How To Use Hair Mousse, Based on Your Hair Type

When you hear the words “hair mousse,” big ’80s hair probably comes to mind. Whether you’ve never used the old-school styler, only remember what it was like many moons ago, or constantly wonder, “What does mousse do?” it’s time to get reacquainted with this styling staple. With new formulas that add texture and volume without stiffness or sticky residue, today’s hair mousse is a far cry from the heavy, crunchy formulas of decades past.

Ahead, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about hair mousse. Keep reading to learn what mousse does, how it works, and how to use mousse in your routine for full, voluminous tresses—no matter your natural hair type.

What Is Hair Mousse?

Hair mousse is a leave-in styling product designed to help add volume to the hair. It comes in a can and boasts a lightweight, foamy consistency, similar in texture to shaving cream. Mousse is typically applied to damp hair prior to styling to help add texture and volume. Some formulas may be used on dry hair, too, though this is a far less common approach.

What Does Mousse Do?

Generally speaking, hair mousse adds volume, texture, and definition to your hairstyle, typically with a light to medium hold. While it’s often used to help define waves and curls, mousse can be a helpful styling aid for fine, straight hair, too. Used properly, it can help make flat hair appear fuller and thicker, with plenty of bounce, body, and movement.

Some formulas may boast additional benefits, too. There are hair mousses that help protect your hair from humidity, tame frizz, and boost shine. Some even act as a heat protectant to help shield your strands from heat damage when you blow-dry your hair.

Is Mousse Bad for Your Hair?

When used as directed, hair mousse is generally considered safe for most hair types. However, like all styling products, mousse can contribute to build-up over time, especially if you use it frequently. Swapping out your usual shampoo for a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove build-up and keep your strands feeling fresh.

It’s also important to note that many mousses contain alcohol, which can be drying (particularly if you already have dry or brittle hair). To keep your hair looking and feeling its best, prioritize hydration when you can and save your mousse for days when you’re looking to sport a voluminous hairstyle.

Does Mousse Work on All Hair Types?

Yes, all hair types can use mousse. Hair mousse is especially beneficial for those looking to add hold or get more volume. However, different hair types often have different needs. To get the best results when styling your hair, it’s best to select a formula designed for your specific hair type and needs.

How To Choose the Right Hair Mousse

As with any other haircare product, the best mousse for you will be one that aligns with your needs and goals. A volumizing mousse, for example, may be a great option for those with limp or flat hair. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something to help define your curls or waves, you may want to consider opting for a frizz-fighting formula that provides hold and definition without weighing the hair down.

If you’re unsure what type of hair mousse best aligns with your needs, seek out a formula designed for all hair types. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse is one of our top picks. The lightweight formula adds body, volume, and thickness with up to 24 hours of workable hold. It also doubles as a heat protectant, so if you need to blow dry your hair after using it, you can do so without having to layer on other products.

How To Use Hair Mousse

Use hair mousse correctly and you’ll be on your way to sporting bouncy hair with tons of texture in no time flat. (Yes, pun intended.) Check out these five simple tips for how to use mousse.

1. Begin with clean hair

One of the most common reasons to use hair mousse is to add volume. For an added boost, start the styling process with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo and the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner. This hyaluronic acid-infused duo helps replump dehydrated hair, giving it body, bounce, and shine without any weigh-down.

2. Wring out your hair

A word to the wise: If you apply hair mousse on sopping wet hair, it’s not going to be as effective and you may be left with sticky strands. After washing your hair, flip your head over and squeeze out the dripping water. Use a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture (you can also use this time to gently plop your hair if you have waves or curls). Drying wet hair with a T-shirt over a regular towel also helps minimize the friction that can lead to hair breakage.

3. Apply hair mousse with your fingers

Hair mousse is very aerated, so you’ll be using a lot more than you would with a hair serum or hair gel. Still, it’s best to err on the side of caution—start with a smaller amount, and add more as needed. Generally, you’ll want to use a golf ball-sized amount for your whole head, but this may vary depending on how long your hair is and the formula you’re using. Always refer to the package instructions for an accurate recommendation.

When working the product through your hair, scrunch your hair upward, focusing the majority of the product on your roots for lift. For a natural, lived-in style that accentuates your hair texture, let the mousse work its magic and simply air dry. If you prefer a bigger blowout, grab your blow-dryer and a round brush after applying your volumizing mousse and get to work.

4. Make sure you’re using the correct blow-dryer

To keep your curls or loose waves defined, use a diffuser, which spreads the air over a large section of hair for an even, gentle blow dry that helps highlight your hair’s natural texture. For silky, straight tresses, pop a concentrator nozzle onto the end of your blow-dryer—that’s the thin attachment that creates concentrated airflow. Then, grab a hairbrush to start styling.

5. Concentrate your blowout upwards

How you dry your hair will play a huge role in how your look turns out. If you’re aiming for a wavy or curly style, position your diffuser beneath your curls and direct the airflow up. This will help keep your hair bouncy and prevent your curls and waves from falling flat.

If, on the other hand, you’re going for a straight blowout, you’ll want to grab a round, boar-bristle brush. Use it to gently pull your hair upwards at the root while blow drying, pulling the hair back (away from your face) as you go. This technique will help add lift at the roots while keeping your lengths silky, smooth, and straight.

How To Use Hair Mousse Based on Your Hair Type

Not all hair types—or hair mousses, for that matter—are created equally. Here’s how to use mousse depending on your hair type, texture, and concerns.

Curly hair

People with curly hair can use hair mousse to add lift and definition to their curls. Add an egg-sized dollop of mousse to damp hair, work it in with your fingers, and air-dry your hair or gently dry your curls using a diffuser. Be sure to apply some of the product at your roots in order to boost volume at the crown of your head.

Wavy hair

Using hair mousse is a great way to define your loose ringlets and give your waves more volume. Scrunch a golf ball-sized amount of your chosen formula throughout damp strands, adding more if needed depending on your hair length. Use your fingers to distribute the mousse throughout your roots and mid-lengths. Then, dry your hair as usual. Starting with a small amount of mousse and adding more as needed can help ensure you’re able to achieve silky, defined waves without risking stiffness or crunchiness.

Straight hair

For naturally straight hair, the goal may not be so much about defining texture as it is about adding body and movement—especially when it comes to a blowout. Work a dollop of volumizing mousse throughout damp tresses before your blowout to add body, lift, and movement without a heavy feel.

Thick hair

If you have thick or coarse hair, don’t be fooled—too much styling product can still weigh it down. Instead of piling on the product, simply apply a few pumps of hair mousse to wet hair for hold without the heaviness.

Fine hair

If you have fine or thin hair, you want to be extra careful not to use too much product, as overloading your locks could leave them looking limp. Instead, use a lightweight volumizing mousse and work a small amount through your (damp) roots before blow-drying your hair with a round brush. If you need extra hold, you can mist your finished look with hairspray.

Damaged hair

Hair mousse can be surprisingly helpful for those with damaged hair, since it allows you to create body and texture without the need to rely on heat styling tools. When scrunching the product throughout your hair, work slowly, and use an extra gentle touch to avoid unnecessary friction or tension. Note that if your hair is extremely dry or you’re dealing with breakage and split ends, you may want to limit how often you style your hair to avoid further damage.

When Should You Apply Hair Mousse?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to apply hair mousse while your strands are damp. There’s a happy medium here—they shouldn’t be sopping wet, but they also shouldn’t be bone dry. Mousse adds hold, volume, and definition to your hair as it dries, which is why applying it on damp hair works best.

Can You Put Mousse in Dry Hair?

The short answer is, yes—but, really, it’s best not to, since hair mousse locks in definition and volume more when it’s applied to damp strands. If your hair is dry, the mousse won’t absorb as well and may look crunchy, which weighs your hair down.

Can You Use Hair Mousse Daily?

Because hair mousse can cause product buildup when it’s used too often, it’s best to refrain from working it through your tresses every day. Instead, aim for once a week, or on certain occasions when you want a little extra oomph. You can also cleanse with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup that does occur, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo With Antioxidants. Don’t forget to hydrate your hair after lathering up—we recommend following your deep cleanse with a gentle conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Restoring Conditioner With Antioxidants.

Hair Mousse Compared To Similar Products

Hair mousses, gels, foams, and curl creams all offer similar benefits, but serve their own distinct purposes. If you’re having trouble selecting the best type of styling aid for your needs, we’re sharing more insight on the characteristics of each, ahead.

Hair mousse vs. hair gel

Hair mousse and hair gel offer different benefits. Mousse adds volume, defines, controls frizz, and in many cases, offers heat protection. It’s also, as we mentioned, typically applied to damp rather than dry hair. While many mousses do offer hold, it tends to be a light, workable hold. Gels, on the other hand, are designed for more structured, lasting hold. They’re typically used after styling to help perfect and set sleek hairstyles and smooth down flyaways.

Hair mousse vs. foam

So, here’s the confusing thing. Hair mousse and foam are kind of one and the same—but, also, they’re not. Mousses are typically a dense foam, while true hair foams boast a lightweight, fluffier consistency. Both, however, can help add volume to flat hair. Since foams are more lightweight than mousses, they typically have a softer hold. If you’re a little wary of using a volumizing mousse—or have super fine or short hair—foam could be a good option for you.

Hair mousse vs. curl cream

While hair mousse can help define curls and waves, that’s not their only purpose. As mentioned, these versatile styling aids are suitable for a wide range of hair types and textures. Curl creams, however, are designed explicitly for curly and coily hair. These cream formulas help define and enhance your curls’ natural texture and curl pattern. Curl creams are also typically formulated with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter, to help moisturize the hair. They coat the hair and smooth the hair cuticle, which keeps curls from tangling and leaves them looking bouncy and defined.

Can You Put Hair Mousse on Synthetic Hair?

Some hair mousses can be used on synthetic hair, others should only be used on natural hair. If you have synthetic extensions or wear a wig, it’s best to select hair styling products designed specifically for synthetic hair to ensure the best possible end results. Your hairstylist should be able to point you in the right direction if you’re unsure where to start.

Next Up: 20 Ways To Make Flat Hair Look More Voluminous

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris