Last Updated on August 25, 2022 by Verna Meachum

Curly hair has its own set of unique challenges. You’ve tried a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, gel, and so on, but have you considered a mousse? In this blog post, we’ll provide the 15 best mousses for curly hair.

Hair mousse is best-known for its volumizing effects, but it’s also a curl definer. It also plays well with other styling products to help you manage frizz and flyaways effortlessly.

Mousses were all the rave in the 80s and the bigger the hair, the better it was. Mousse fell out of style as the years went by. However, mousse has made a comeback with curly hair because it’s best-known for defining curls and providing volume to textures.

Mousses are not only here to stay, but they’re also better than ever. There are moisturizing components in some of the formulas that are far superior to the originals. The unique characteristics and advantages of each mousse type are highlighted throughout this blog.

Humidity

If you have curly hair, then you know that humidity is your worst enemy. The higher the humidity, the frizzier your curls will be. If you live in a humid environment, then you’ll need to find a mousse that is specifically designed to combat frizz.

In this case, a light mousse with a strong hold would work best to keep the frizz at bay. If you live in a dry climate, then a mousse with more moisture would be best for you to keep your curls hydrated.

No matter where you live, there is sure to be a mousse that will work best for your curly hair type and environment.

Is Gel or Mousse Better for Curly Hair?

Gel and mousse are two very different haircare products and to determine which is best will vary from person to person based on their specific needs, along with the results one is looking to achieve.

Mousse is a lightweight, non-greasy styling product that may be used on damp hair to create natural curls. It is generally used in small quantities on wet or dry hair. It’s popular 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 as well as more flexibility in your preferred style, allowing you more time to perfect the style before your hair dries.

It is also a great option for those looking for something lightweight and won’t weigh down curls. Another thing to keep in mind is that mousse is airy and light, so it doesn’t have the same staying power as a gel.

Gel, on the other hand, is best used on soaking wet or damp hair. It’s thicker than mousse and best applied in small amounts. It’s best to start with a very small amount and add more if needed, as gel should not be used on dry hair.

Gel will help to define curls and keep them in place all day long. It is also great for those who want a more solid hold.

Whether you have frizzy or dry curls, you’ll need to experiment with various products until you discover the one that works best for you. Another thing to keep in mind is that no two people have the same texture, so whatever product they used on their hair may not work for yours.

For more information about gels, gel casting, and the science behind them, click here.

15 Best Mousses for Curly Hair

AG Hair Natural Cloud Volumizing Mousse

Pros: It is a vegan formula, silicone-free, and 98% plant-based. It protects hair against heat and prevents frizz.

Cons: A little bit on the pricey side, but well worth the price.

Bumble and Bumble Full Form Mousse

Pros: This is a heat-protective mousse that gives volume and adds moisture to your curls.

Cons: It is expensive.

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse

Pros: This mousse differs from similar styles in that it is infused with thickening wheat protein. It smells so good and is one of my favorite mousses!

Cons: It does contain silicone, so if you’re strictly following the curly girl method, then this is not for you.

Eden BodyWorks Citrus Fusion

Pros: This lightweight mousse will give your curls a soft hold and add shine to your curls

Cons: If you’re looking for a stronger hold, then this is not for you.

Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Hair Mousse

Pros: It gently lifts and separates curls without leaving hair feeling greasy or heavy.

Cons: If you’re not keen on fragrance, then this is not for you. It also contains DMDM Hydantoin, which releases a small amount of formaldehyde over time.

Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam

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 clean ingredients, look no further.

Cons: A little pricey, but worth it.

Joico Power Whip Whipped Foam 09

Pros: Great for fine curly hair and helps accentuate curls and boost volume.

Cons: It’s a little bit on the pricey side.

Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17

Pros: If you’re looking for a mousse to boost the volume and a provide firm hold in your hair, this is it!

Cons: It may not be best for fine hair.

Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse

Pros: Moisturizes and volumizes while keeping curls intact. 100% aloe vera as the first ingredient. Free of harsh additives like silicones, sulfated surfactants, synthetic dye, and mineral oil.

Cons: Some didn’t like the way it made their hair feel.

OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse

Pros: It’s part cream and part mousse, which makes it a hydrating formula.

Cons: It’s super affordable.

Original Moxie Pop Life Volumizing Mousse

Pros: This is a concentrated curl-activating volumizing mousse.

Cons: Just slightly pricey if you’re on a budget.

Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse

Pros: It contains luxurious ingredients like vitamins, protein, and botanicals.

Cons: It’s a bit pricey.

Ouidad VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse

Pros: It gives a good boost and volume. You will not get a crunch or stiffy feeling on your hair.

Cons: It’s on the pricey side.

Pantene Mousse Pro-V Maximum Hold Mousse

Pros: You want maximum hold, then you’ve got it with this product. It tames frizz and defines curls.

Cons: Contains DMDM Hydantoin, which may release a small amount of formaldehyde over time.

 Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

Pros: Enhances curls and waves while moisturizing the hair with coconut oil and combatting frizz with need oil.

Cons: If your hair doesn’t like coconut oil then this is not for you.

Conclusion

So, those are my top picks for the best mousses for curly hair. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight mousse that will give you a soft hold or the best mousse for curly hair that provides a firm hold, there’s something here for every type of curl. And with so many great options available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your hair.

Happy mousse hunting!

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