What Does Mousse Do to Hair?

Mousse is a type of hair styling product that comes in the form of a foam. The foam is sprayed out from an aerosol can. It usually is white in color and is very light to the touch, with a very slight stickiness. It defines curls in curly hair and gives an extra boost of body to straight hair. Mousse is effective in reducing frizz and helping to keep a hairstyle in place without the stiffness and stickiness of hairspray.

Wash your hair and allow it to dry (or blow dry it) partially. Press the tip of the mousse can to release an egg-sized amount of mousse into your hand. While your hair still is slightly damp, massage the mousse throughout your hair, beginning at your scalp and moving toward the ends. For even greater volume, flip your hair upside down before massaging in the mousse. You may want to comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb to make sure the mousse is distributed evenly. At this point, you can allow your hair to air dry, or you can use a hair dryer with a diffuser to complete the drying process. If you use a hair dryer, finger-style your hair as you dry it. For curly hair, you can scrunch the curls between your fingers for greater definition. You also may want to use a curling iron once your hair is dry if you are trying to achieve a certain look.

Look for details on bottles of mousse before choosing a product. Some mousses are specifically designed for curly hair, whereas some target straight hair. Also look for the type of hold. Light-hold mousses are lighter and less sticky on your hair. Maximum-hold products have a stiffer feel and are best for hairstyles that you want to stay firmly in place. Some mousse products have additional ingredients such as moisturizers, polishing ingredients for extra shine and keratin protectors for sun protection. You also can find mousse that is designed for specific hair colors. Choose the product that best suits your hair type and the style you wish to achieve.