oil and curl enhancing technology
- It improves the elasticity of hair and reduces frizz
- Offers heat protection
- Makes your curls feel defined, bouncy and soft
Cons
- I found the nozzle a bit too hard to press down with one finger as it is positioned a bit slanted
TRESemme www.boots.com
The TRESemme Volume & Lift Hair Mousse is the perfect choice if you are looking for more volume and definition for fine, thin hair. The formula is humidity-resistant and lightweight which makes the results long-lasting and effective for days. It is enriched with a UV filter and provitamin B5, that protects and nourishes your hair while enhancing volume and definition. Reviewers have shared that it gives long-lasting fullness to fine, flat hair that lacks body without feeling sticky, crispy or heavy. Several added that it makes their hair smell lovely too.
Pros
- The formula is humidity-resistant and lightweight
- It is enriched with a UV filter and provitamin B5
- Good for enhancing volume and definition
- It gives long-lasting fullness to fine, flat hair
- Does not feel sticky, crispy or heavy
Cons
- May not be suitable for very thick or textured hair
Bootswww.boots.com
The Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse is a weightless formula that gives you frizz-free, bouncy curls that last for days. This mousse is made to enhance the body of your locks and give it more lift and volume without any crunchiness. Reviewers are in awe of how a little goes a long way with this product and there is no greasiness after. However, a few customers have shared that it is not suitable for those with very thick and textured hair. But overall, in terms of hold and ability to add definition, this hair mousse works well for curly, coily and wavy hair types.
Pros
- It is a weightless, frizz-free formula
- Helps enhance the body of your locks and give it more lift and volume
- No crunchiness or greasiness
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with very thick and textured hair.
FAQs
Does mousse go on your roots?
Yes, you can use hair mousse on your roots to enhance volume and definition as this will ensure you crown does not look flat. Applying mousse to your roots will help your curls to form straight from the roots and give your hair more bounce and volume.
Do you use mousse on wet or dry hair?
It is recommended to use hair mousse or any kind of styling product on damp hair (not dripping wet) as it is just easier to style your hair with some moisture in, than working on dry hair. The dampness will allow the mousse to penetrate your hair more effectively, giving it better hold to maintain curl patterns or waves.
What are the disadvantages of hair mousse?
One thing you need to watch out for while using hair mousse is the ingredients that make up the formula. If you have dry, brittle or damaged hair it is important to make sure the hair mousse you choose does not have drying alcohols or ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate (SLS, Isopropyl, and Prolyene) which can cause breakage and leave your hair feeling dry and dull over time. This is why it is also recommended to pair hair mousses with styling creams or gels that provide more moisture and lock-in hydration as most hair mousses are designed for fast-drying and defining action.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.