It may sound retro, but mousse is an excellent curly hair product—an unexpected favorite that adds greater volume and dimension. However, it’s crucial to identify your curl pattern to ensure your product won’t weigh down or dry out your hair. Once you’ve got that intel, you’re on your way to bouncy, vibrant curls. “Try to identify what type of curl you have, whether it’s loose, tight, slightly straight, and the type of texture your curl presents: soft, rough, frizzy, or dry,” explains Chris Lospalutto, a hairstylist at SDSH Salon. “This will help you streamline and pinpoint exactly which mousse is right for your exact hair.”
Additionally, look for formulas that offer hydration. “Hydration gives curls the elasticity and shine needed to move and bounce with life,” explains Nyree Syphrett, a master hairstylist at Warren Tricomi NYC. “Also consider a product with more of a lightweight feel as heavier products tend to leave the hair feeling oily and weighed down, making them lack movement and look less defined the next day.” Read on to find the best mousses for curly hair that hold up against heat and humidity and deliver soft, bouncy, and voluminous coils for all hair types.
PHOTO: Violet Grey
What We Love: This innovative brand uses new technology to repair dry, damaged hair while styling.
What We Don’t Love: Several online reviewers note issues with the dispensing nozzle.
Though there is so much to love from the celebrity-used shampoo and conditioners line (Jennifer Garner, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Kidman have used the brand), the Virtue Curl-Defining Whip does wonders for curly hair. Thanks to the proprietary ingredient Alpha Keratin 60ku: A specialized protein naturally found in our hair and works to repair damaged strands. Meanwhile, the luxurious whipped formula hydrates, smooths, and de-frizzes (even in heat and humidity) on a surface level while contributing to hair’s overall, long-term health from the root. It has a lightweight, nonsticky feel that won’t leave strands with that dreaded crunchy texture, creating bouncy and shiny curls. Plus, we think the scent is divine (peppery grapefruit with notes of driftwood).
We use this almost every wash day and are consistently impressed with how defined our ringlets look. We also love how long the bottle lasts. Some online reviewers have mentioned that the nozzle gets jammed after a few weeks (which is something to keep in mind), but we haven’t experienced any issues after months of use.
Hair Type: Wavy, curly | Size: 5.5 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Ulta
What We Love: The lightweight formula beautifully defines curls and gives hair an impressive volume boost.
What We Don’t Love: It contains silicones, which can cause product buildup.
We were immediately intrigued by this innovative formula, which the brand bills as “part cream, part foam.” When you first dispense the mousse into your hands, the consistency feels thin and liquid-y. Still, as you work it into your strands, it begins to expand and emulsify into a creamy texture that creates beautiful volume. A little goes a long way here!
Coming in at under $15, this product gives you a lot of bang for your buck—it provides long-lasting moisture, frizz-control, and curl definition to wavy and curly manes. However, keep in mind silicones are included on this ingredient list, which can contribute to product buildup, so be sure you’re using a clarifying shampoo once a week to really deep clean your scalp.
Hair Type: Wavy, curly | Size: 7.9 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Love: This mousse is a leave-in formula that adds density and volume to fine or thinning hair.
What We Don’t Love: The fragrance may be too strong for some.
This Kérastase product may be pricey, but it’s much more than just a typical mousse. It’s a leave-in formula that almost acts like a reparative mask and a styling product in one. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid and ceramides to actually strengthen and thicken hair follicles, preventing further damage and promoting new growth. Whether you have fine curls or your hair has been thinning for reasons like age, stress, or postpartum, this product adds volume and density. Although, if you’re sensitive to scent, be warmed that this one is on the stronger side.
Hair Type: Fine straight, wavy, curly | Size: 5.1 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Dermstore
What We Love: Beyond moisturizing and defining waves and curls, it also works as a heat protectant.
What We Don’t Love: While this mousse is ideal for wavy hair or very fine curls, we don’t recommend it for those with thick hair or tight curl patterns.
If you want to enhance your wavy hair with mega volume and long-lasting hold, look no further than this Oribe Shaping Mousse. This product performs best on fine hair (often the most difficult texture to hold a curl), offering shape and body with a lightweight, non-crunchy feel to make the loose waves of your dreams.
Featuring amino acids, strengthening proteins, and sweet almond oil (plus a subtle jasmine and sandalwood-infused scent), it nourishes strands while creating a protective barrier against heat. Though we don’t believe this is a true “curly” hair product (we don’t recommend it for those with 3 or 4-level curls), it still creates bouncy, shiny curls for those who’ve always wanted them.
Hair Type: Wavy | Size: 5.7 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Ulta
What We Love: This mousse feels super lightweight while still providing necessary hold and frizz control for up to 3C curls.
What We Don’t Love: While the brand specializes in curls and tight textures, this mousse isn’t strong enough for 4A—4C hair.
All curly girls will know that SheaMoisture is one of our absolute favorite go-to brands, and we love that their products can be picked up during your regular drugstore or Target runs. They use high-quality ingredients with dreamy scents and effective results that protect natural curls and lengthen the life of your wash. This mousse provides a frizz-free hold with a super lightweight feel (which is very hard to find) and works incredibly well for curls in the C level. It’s perfect for air-drying, leaving your hair exceedingly soft and volumized with no icky residue or flakiness. Just wash, apply, scrunch, and you’re good to go!
Hair Type: Wavy, curly | Size: 7.5 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Ulta
What We Love: This mousse will bring dry, damaged curls back to life.
What We Don’t Love: If you have fine hair, this formula will feel far too greasy for you.
Ouidad Weightless Curl Defining Mousse lives up to its name—it defines curls and protects against frizz with an impressively soft and lightweight feel. Its frizz control can withstand the heat, whether you live in a humid climate or cherish your diffuser.
We recommend this product for thick hair because its ingredients (like Japanese camellia and sunflower oils) specifically target dryness and stretched-out curls that need revitalization to return to moisturized, bouncy goodness. Though the formula excellently works its way through thick strands, it will feel too oily and greasy for those with finer hair.
Hair Type: Thick, curly | Size: 5.7 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: R+Co
What We Love: This mousse creates effortless beachy waves—without the need for hot tools.
What We Don’t Love: Because it provides very light hold, it won’t work well for those with level three or four curls.
This lightweight mousse is ideal for wavy hair—its soft hold won’t weigh your strands down, but it still provides volume and long-lasting definition. For the perfect, sought-after beach waves, apply the mousse, scrunch hair from the bottom up to the roots, and let it air dry.
With high-quality naturally derived ingredients like Abyssinian oil and Black Polynesian volcanic sand, the formula provides deep nourishment, styling prowess, and protection from heat and color damage. Enhance your waves without the stiffness and crunch typically associated with curl-specific products, and enjoy the delectable scent, which features notes of juniper berries, blood orange, and rhubarb. Keep in mind that because it provides a very light hold, it probably won’t be strong enough to tame and define type 3 or 4 curls.
Hair Type: Wavy | Size: 5.6 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Ulta
What We Love: Heading somewhere humid? This mousse will actually keep you frizz-free.
What We Don’t Love: If you use even slightly too much product, your hair can feel sticky and heavy.
Looking for a mousse with serious frizz-control capabilities? This pick is it. Not Your Mother’s Curl Activation Mousse defines and enhances curls while providing heat-tested and long-lasting anti-frizz benefits. For the best results, apply the product to wet hair (the wetter, the better!) and let it air-dry, or use a hair dryer with a diffuser. You’ll see overall enhanced volume but individual curls that are shapely and defined. It won’t have the softest feel compared to other formulas on this list, but that’s the price to pay for heavy-duty frizz control. Your hair will retain bounce and shine even in tropical climates—as long as you don’t use too much product. Anything more than a small dollop can leave you with sticky strands.
Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 7 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Ulta
What We Love: It works great on loose curls and protective styles alike.
What We Don’t Love: This product performs best alongside a leave-in conditioner or other moisture-rich styling product.
We’re big fans of Pattern Beauty’s products, including its scalp treatments and hair brushes (what can we say? Tracee Ellis Ross knows what she’s doing), and the brand’s Curl Mousse exceeded our expectations. Formulated with a mix of marshmallow root and caster oil, it has a fluffy, foamy consistency that yields curl definition, frizz-free volume, and shine.
We love that the weightless mousse was designed to provide a strong hold for those with loose curls and protective styles like locs and braids. We were impressed by how soft and moisturized our curls felt. However, we think the product performs best with the brand’s Leave-In Conditioner or Styling Cream.
Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 8 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Sephora
What We Love: This mousse offers full heat protection—so use all the hot tools for even greater volume!
What We Don’t Love: It can leave a sticky-feeling residue behind.
If you’re seeking mega volume, this Thickening Mousse will be your new BFF. The innovative formula utilizes a patented technology that affixes microscopic thickening dots between strands to create a look of lasting fullness. Despite its thickening effects, the consistency is surprisingly lightweight, offering a flexible hold for touchable, natural-looking curls. However, be warned, it can feel a bit sticky once applied and can also cause buildup on the scalp. Like other volumizing products, just be sure you’re cleansing regularly to allow your hair and scalp to breathe.
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly | Size: 5 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Sephora
What We Love: Powerful curl-definition without the crunch? Count us in.
What We Don’t Love: The bottle is on the smaller side and might not last as long as you’d hope.
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse creates ultra-defined curls without the crunch factor. We know it’s hard to believe, but the moisture-rich formula (featuring ingredients like argan oil and strengthening vegetable proteins) delivers touchable softness and serious shine.
The frizz-control benefits are long-lasting—surviving humidity and sleep—to keep your curls looking fresh for days. We especially love using this alongside a curl cream for maximum hydration and the ultimate air-dry routine. Just note that depending on the thickness of your hair, you may need to use an extra dollop.
Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 5.1 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Sephora
What We Love: The mousse feels really lightweight but still provides decent hold.
What We Don’t Love: It might dry out fine hair.
Syphrett loves the Bumble and Bumble Curl Mousse because it’s very lightweight and offers amazing hold and definition. “Best of all, it doesn’t leave your hair with the ‘crunchy feel,’” she says. “Your hair feels soft and more manageable, and the curls last for days.”
This is a great mousse to let your curls air-dry, and we like how defined our curls look after application. A few things to note are that this formula might be better for those with medium or coarse, wavy or curly hair—it might dry out fine, curly hair a bit.
Hair Type: Medium or coarse, wavy or curly hair | Size: 5 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Love: The formula is hydrating and ideal for dry hair.
What We Don’t Love: Its smell evokes men’s cologne.
Oftentimes, curly hair is highly porous—meaning it absorbs moisture quickly but can also lose moisture quickly. Syphrett likes this option for people with dry hair for multiple reasons. “This product gives you va-va-voom curls—full, plump, voluminous curls that won’t get affected by the humidity and turn frizzy,” she says. “It’s great for people with dry curls that need hydration. Plus, it provides a shiny look and flexible hold, too.” One note: It smells strongly of men’s cologne, so if hair products with strong scents bother you, skip this pick.
Hair Type: Dry, curly | Size: 10.2 oz | Scented: Yes
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Love: The formula is alcohol-free and won’t dry out your hair.
What We Don’t Love: It has a strong, chemical scent.
Lospalutto recommends the Leonor Greyl Mousse Au Lotus Volumatrice to his clients because it’s alcohol-free and great for adding volume to your curls and defining a vacation-worthy beach wave or curl. “I like that it adds shine and hold without the crunchiness,” he says.
It’s ideal for folks with fine, dry hair, as it won’t further dry out your locks and isn’t heavy-feeling, either. Some folks have complained that the smell isn’t great and is too strong. On the flip side, others love the scent of this mousse, which is a delicate lime scent.
Hair Type: Curly, wavy, dry hair | Size: 5.1 oz | Scented: Yes
What to Keep in Mind
Curl Type: “Mousse is generally lighter in weight compared to gels and curl creams,” explains Denver-based curl specialist Natalie Kaleel, making it an excellent choice for wavy hair or those with curly hair that happens to be on the fine end. That said, different mousses will provide differing levels of holds and definition. Opt for a very light mousse if you have looser curls or wavy hair. It won’t give you super-defined ringlets but rather envy-inducing beachy waves. On the other hand, if your hair is thick or if your curl type is tighter, you’ll need to look for a mousse that’s designed for a stronger hold.
Overall Hair Goals: The product that will be right for you depends on more than just your hair type—it’s also important to consider how you like to style your hair and how you want it to look and feel. Is volume your main goal, or is frizz control? Are you the air dry type, or is the diffuser your go-to? “If I’m air-drying curls, I tend to gravitate towards lightweight products. The longer it takes your hair to dry, the longer gravity has to pull your curls down,” explains Kaleel. “If I’m diffusing, I use slightly heavier products and make sure that one of those products has a good built-in heat-protectant to keep curls juicy and healthy,” adds Kaleel.
Your Questions, Answered
What does mousse do for curly hair?
Mousse is unique as a curly hair styling product—it might not provide the same taming prowess as a gel, but it does offer greater volume and buildability. It’s versatile and works well alongside gels and curl creams to create bold impact and long-lasting results. “Mousse will provide a strong hold to help maintain a tighter curl pattern and maximum volume,” explains Kaleel. “Plus, it encases the hair and therefore holds moisturizing ingredients in the hair for longer periods of time, keeping your curls healthy,” she says. “Mousse is the best product to define curls with long-lasting hold,” adds LA-based celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos.
Does mousse leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy?
It can—if you don’t select the right product for your hair type or if you apply too much. For fine hair or looser waves, look for an ultra-lightweight formula that won’t weigh down your strands. The goal with mousse is to create a voluminous and bouncy curl. If applied correctly, the above products shouldn’t leave you feeling sticky or crunchy.
Is mousse or gel better for curly hair?
They achieve different effects but can also be used together. Typically, gel provides a stronger hold, while mousse creates shape and body. “Gel can make your hair look stiff and crunchy, whereas mousse is soft on the hair,” explains Giannetos.
Personally, I like to use mousse as a styling base and finish it off with a touch of gel (always mixed with water) to ensure maximum frizz control. An extra tip? “If diffused until fully dry, a lot of times, the curl cast created by mousse will turn soft, leaving you with light and airy curls,” says Kaleel.
How do I use hair mousse?
According to Kaleel, mousse is best applied to wet hair. She advises starting with a leave-in conditioner, styling with a Denman or similar brush, and then scrunching in your mousse, fully coating the hair from the roots to the ends. She finishes by using the plopping method with a microfiber towel. And if you opt for the diffuser, Giannetos says, “Halfway through drying, use a little extra mousse for a better hold.”
Why Shop With Us
Daley Quinn is a freelance writer specializing in beauty and health who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. You can find more of her work on her website or check out her blog, The Daley Dose. She consulted with multiple experts for this article, including Nyree Syphrett, a master hairstylist at Warren Tricomi NYC, and Chris Lospalutto, a hairstylist at SDSH Salon, for their best mousses for curly hair recommendations.
Linne Halpern is a freelance beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer. She extensively researches and reviews countless products. As the proud owner of natural 3B curls and a lifelong experimenter with various curly hair routines, she used her personal expertise on the topic to aid this story, bolstered by commentary from unparalleled professionals. To provide tips and tricks of the trade, she sought insights from LA-based celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos and Denver-based curl specialist Natalie Kaleel.
