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You can manage curly hair or wavy hair with specific styling products. A mousse is a favorite method. A mousse can help define your natural curls, or create wavier hair if you have straighter hair.
There are many mousses available to suit different purposes. Some mousses provide more hold for longer-lasting styles, while others moisturize for dry hair. If you’re not exactly sure which type will benefit you most, we can help you out with some handy pointers!
Which type of mousse is best for my hair?
A mousse that has a light feel is best for fine hair. But if your hair is thicker and curlier, you’ll want to look for a denser product. Although light mousses will still give you a defined curl, your style may not last as long. Before you purchase a mousse, think about your ultimate goal. While mousses are most popular for adding curl definition to hair, they can also be used to increase volume. So even if you don’t have curls, you can still find an option to suit your specific needs! These tips are helpful. Check out our comprehensive list of the best mousses available right now. We guarantee there’s a product from our lineup for every shopper!
11 Amazing Mousses that Shape and Define Curls, Waves
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse
The mousse helps with curl management and reduces hair styling time, according to customers. Simply use a few drops of the product to work through damp hair. Let it air dry. That’s all, folks! Reviewers also note their curls are incredibly soft, and claim they don’t have the awkward crunchy feeling that other mousses cause.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- No crunchy feeling
- Non-sticky
Cons
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom, Sephora
Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
This mousse can help to control frizzy hair! This mousse can not only define your curls but also make your hair look much smoother and shinier. The best part is that it locks in moisture incredibly well, so you don’t have to worry about summer humidity messing up your style!
Pros
- Moisture-locking formula
- Ideal for both curly or wavy hair
- Light scent
- Affordable
Cons
- May have a slightly sticky feeling
Available at: Amazon, Target, Walmart
SheaMoisture Curl Mousse
This mousse was specifically designer for curly hair that’s thicker and extra frizzy, though shoppers who say they have thinner hair use it successfully. It has excellent smoothing power, so if you find that your hair feels like it’s totally unmanageable, this mousse may be the right stuff for you!
Pros
- For thicker hair
- No crunchy feeling
- Anti-frizz
Cons
- Fine hair may find it too heavy
Available at: Amazon. Ulta. Target
OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
This mousse is a little bit different, because it’s a hybrid of both a hair foam and cream packaged into one can. Blending the two essentially can give you the staying power of a mousse — with the hydration that cream products provide. This product works for any type of hair and leaves your locks feeling soft — while holding curls or waves intact.
Pros
- Hybrid formula
- Affordable price
- All hair types are compatible
Cons
- Might not be strong enough to hold thicker hair.
- Some shoppers don’t love the sweet scent
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Target
TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse
If you’re looking to score a major deal on a quality product, this mousse may be your best bet. This mousse is available in a 15 ounce size, which is larger than any other mousse. This salon-quality mousse is infused with coconut oil and avocado oil to soften your hair while maintaining its hold. Shoppers love the sensation of it feeling great!
Pros
- All hair types are compatible
- Large quantity
- Affordable price
Cons
- Some may find the hold too light
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Ulta, Target
Mixed Chicks Morning After Redefining their Hair Foam
This mousse is a little bit different, because it’s actually designed to use on dry hair! This innovative product can be used on your hair the next day to give them a boost. Most mousses are not suitable for dry hair. This product will bring your hair back to life.
Pros
- Designed for next-day curls
- For dry hair
- Non-sticky formula
Cons
- Some shoppers don’t love the scent
- This may not help to tame frizzy hair
Available at: Amazon and Ulta
tgin Honeywhip Hydrating Mousse
This mousse is for you if your hair is extremely dry and needs extra hydration. It’s made for natural hair types, though we noticed some reviewers with wavy and straight hair who love how it works for them. It’s infused with honey, which promotes shiny hair and may keep frizz and flyaways at bay. As an added bonus, this product helps small businesses!
Pros
- Additional hydrating
- Ideal for natural hair
- Holding on for the long-term
Cons
- It may leave you with a slight sticky feeling
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Ulta
Biolage Styling Whipped Volume Souffle
You may be on the hunt for mousses even if you don’t have curly or wavy hair, which is why we included this specific product! It’s made for every hair type, but is more of a volumizing product than anything else. It can lift your roots to give your locks more body.
Pros
- Ideal for all hair types
- Fresh scent
- Won’t weight down fine hair
Cons
- Hold may not always be the strongest
- Feels a little sticky
Available at: Ulta, Amazon, Walmart
John Frieda Frizz Ease Take Charge Curl Boosting Mousse
This mousse is a great choice for frizzy hair. This mousse can be used to define curls and waves, as well as combat frizz. It also provides heat protection for your hair if you use a diffuser afterwards.
Pros
- Extra frizz control
- Hydrating formula
- Heat protection
Cons
- Some people may find hold too light
- Oily hair may find it too moisturizing
Available at: Ulta Target, Amazon
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse
Every type of curl will benefit from this mousse’s defining capabilities! It can help you make sure that each coil is perfectly intact all day long — without getting frizzy or messy. You’re left with soft, touchable hair that lasts!
Pros
- Formula lightweight
- Affordable
- Fight against humidity
Cons
- Fine hair may not be suitable for this product
Available at: Ulta, Target, Walmart
Bumble and bumble. Curl Mousse
If you’re willing to invest in your hair, this mousse is definitely worth the splurge. Although it is more expensive than other mousses, customers swear that this mousse combats frizz. It’s great for fine hair!
Pros
- Ideal for all hair types
- Adds shine
- Gives hair extra volume
Cons
- More expensive
- Some may find Hold a little too soft
Available at: Sephora. Amazon. Ulta. Target
Need more product recommendations? You can also check out our other picks:
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