I have been on a curly hairstyling journey for the past few years. After I finally decided to quit using my curling iron, my natural hair really started to shine, so I decided it was time to embrace it. However, if you have curls, you know that styling them can be a little tricky. Curls tend to dry out easily, so finding the right product is a matter of trial and error. What’s a good example? mousse.
Now that I’m completely natural, I’ve started reaching for styling foams, curl creams, and hair oils to keep my hair at its healthiest. At this point, let’s just say I’ve tested quite a few curls. And they weren’t always the right ones for me and my particular curl type (3c). Finally, I became wiser. Instead of playing the guessing game, I decided to ask two celebrity stylists for advice. Jennifer Kollab and Kevin Kelly were happy to give us the scoop. Keep scrolling for the best mousses for curly hair and tips on how to use them.
How to use mousse on curly hair
There are a few things to keep in mind when using mousse on curly hair. Curls are naturally dry, so Korab recommends looking for ingredients that provide hydration and shine. “Avocado and olive oil are great ingredients to focus on,” she says. She also has some styling tips. “When styling curly hair with mousse, I like to start by misting my curls with water or curl refresher,” she adds. “My personal favorite (how to use it) is Kérastase Curl Manifest Curl Refresher. Next, apply a generous amount to each section of your hair. Comb through to evenly distribute the product, then comb through. Massage gently. For best results, let dry naturally or use a diffuser.
Kelly has some more tips for styling curly hair when using products like mousse. “When using mousse, I like to have clients lean back or flip their heads to control frizz at the roots,” he says. “Then, tuck the hair between your hands with the product. Then have them tilt the hair up or flip it over. Take some extra styling product and pick up random sections to get the perfect curl. Then shape it with your hands.” ”
Keep scrolling below for each stylist’s favorite curly hair mousse. You can also find some of my own lectures.
The best comprehensive hair mousse for curly hair: Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse
Oribe
curl shaping mousse
“This mousse is perfect for fine, loose curls. It strengthens your curls without creating stiffness. It also enhances your hair’s shine and moisture.” — Kollab
“This is (also) a little more moisturizing than most mousses.” — Kelly
Customer Review: “A great mousse. It softens and defines my curls and reduces frizz. The only downside is that it doesn’t have the Oribe scent, which I love. I would buy this again. If only there was a curl shaping spray That’s fine.”
2. Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse
moroccan oil
curl control mousse
“This is perfect for those who prefer defined curls. I also like this mousse for frizz control.” — Kollab
Customer Review: “Yes! I recently tried this mousse and it was perfect for my hair type (3c). I’ll add it to my future favorites. It moisturizes my hair and gives it bouncy, soft curls I like this.”
3. Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse
Amika
Plus size volume & body mousse
“I love this mousse because it’s long-lasting and works on all hair types. Its airy, cushiony feel adds volume and control without weighing it down. ” — Korab.
Customer review: “My stylist recommended this to me and it works well for me. It goes a long way with a little use. I plan to use this primarily with my Dyson Airwrap tool.”
4. Pureology Style + Protect Weightless Hair Mousse
pure science
Style + Protect Waitress Hair Mousse
“[Pureology’s mousse]is perfect for curly hair. Its lightweight formula helps add volume and vibrancy to your hair. It’s also made with aloe water for hydration.” — Kollab
Customer testimonials: “I love this mousse. I don’t usually like mousses because they leave my hair greasy, but this one you barely notice and it smells so good!”
5. Color Wow Color Control Styling Foam
color wow
color control styling foam
“For curly hair, we recommend using Color Wow Dream Coat Treatment mixed with Color Wow Mousse. Mousse contains a lot of alcohol, which tends to dry out your hair and make it dull. Color Wow Curly Treatment It helps (maintain) that shine.” — Kelly.
Customer Review: “I stopped using mousse a long time ago because it seemed to flatten my hair and darken my highlights. This densifies roots and lengths, is non-greasy, and dulls blondes. I tried every volumizing medium I could get my hands on.”In the end, I was really disappointed.
6.Kevin Murphy Bodybuilder Volume Mousse
kevin murphy
bodybuilder volume mousse
“Kevin Murphy’s Bodybuilder is perfect for those with fine curly hair who want a little lift at the roots.” — Kelly
Customer Review: “I originally purchased this at a hair salon and loved it. I have since purchased two other mousse products to find cheaper options. In the end, this mousse is long-lasting and the best. The result is very good.” ”
7. Carlsmith Bouncy Strength Volume Foam
curl smith
Volume foam with bouncy strength
A blend of hemp seeds, rice protein, and nutrient-rich superfoods, this mousse enhances your natural hair texture while delivering lightweight hold and voluminous curls.
Customer Review: “I have fine, thin curls with a loose curl pattern, so I’ve tried foams and mousses over the years and have always been disappointed. Deva Curl, Shea Moisture, Not Your Mother’s” , Herbal Essences, all the ones I looked at were the same.”Other curlies were raving about these, but unfortunately I didn’t use gel to control my frizz, so this form… didn’t actually work. I applied the gel as recommended, but I didn’t apply it specifically to the roots, but I didn’t use it on the first inch or so of my hair, which gave volume throughout the hair and added bounce and stiffness. There was no. I have used the mousse before and my hair is soft and my curls are bouncy. The only downside is that some people may not like the smell. However, my husband says the smell goes away once it dries. ”
8. Ouidad Vital Curl + Soft Define Mousse
Ouidad
VitalCurl + Soft Define Mousse
Ouidad’s VitalCurl is packed with oils rich in omega fatty acids, including sunflower, camellia, and chia seed oils, making it perfect for those with dry curls. Retains moisture, maintains elasticity and elasticity.
Customer Review: “I was so disappointed when DevaCurl discontinued their Arc Angel Gel that I was looking for something new. After reading the VitalCurl reviews, I thought I’d give it a try. Really soon! I wish I had tried it. I love this product! “
9. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse
shea moisture
Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse
This mousse enhances your natural curl memory and wave pattern without being crunchy or flaky. It also has coconut and hibiscus to add shine, add volume, and provide extra hydration.
Customer testimonials: “I’ve been using this mousse for about 5 years. I live in Florida and the heat and humidity makes my hair really frizzy. All I can say is that it’s good. The scent is amazing. The ingredients are great. It doesn’t affect the color, no matter if your hair is short or long. The price is reasonable considering the high quality. My hair stays dry and shiny all day long.”
10. Mom’s Curl Talk is not a curl activation mousse
not your mother’s
Curl Talk Curl Activation Mousse
I love buying it from the drugstore, and this mousse from Not Your Mother’s does the job. It provides long-lasting humidity control, adds great definition, and is safe to use on color-treated hair.
Customer Review: “Talk about a product that keeps your curls popping all day. This is my holy grail hair product. It really helps revitalize your natural curl pattern and control frizz (just a little sculpting gel) ) After applying this product on wash day, you hardly need to refresh it the next day. Please don’t stop selling this.
11. Design Essential Curl Strengthening Mousse
basics of design
Curl strengthening mousse
This quick-drying formula eliminates frizz and gives your hair a beautiful shine with ingredients like almond, avocado, and olive oil. It strengthens your strands to prevent breakage and provides intense hydration for all-day wear.
Customer feedback: “I have 3B/3C hair and am worried about the dryness and moistness of my hair.I have tried various mousses from cheap brands to high-end brands, but this is it!The scent is also the best!My hair is It doesn’t get dry during the day and stays put together.”And it doesn’t dry out…and it doesn’t peel! ”
12. DevaCurl anti-frizz volume up form
Deva curl
Anti-frizz volume up foam
DevaCurl’s anti-frizz foam adds volume and tactile definition. It’s also moisture resistant for up to 48 hours, giving your curls a natural, flexible shape while maintaining definition.
Customer review: “I used this brand before they changed the formula and now after the change I would recommend this product. It smells great and my curls have their volume back as opposed to other brands. I did.”
This article was originally published previously and has since been updated.