Hair Styling Mousse

A hair styling mousse is a lightweight product that provides an extra boost of volume, and a natural-looking “just washed” sheen. It works well on a variety of hair textures and is often recommended for fine or thin hair in need of a volumizing lift. It can also be used to create wavy or curly hair styles that require more definition and hold. Some mousses are formulated with heat protection agents, helping to shield your strands from damage caused by blow drying and hot tools.

Hair mousses are available in a range of formulations, so be sure to select one that suits your specific hair type. If you have curly or wavy hair, try a curl mousse formula like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream ($26). It’s infused with meadowfoam seed oil, olive oil, soybean oil, and humectants to nourish and tame frizz for a smooth, soft finish. If you have fine or thin hair, look for a volumizing mousse like L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse ($17). Its thickening and volumizing properties help to add fullness and thickness, without weighing down your strands.

Most mousses contain alcohol, which can cause brittle hair and dryness if overused or applied in excess. Because of this, it is important to follow the application instructions and use a mousse sparingly. For best results, apply the mousse to damp hair (as opposed to soaking wet), and be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that suits your specific hair texture.

When applying a mousse, it is important to start with a small amount and work it into your strands using your fingers. A golf ball sized amount of product is usually sufficient for medium length hair, while long hair may need an egg-sized dollop. Once you’ve applied a small amount, rub your hands together to distribute the mousse evenly throughout your strands.

Once your hair is fully saturated with mousse, it’s time to style. You can air dry your strands for a natural, lived-in look, or blow-dry them with a round brush for a voluminous blowout. If you’re looking to add more structure and a firmer hold to your hair, you can apply more mousse to the roots and comb through with a rat tail comb for a sleek ponytail or updo.

Depending on your desired look, you can also use mousse to enhance the natural texture of your hair by scrunching your strands with your fingertips to define curls or waves. For a more polished look, you can smooth mousse along your hairline and through the back of your neck to tame flyaways and provide a clean finish.

You can also use a little hair mousse on your dry strands to tame frizz and give your locks a smooth, shiny finish. A spritz of water will reactivate the mousse, so you can re-apply it as needed throughout the day. Just be sure to follow the instructions for your specific mousse and perform a patch test prior to use to ensure you are not sensitive to the ingredients.