You might think of a styling mousse as something of a retro product. A staple for creating the look of 1980s back comb fringes and large scrunchie curls with a distinctive crunchy finish. However, mousses are making a bit of a comeback, but the difference is that these updated formulas with conditioning ingredients produce a softer finish, ideal for smoothing flyaways and gently holding curls. .
A good modern mousse, when worn in a natural pattern, can be the perfect styling product to add a little definition and bounce to your naturally curly hair. is also perfect. Additionally, if you wear your hair in braids, mousse is a great product to keep them and cornrows in place without feeling too heavy or sticky. It can also be layered with other products to increase hold and softness.
Below, we provide guidance on how to choose the best mousse for your hair type, texture, and style. Then you can find a selection of the best styling mousses currently available for all budgets.
The best styling mousse for curly hair: at a glance
How to choose the best styling mousse for curly hair
What is styling mousse?
First introduced in the 1980s, styling mousses are foam foams containing ingredients that define and hold hair. Thanks to its consistency, mousses are lighter than gels and styling creams, making them especially good for defining and adding bounce and movement to curls without weighing down your ends. , mousse is a great option for refreshing curls and adding definition between washes.
Earlier versions of mousses tended to be much stickier than today’s formulas, often resulting in a crunchy finish on hair. Contains moisturizing ingredients to condition hair and achieve a soft finish without stiffness. Look for a decompressing moisturizing mousse for gentle hold and volume that won’t leave your hair crackling.
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How to use styling mousse?
Mousse is a very versatile product that can be used in many different ways. If you want to smooth out frizz and define curls, start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Unlike serums and curling creams, which are usually applied from the middle of the hair to the ends, mousse spreads evenly from the roots down, giving lift and volume to the entire hair. If your hair is very long or thick, tilt your head forward and work the mousse into the back roots of your scalp.
Using a wide-toothed comb or just your fingers, comb through the mousse to gently detach the curls, then gently squish the lengths and ends for a bouncy finish. can be used on the low temperature setting. If you’re tying your hair with cornrows or box braids, lubricating a small amount of mousse can help hold the braids in place, reduce frizz, and prevent flyaways and loose ends from escaping. Apply a handful of mousse after braiding to keep the braid on and refresh as needed.
You can also layer the gel over the mousse if you want a firmer hold. After combing your hair with the mousse, rub a small amount of the gel between your palms to smooth it through your hair. To soften the finish and remove the gel cast, rub a pump of conditioning styling oil or curl cream between your hands, then lightly rub the ends when dry.
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Can I use a styling mousse with the Curly Girl method?
If you’re using the curly girl method to care for your natural curls, you can use a sulfate-free mousse to style your curls after washing. If applied less frequently, mousse can also help separate curls and reduce frizz, so it can be a great way to refresh and revive curls between washes. as if
To use mousse as a refresher between washes, slightly dampen hair with a mist or handful of water, then scoop with fingers and scrunch as above. All mousses listed below are sulfate-free and suitable for the CG method of hair care.
The best styling mousses for curly hair in 2023
1. Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse: Best Styling Mousse for Dry and Curly Hair
price: 16 lbs | Buy now from Lookfantastic
Curly hair tends to be dry. The spiraling shape of each strand of hair opens up the cuticle, which can lead to dehydration and frizz.A conditioning curling mousse is a great solution. Mousse moisturizes hair and closes the cuticle for a glossy finish. Moroccanoil’s Curl Control Mousse uses a unique argan oil formula to deeply hydrate hair in a lightweight styling mousse to add body and bounce without weighing it down or making it dry.
The pleasantly scented mousse holds well without being sticky, making it especially ideal when air-drying. This is great for healing and nourishing dry hair. The sulfate-free formula smooths and defines curls while adding just the right amount of volume when curly from the roots. Optionally, combine with Moroccanoil Curl Cream and Styling Oil for an ultra-soft finish.
Key Details – Pack Size: 150 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Buy now from Lookfantastic
2. Carl Smith Bouncy Strength Volume Foam: The perfect styling mousse for fine curly hair.
price: £22 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
If your curly hair is also fine and tends to flatten a bit after styling, this volumizing mousse from curl specialists Carl Smith might be what you need. Enriched Bouncy Strength Volume Foam adds texture without weighing down the ends. Moisturizing ingredients wrap fine hair plumply, and the mousse has a light holding power that makes it easy to move, and has a fluffy finish without being stiff.
To use, first shake the bottle well. This ensures that the product foams when dispensed. Then simply stroke your damp hair. Curl your hair from tip to root and add some lift to the areas where your hair looks a little flatter. The mousse works well on its own and can be layered with a styling cream or curl soufflé for extra definition.
Key Details – Pack Size: 222 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Buy now from Lookfantastic
3. Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse: The perfect styling mousse for long, curly hair
price: £21 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
Long curly hair needs a light mousse that does not distort the curls. This hydrating and volumizing mousse from Pureology is perfect for long, curly hair. The vegan formula contains sunflower seed oil and vitamin E for conditioning, as well as xylose for nourishment, strength and heat protection for long hair dryer ends.
The mousse really feels weightless on the hair and smells gorgeous – it has a light floral scent. , perfect for those who don’t have time to air dry their long hair).
Key Details – Pack Size: 290 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Buy now from Lookfantastic
4. Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse: The Best Styling Mousse for Thick Curly Hair
price: £7.75 | Shop Now From Boots
Thick hair needs a little extra definition, and this curl-revitalizing mousse from hairstylist Umberto Giannini softens frizz and adds flexible hold to thicker, coarser, and heavier curly hair. It dries without being sticky or dry, and stays true to bleached and colored curls.
The vegan formula can be used with a diffuser or used for propping and air drying. It keeps hair beautifully soft and defined with a medium hold while still allowing plenty of movement. For even more hold and definition, finish with Scrunch His Curl Jelly from the same series.
Key Details – Pack Size: 200 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Shop Now From Boots
5. Cantu Shea Butter Wave Whip Curling Mousse: Best Styling Mousse for Afro Textured Hair
price: £7.50 | Shop Now From Boots
We love Kantu’s products for naturally curly, afro-textured hair.This richly moisturizing styling mousse with castor oil and shea butter smells delicious and adds shine and hold to textured hair all day long. Add in. Smoothing formula reduces frizz and gently straightens curls.
Cantu’s mousse is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, so it’s perfect if you’re following the curly girl hair care regimen. It’s great for type 4 hair, but it’s also great if you have dry type 3 curls and need a little extra moisture. For extra shine, squirt a swipe of Coconut Oil Shine & Hold Mist from the same range after scrunching.
Key Details – Pack Size: 248 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Shop Now From Boots
6. John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviving Mousse: Best Mousse for Curly Hair
price: £6.99 | Shop Now From Boots
Part of the Frizz Ease range that has been a godsend for curly hair since its launch in 1990, John Frieda’s Dream Curl Mousse is one of the best all-around styling mousses for curly hair. Bargain. The frizz-fighting formula contains smoothing silicones and rosehip oil to help shape and define curls for a supple finish and ample bounce.
Our vegan mousse is perfect for use with a diffuser as it protects your hair during heat styling. A handful of scrunches and curls stay in place from dawn to dusk.
Dream Curl’s Curl Reviving Mousse is lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for fixing droopy curls between washes.
Key Details – Pack Size: 200 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Shop Now From Boots
7. Oribecurl Shaping Mousse: Luxury Styling Mousse Perfect for Curly Hair
price: 41 lbs | Shop now at Harrods
This rich, curl-defining mousse from the iconic Oribe brand is the perfect way to indulge in a truly luxurious scrunch. of proteins strengthen and thicken each strand. Moisturizing mousse provides plenty of bounce and locks in moisture to reduce frizz.
Oribe’s Styling Mousse isn’t cheap, but a little goes a long way. Scoop a little onto towel-dried hair, scoop and let air dry. The weightless mousse does the rest, creating lustrous natural curls that last all day.
Key Details – Pack Size: 175 ml; Sulfate-free?: yes
Shop now at Harrods
