15 Best Mousses for Curly Hair
August 11, 2023
by
Verna Meachum
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Last Updated on August 11, 2023 by Verna Meachum
For a long time, it felt like hair mousse is an old-fashioned product that makes your hair too crunchy and should be discontinued. When I started my curly hair journey, I realized that mousses today are of great quality and can be highly beneficial. So here are the 15 best mousses for curly hair.
The best mousses for curly hair are moisturizing, defining, and offer great hold. Examples include AG Hair Natural Cloud Volumizing Mousse, Bumble and Bumble Full Form Mousse, Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse, Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, and Eden BodyWorks Citrus Fusion Mousse.
Mousses have been transformed into superior formulas with conditioning ingredients to wave goodbye to frizz and flyaways! I’ve rounded up the 15 best mousses for curly hair. I also share key ingredients and tips to shop mousse for the unique care that curly hair requires.
15 Best Mousses for Curly Hair
I have meticulously researched and handpicked these mousses that are tailor-made to help your curly hair.
Whether you’re seeking frizz control, volume amplification, or defined coils, these carefully selected products are poised to revolutionize your hair care routine.
Keep in mind that a mousse that works for someone else’s hair might not work for yours. Curly hair comes in different shapes and forms, different hair needs, specific routines, and products.
To find the best one for your hair, you need options that may require trial and error.
Here are 15 mousse options for curly hair so that you can find the best option for your locks:
Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Pvp, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Polyquaternium-70, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Limonene, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Malic Acid, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Panicum Miliaceum (Millet) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool.
Pros: Vegan formula. Silicone-free. 98% plant-based. It can protect the hair against heat and prevents frizz.
Cons: A little bit on the pricey side, but well worth it.
2. Bumble and Bumble Full Form Mousse
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Isobutane, Propane, Polyquaternium-11, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Arginine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tocopherol, Vp/Va Copolymer, Laureth-4, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-4, Glycine, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol.
Pros: A heat-protective mousse. It can give hair volume. It may add moisture to your curls. Great for wavy textures.
Cons: It is a little pricey.
3. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyquaternium-55, Decyl Glucoside, Cetrimonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Olivate/Succinate, Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) thylhexylglycerin (and) Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-75 Lanolin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Yellow 5 (Cl19140), Blue 1 (Cl42090), Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate.
Pros: Differs from similar styles in that it is infused with thickening wheat protein. Smells so good (one of my favorites).
Cons: Contains silicone (not for curly girl method followers).
4. Eden BodyWorks Citrus Fusion
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Polysorbate-20, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Honey, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.
Pros: Lightweight mousse. It can give your curls a soft hold. It can add shine to your curls.
Cons: Does not offer a solid hold.
5. Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Hair Mousse
Ingredients: Water/Eau, Isobutane, Propane, Polyquaternium-4, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, C9-11 Pareth-8, Dmdm Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid.
Pros: Gently lifts and separates curls without leaving hair feeling greasy or heavy.
Cons: Highly fragrant. Contains DMDM Hydantoin.
6. Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, pullulan, galactoarabinan, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, glycerin, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, hydrolyzed rice protein, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sorbitol, potassium sorbate, cananga odorata flower oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, salvia sclarea (clary) oil, vanillin, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, glycine soja (soybean) oil, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, sorbic acid, citric acid, diheptyl succinate, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, macelignan, tocopherol, linalool, limonene. *Certified Organic. †A natural component of essential oils.
Pros: Although this is technically a foam, it’s a great product. This is truly a great addition to your curly hair product arsenal. If you’re looking for something with great ingredients, then this is for you.
Cons: A little pricey.
7. Joico Power Whip Whipped Foam 09
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, Isobutane, VP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium-46, Pentapeptide-29 Cysteinamide, Pentapeptide-30 Cysteinamide, Tetrapeptide-28 Argininamide, Tetrapeptide-29 Argininamide, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire D’abeille, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Glycerin, Opal Powder, Polyquaternium-69, Polyquaternium-11, Ceteareth-6, Steareth-21, Ceteareth-25, Diazolidinyl Urea, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Fragrance/Parfum.
Pros: Great for fine curly hair. Helps accentuate curls and boost volume.
Cons: It’s a little bit on the pricey side.
8. Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyquaternium-11, VP/VA Copolymer, Isobutane, Propane, Steareth-21, Nonxynol-12, DMDM Hydantoin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum/Fragrance, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Benzophenone-4, Quaternium-52, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PPG-5-Ceteth-20.
Pros: If can boost your hair volume. It can provide a firm hold on your hair.
Cons: It may not be best for fine hair. Contains DMDM Hydantoin.
9. Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, VP/VA Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Polyquaternium-69, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum).
Pros: It can moisturize and volumize while keeping curls intact. 100% aloe vera as the first ingredient. Free of additives like silicones, sulfated surfactants, synthetic dye, and mineral oil.
Cons: Some users didn’t like the way it made their hair feel.
10. OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Isobutane, Propylene Glycol, Polyimide-1, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PVP, Polyquaternium-4, Polysorbate 80, Propane, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance (Parfum).
Pros: It’s part cream and part mousse, making it a hydrating formula.
Cons: It’s super affordable.
11. Original Moxie Pop Life Volumizing Mousse
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein***, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (and) Citric Acid*** (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate***, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Glycerin*** (and) Water (and) Bambusa vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Glycine Betaine (Beta vulgaris (Beet)) Sugar Extract****, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Hydrolyzed Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, Glycerin***, Sodium Lactate, Panthenol, Maltodextrin / VP copolymer***, Gluconodeltalactone (and) Sodium Benzoate (ECOCERT), Cetrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic), Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid***, Essential Oils of Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerine (Tangerine), Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass), Magnolia champaca (Champak), & Santalum spicatum (Sandalwood), Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) Extract. *** Natural Source.
Pros: This is a concentrated curl-activating volumizing mousse.
Cons: Slightly pricey if you’re on a budget.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Isobutane, Propane, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, VP/VA Copolymer, Parfum/Fragrance, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-4, Laureth-4, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyquaternium-11, Laureth-23, Oleth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polyquaternium-72, Panthenol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Silicone Quaternium-3, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Polyquaternium-59, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Olus/Vegetable Oil/Huile Végétale, Silicone Quaternium-16, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Trideceth-12, Wheat Amino Acids, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Undeceth-11, Benzyl Alcohol, Butyloctanol, Undeceth-5, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Acetic Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citral.
Pros: It contains luxurious ingredients like vitamins, protein, and botanicals.
Cons: It’s a bit pricey.
13. Ouidad VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Isobutane, Polyquaternium-4, Corn Starch Modified, Propane, Canola Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica (Tsubaki) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phospholipids, Benzophenone-4, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Glycolipids, Laureth-4, PEG-15 Cocomonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance/Parfum.
Pros: It may give a good boost and volume. Not likely to create crunch or stiff curls.
Cons: It’s on the pricey side.
14. Pantene Mousse Pro-V Maximum Hold Mousse
Ingredients: Water, Isobutane, Propane, Polyquaternium-4, Propylene Glycol, C9-11 Pareth-8, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Panthenol, Citric Acid.
Pros: Can provides maximum hold. Can tame frizz. May better define curls.
Cons: Contains DMDM Hydantoin.
15. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse
Ingredients: Water, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*+, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Potassium Sorbate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride.
Pros: It can enhance curls and waves. Coconut oil can be highly moisturizing.It can combat frizz.
Cons: If your hair doesn’t like coconut oil then this is not for you.
Benefits Of Hair Mousse for Curly Hair
Curly hair requires a myriad of products to style and keep its hold. Using a mousse can significantly make things a little easier.
The benefits of a good mousse include:
- It can define and enhance your curls.
- It can enhance voluminous styles.
- It may provide lasting hold and shine.
- Mousse can create a barrier of protection for your curls, shielding them from the effects of humidity and preserving their natural texture.
- It may help reduce frizz and flyaways.
- It can replenish moisture for soft, healthy curls.
- For thin and delicate curls, a volumizing mousse is an ideal solution to creating an illusion of volume and texture. With just one application, you might be able to experience visibly thicker hair with amplified body and movement.
- It can accentuate the texture of your hair while giving it shape.
How to Apply Hair Mousse
Having hair mousse and knowing its benefits is excellent, but you must know how to use it correctly for the best results.
Applying it without proper techniques can cause your hair to look haphazard and sticky and may even result in damage.
Here are step-by-step instructions and tips to help you:
- Give your hair a thorough cleanse, removing dirt and debris to help give your style a clean foundation.
- After shampooing and conditioning, remove the excess water from your hair with an old cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. This material works best with curly hair as it helps dry it without causing much frizz or breakage.
- Dry your hair until it is only slightly damp. Mousse is the ideal styling product to use when your curls are in this state; its unique formula ensures even distribution.
- Section your hair into small sections.
- Dispense a small amount of mousse into the palm of your hand and gently emulsify it to spread it.
- Beginning from the back of your head, apply the mouse with your fingers, starting at the roots and working toward the ends. Make sure you distribute it evenly.
- To finish, lightly scrunch your hair and air-dry it, or use a diffuser.
Tip: To get the most out of applying mousse to your curls, begin by flipping your head over. Then grab sections of hair in between both hands and add the mousse before going upright again.
Finally, look over your entire head to see if you need to apply any extra product. If so, reshape them with your hand or fingers.
A Guide to Discovering the Best Mousse for Your Curls
Mousses come in various formulas, so it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for before purchasing.
Everyone’s hair varies in type and porosity. That means that products or methods that do wonders for one individual may prove ineffective for another.
The most essential aspect when choosing a mousse is the ingredients it contains. This will determine if it is a quality product and whether it includes any components that will benefit your hair.
Look at the following ingredients to understand what to look for in a hair mousse:
Polymers
Hair fixative polymers are essential to every styling recipe, providing a solid foundation for any successful formulation.
For good style retention and hair quality, these polymers are ideal:
- Polyquaternium – 11
- Polyquaternium-16
- Polyquaternium – 28
- Polyquaternium – 69
- Acrylates Copolymer
- PVP/VA Copolymer
- Vinylpyrrolidone (VP)/Vinyl Acetate (VA) Copolymer
Moisturizing Ingredients
You want to look for products with moisturizing agents like natural oils and humectants that help to reinforce hydration and hold.
For remarkable hydration and multi-functional benefits, these novel hydrating ingredients are great options:
- Betaine
- Glycereth-26
- Acetamide MEA
Alcohol
Let’s dive into alcohol talk for a minute. Denatured ethyl alcohol is added to a formulation to work as an additional solvent, combined with water, so that styling polymers and other resins can be dissolved more readily.
Additionally, the amount of ethyl alcohol present varies depending on the type of polymer used. Overusing this ingredient can lead to dryness and brittleness in your hair, so keep an eye out for mild formulations.
Foaming Agents
To create the perfect mousse, you must incorporate foam for volume. This can be achieved by introducing a special foaming agent.
Amphoteric mild or non-ionic surfactants are ideal as they provide a creamy lather with abundant volume.
Top foaming agents:
- Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (Amphoteric)
- Coco Glucoside
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Amphoteric)
- Decyl Glucoside (Non-ionic)
Softening Ingredients
Cationic hair-detangling agents are the perfect solution for providing your hair with unparalleled softness, smoothness, and detangling benefits.
Common examples:
- Cetrimonium Chloride
- Behentrimonium Chloride
- Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Is Mousse Better Than Gel for Curly Hair?
Gel and mousse are two very different hair care products. If you want to determine which is best will vary from person to person based on your specific hair needs and the results you are looking to achieve.
Mousse is a lightweight, non-greasy styling product used on damp hair to create natural curls. It is generally used in small quantities on damp or dry hair.
Hair mousse is famous for adding volume and curl definition while also helping to prevent frizz.
Mousse is less crunchy than a gel and thus provides a more natural, soft appearance. It can also offer more flexibility in your preferred style, allowing you more time to perfect it before your hair dries.
It is also an excellent option for those looking for something lightweight that won’t weigh down curls. But keep in mind that due to its airy lightness, it does not provide the same stronghold that gel does.
A gel is best used on wet or damp hair and avoided on dry hair. It is thicker than mousse and is best applied in small amounts. You can add more as needed.
It is the perfect product for people looking for a more solid hold, as a gel can help to define curls and hold them in place all day.
Whether you have frizzy or dry curls, you must experiment with various products until you discover the one that works best for you.
No two people have the same texture, so whatever product they use on their hair may not work for yours.
For more information about gels, gel casting, and the science behind them, check out: Reasons Why You’re Not Getting A Gel Cast.
Conclusion
You no longer need to avoid this retro styling product: embrace your natural ringlets while giving them shape and definition by adding mousse into your routine.
With so many great options provided above, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your hair. Happy mousse hunting!
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