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Curly hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It could be super-defined one day and a frizzy concoction the next day – and it's never exactly the same from one head to another. Our mission is to equip you with the necessary tools for restoring and maintaining healthy locks and celebrating the hair you were born with! 

How to Apply Mousse to Curly Hair: Unleash Your Hair’s Potential

August 29, 2023

 by

Verna Meachum

Image of girl spraying mousse into her hand.

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With extensive experience in the beauty industry, I specialize in writing for curly hair care brands, websites, and magazines.

Not only do I have curly hair, but my children, friends, family members, and even friends who are professional curly hairstylists, each with their unique curly textures.

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I also partner with a friend who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and works as an R&D Chemist, ensuring our content is scientifically accurate and help us navigate through the misinformation around curly hair care. 

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Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Greetings, fellow curl connoisseurs! Have you ever wished for a genie to grant you the secret to perfectly defined, gloriously bouncy curls? Well, consider this article your genie in a bottle – or rather, your mousse in a can!

Welcome to a curl-transforming journey where we unravel the mysteries of how to apply mousse to curly hair with finesse and flair.

If you’re ready to turn your ordinary curls into a head-turning masterpiece, stick around as we spill the beans (or should we say, foam?) on achieving the kind of curls that your favorite curly guru sport on social media.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of how to apply mousse to curly hair like a pro, ensuring you unleash the full potential of your luscious locks.

Understanding the Curly Magic: What is Hair Mousse?

Image of hand being filled with hair mousse.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of application, let’s get familiar with our star player: hair mousse. This lightweight styling product is like a trusty sidekick for your curls.

Think of it as the ultimate multitasker – it not only provides hold and definition but also adds volume and fights that pesky frizz.

Mousse typically comes in a foam form and is often infused with ingredients to nourish and protect your strands. Now that you know what it is, let’s move on to why you need it.

The Wonders of Mousse for Your Curls: Benefits Galore!

Image of girl getting ready to apply mousse to her curly hair.

Envision a scenario: vibrant, precisely defined curls that gracefully sway in the breeze, retaining their form throughout the day. This is merely one of the manifold advantages stemming from the utilization of mousse on your curly hair.

Mousse serves to amplify your inherent curl pattern, conferring a controlled, yet tactually grasp on your strands.

Regarded as an effective defense against frizz induced by humidity – it’s your secret weapon against humidity-induced frizz – because who has time for frizz, right?

Plus, it adds that extra oomph to your hair, making it look voluminous and full of life.

So, if you’re ready to embrace these perks, let’s get into the details of how to apply mousse to curly hair.

How to Apply Mousse to Curly Hair: It’s All in the Technique

Let’s get into mastering the art of applying mousse like a pro with these expert techniques.

Below is an image showcasing my hair after using a combination of leave-in conditioner and mousse. Recently, these products have become my preferred choice for styling. I love, love love this combination of styling products! For those wondering, I used the Bounce Curl Moisture Balance leave in conditioner and Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse.

Image of my hair styled with a leave in conditioner and mousse.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to achieve curls that are the envy of everyone around:

  1. Start with Clean Hair: Begin by washing your hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, like the shampoo by Jessicurl and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair. Pat your hair gently with a microfiber towel or T-shirt to remove excess water – remember, no rubbing!
  2. Dispense the Mousse: Shake the mousse can well and dispense a palm-sized amount onto your hand. The amount may vary depending on your hair’s length and thickness.
  3. Even Distribution: Rub your hands together to evenly distribute the mousse. Now, flip your hair upside down to encourage volume and scrunch the mousse into your curls using an upward motion.
  4. Root Lift: For extra lift at the roots, apply a small amount of mousse or foam, such as the one by Innersense (this foam is perfect for the root area) directly to your roots and lightly massage it in using your fingertips.
  5. Drying Dance: The big question: should you apply mousse to wet or dry hair? Wet hair wins this round! Mousse is most effective when applied to damp hair, as it helps the product distribute evenly.
  6. Diffuse with Care: Attach a diffuser to your hairdryer and set it to low heat and low speed. Gently cup your curls with the diffuser, moving it in a scrunching motion from the ends to the roots. This helps create volume and define your curls.
  7. Lock the Look: Once your hair is around 80% dry, switch the dryer to the cool setting to set your curls in place. Avoid touching your hair too much while it’s drying to prevent frizz.

Choosing Complementary Products and Techniques

To truly harness the power of mousse, consider pairing it with other curl-loving products. These specialized products serve to enrich your styling endeavors, catering to various preferences and needs.

Here’s a curated selection of potent allies that seamlessly work into your hair care ritual:

  • Leave-In Conditioner: A crucial foundation for any styling regimen, a leave-in conditioners provides a nurturing prelude to your mousse application. This hydrating agent primes your curls by fostering a moisture-rich environment. Before indulging in the mousse, generously apply a suitable leave-in conditioner, ensuring your curls are enveloped in hydration.
  • Styling Custard: Elevate your curl definition and augment moisture levels with a lightweight curl custard, such as the one by MopTop, Design Essentials, or Kinky Curly. This specialized formula intricately interlaces with your existing mousse application, infusing additional moisture into your curls. The result is an impeccable blend of structure and hydration that leaves your curls looking fresh.
  • Gel: For those occasions when durability and tenacity are paramount, consider pairing your mousse with a strong hold gel, such as the one by Giovanni, Ouidad, or Curl Keeper. By combining these elements, you create a fortified foundation that accentuates both volume and longevity.

Experiment with techniques like plopping, pine-appleing, or finger coiling to achieve different curl patterns and textures.

Mousse Magic for All Textures: Wavy, Curly, Coily

Whether you’re flaunting wavy, curly, or coily tresses, mousse is a versatile product that can cater to all curl types.

Below is a mini tutorial outlining the process of applying mousse to wavy and curly hair. Personally, I find visual demonstrations particularly helpful, as they provide a clear and practical understanding of the procedure.

Video credit: Curly Tay

Adjust the amount of mousse you use based on your hair’s thickness and texture. Remember, it’s all about enhancing your natural beauty.

Below is a mini video guide demonstrating the step-by-step process of applying mousse to coily hair, accompanied by the utilization of both gel and mousse for optimal results.

Video credit: @Michebeauty

Conclusion

The strategic application of mousse presents a transformative opportunity to enhance and celebrate the natural beauty of your curls.

By following the expert techniques outlined here and considering complementary products, you can achieve a range of captivating looks that reflect your individual style.

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