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Best Mousses for Curly Hair

Updated November 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse
Moroccanoil
Curl Control Mousse
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a mousse that will make your tight curls and coils more manageable, this moisturizing product is the one to get.

Pros

Works great on tight curls and coils thanks to lightweight argan oil formula that defines and moisturizes. Doesn't make hair stiff or crunchy but gives it a healthy-looking shine. Doesn't contain phthalates. A little goes a long way; has a lovely scent.

Cons

Tends to weigh down waves and light curls, especially if you apply too much. May leave residue.

Best Bang for the Buck
Garnier Curl Construct Creation Mousse
Garnier
Curl Construct Creation Mousse
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This mousse provides definition and keeps hair look smooth and frizz-free.

Pros

Has a lightweight hold and doesn’t leave sticky residue. Contains shea butter for hydration and smoothing. Suitable for a range of curly or wavy hair types.

Cons

The hold isn't very strong or long-lasting.

Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse
Amika
Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse
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Incredible Volume
Bottom Line

A good choice when it comes to volume and hold.

Pros

Offers a fluffy consistency that leaves all types of curls defined and full. Applying it to hair roots adds an extra boost; provides long-lasting hold. Contains plant-based ingredients that nourish hair. Most users rave about the scent. No sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.

Cons

Somewhat drying. Has the tendency to make hair feel a bit crunchy.

Cake Beauty Whipped Curl Mousse
Cake Beauty
Whipped Curl Mousse
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Good for Humidity
Bottom Line

This is a good option for anyone wanting their curls to hold shape without any stiffness.

Pros

Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and talc. Uses vitamin E and aloe vera to address frizz and guard against effects from humidity. Labeled vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons

The nozzle lets out more product then intended, leading to unwanted stickiness.

OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
OGX
Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

The creamy mouse texture utilizes coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize and tame frizz.

Pros

Tightens the curl and holds it in place. Aims to maintain the moisture and definition throughout the day. Works great for curly hair that has a thicker texture, and is safe for color-treated hair. Available at an accessible price.

Cons

Not the best option for finer hair texture, as it tends to make it sticky and crunchy.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best mousses for curly hair

It can be tricky to lock curly hair into place, especially in rainy weather or humid conditions. Some products only offer minimal hold, while others weigh hair down or make it stiff to the touch. Mousse for curly hair is a wonderful alternative to other styling products, thanks to the lightweight hold and body-boosting ingredients it offers.

Hair mousse is a light, foamy styling product that has been popular since it was invented in the 1980s, as it can make even fine, thin hair look thicker and fuller. However, a downside of this modern styling concoction is its tendency to be drying to the hair. But the great thing about mousse that’s made specifically for curls and coils is that it’s formulated with ingredients that moisturize, protect, and define bouncy locks while simultaneously taming frizz.

There are numerous types of mousse available, but if your hair is curly, you need one with ingredients that match your needs. We’ve simplified your search by highlighting our favorite mousses made just for curly hair. In addition, we put together this handy shopping guide with information and advice to help you discover how the right mousse can work wonders for your curls.

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Mousse for the hair was first made in France in the 1980s, and it quickly gained popularity for its fluffy, foamy texture and volumizing effects. The word “mousse” is French, and it means “foam” in English.

Is mousse for curly hair right for me?

Many people with curly hair love the benefits of using mousse, from definition to hold. But it’s not ideal for everyone.  Ask yourself a few questions about your curls and styling goals to determine whether mousse should become your go-to styling product.

Do you prefer light hold?

Mousse may not make your do last through a windstorm, but it will define curls and lock the shape in place for hours under most conditions. Similarly to hair sprays and gels, mousse contains ingredients that bind to hairs to “lock” them in place. However, while other products tend to make hair stiff, mousse provides a flexible hold for bouncy curls.

Does your hair need more body?

When it first hit the market, one of the initial purposes of mousse as a styling product was to add volume to limp hair. Many modern mousses that are made for curly locks also volumize hair while they define and hold.

Do you need a versatile styling product?

Another selling point of mousse for curly hair is its versatility. It can be used to lock in the shape of curls and make fine, thin hair look fuller. Because it’s lightweight, it is easy to use with other products, like leave-in conditioners, styling cream, and hair spray. You can even use a bit of mousse on dry hair when your curls need to be refreshed. Additionally, many mousses made for curls contain ingredients that moisturize, protect, and add shine to hair. 

Do you need firm hold?

Mousse provides a light, flexible hold that may not be enough in some situations. Rainy, humid weather can make frizz flare up and cause curls to lose definition. Because the hold that mousse offers is somewhat buildable, you can add more product as needed. However, a gel or spray make work better for controlling your curls if you live in a moist climate.

Features of mousse for curly hair

Some features are common to almost every type of mousse, and others are specific to certain brands and formulas.

Type of curls

Just like other hair care products, mousse comes in various formulas designed for specific hair types. As you browse available options, look for a mousse that will match your curls. For example, a product that’s made for waves and loose curls may do little to tame frizz or hold coils in shape. On the other hand, one that is made for tight curls and coils may contain oils and heavy moisturizers that would weigh down looser curls.

Consistency

Although it may vary a bit from brand to brand, most mousses have a light, whipped consistency. That’s why it’s often referred to as styling foam.

Ingredients

Mousse is made with synthetic resins and polymers that bind to hair for control and hold. However, many mousses for curly hair are made with plant oils, vitamins, keratin, and amino acids that work together to control frizz and define the shape of curls. Some premium brands offer products that are made without additives that can be damaging or drying to curls, including parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicone.

Bottles and dispensers

Mousse comes in bottles made of plastic or metal. A nozzle with a button or pump mechanism allows the product to come out fluffy and drip-free.

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Did you know?
Did you know that you can use mousse on wet or dry hair? Although it works best when applied to damp hair and left to dry, mousse can also be applied to dry hair to freshen the look of curls.
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Mousse for curly hair prices

The price of mousse varies from product to product, from around $5 to almost $40. Pampering your curls with a product made just for them will cost you more than a standard mousse, but you are more likely to get results you’ll love.

Inexpensive

From $5 to $15, you’ll find basic mousses. Formulas for curls in this price range may be drying or lack quality ingredients.

Mid-level

Between $15 and $23, you’ll find many mousse brands with curl-nourishing ingredients.

Expensive

If you are looking for a mousse by a premium brand that will moisturize and protect curls, expect to pay $23 to $40, or a little more. These products are often made without additives like parabens or silicone, and they may contain ingredients like plant extracts and keratin that condition curls.

"Mousse’s popularity in the 1980s was fueled by the big hair trend of the decade. Modern formulas made for curly hair add body and lock in curl with a lightweight hold."
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Tips

  • Remember to shake the bottle before using mousse. This will mix the ingredients together and enhance the product’s airy consistency.
  • Don’t discount using mousse if your curls are on the dry side. Many modern curly hair formulas by premium hair care brands are loaded with moisturizing ingredients like essential oils and keratin. These are less likely to dry out the hair.
  • Use your fingers to style your curls after you apply mousse. Twist it, shape it, scrunch it, and separate it to make your curls pop.
  • Remember that less is often more. A few pumps of mousse is all you need to enhance and hold your curls. You can always add a bit more as you go if you feel that you need extra volume and hold. However, if you apply too much product, you risk your curls looking wet or oily or feeling stiff and crunchy.
  • Use mousse to add lift at your roots. Apply the product at scalp level, working in an upwards motion. Use a comb, pick, or brush to finish your style.
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When you apply mousse to damp curls, the product dries along with your hair, locking the shape of your curls in place while controlling frizz.

FAQ

Q. What is the best technique for applying mousse?

A. After you wash your hair, blot it with a towel. While it is still damp, pump the mousse into the palm of your hand, and work it throughout the length of your hair using both hands. Scrunch your curls together to give them definition and shape.

Q. I love the way mousse adds volume to my curls, but sometimes, the light hold isn’t enough. What can I do to make my style last longer?

A. Because mousse is lightweight, you can use it with other styling products without weighing down your hair, provided you use them in moderation. To keep curls in shape when you need a little extra hold, apply mousse first to define your curls. Once your hair is dry, spray them with a bit of hairspray to give your look even more staying power.

Q. How much mousse do I need to use?

A. The answer depends on the length of your hair. For shorter lengths, generally one pump of product about the size of a ping pong ball should do. If your hair is longer or thicker, plan on using two or three times that amount to completely cover your hair.