12 Best Alcohol-Free Mousses In 2024 That Are Hairstylist-Approved
Enhance your frizz-free, smooth curls with the help of the right hair care essentials such as these.
From reducing frizz to enhancing curl structure for curly and wavy hair, mousse plays a crucial role in the hairstyling side of things. But since alcohol is the most common ingredient in it, it can also cause damage to the hair by drying it. This is why you need to set your heart on the best alcohol-free mousse that’s available. Yvey Valcin, a celebrated master stylist says, “Organic mousses can be tricky, so it is important to use an oil or moisture based product before applying any kind of mousse.” Check out our list of the 12 most effective options we have listed below.
Top Picks | Check Price |
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Best For Volume:Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam | Price on Amazon |
Best Non-Irritating Ingredients:No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse | Price on Amazon |
Best Natural Ingredients:Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse | Price on Amazon |
Best For Frizz-Free Finish:Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam for Volume | Price on Amazon |
Best For Silky-Smooth Hair:TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse with Coconut and Avocado Oil | Price on Amazon |
Best Unscented :Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 | Price on Amazon |
Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Vigorol Mousse Curl Super Hold | Price on Amazon |
Best Kid-Friendly: Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse | Price on Amazon |
Best For Styling:Great Lengths Volume Care Mousse | Price on Amazon |
Best For Nourishing:GIOVANNI Mousse Air-Turbo Charged, Hair Styling Foam | Price on Amazon |
In This Article
12 Best Alcohol-Free Mousses – 2024 Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Best For Volume:Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam
The Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam is a styling hair foam with a creamy texture suitable for all hair types. It is designed to create volume and give definition to your hair. This weightless foam not only holds any hairstyles, from straight hair to braids and bouncy curls but can also be used as a heat-protectant or serum without feeling greasy. In addition, the styling foam nourishes your hair and conditions it without making it dry and frizzy, giving you softer, shiner hair.
Pros
- Gives a shiny finish
- Lightweight formula
- Non-irritating
- Non-greasy
- Free of fragrance and harmful chemicals
- Moisturizes hair
Cons
- The dispenser can be faulty
Review:
A user says, “I’ve been a loyal user of Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam has been my go-to for achieving the perfect look without any flakiness or stiffness. A little goes a long way, and its medium-hold formula strikes the right balance. I appreciate its lovely fragrance too.”
2. Best Non-Irritating Ingredients:No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse
The No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse contains no common sensitizing or irritating ingredients, which makes it a good choice for sensitive skin. It does not contain any fragrances or chemicals. This styling mousse gives a strong hold and makes the hair look voluminous. It improves hair elasticity and makes it shine. It provides UV and humidity protection. It does not contain perfume, parabens, colorants, and harsh, irritating ingredients. The product has not been tested on animals, which makes it an appropriate cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Imparts shine
- Adds volume
- Anti-humidity
- Reduces frizz
- No residues
- Non-sticky
- Softens hair
- Long-lasting hold
- Hypoallergenic
- UV protection
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions.
- May cause static hair.
Review:
A user says, “As someone highly sensitive to fragrances, finding No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse was a game-changer. It delivers volume and control without any sticky or crunchy feel. It provides just the right definition to my curls!”
3. Best Natural Ingredients:Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
The Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse is a hydrating and nourishing styling foam suitable for curly or thick hair. The hair foam is free of alcohol and has natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut milk, and mango butter, providing intense nourishment to your curls without making them feel rough. In addition, this lightweight foam provides a flexible hold, prevents frizz, and adds volume to your flat hair without the use of any harsh chemicals that can endanger your hair quality. Annie, a personal vlogger from South Florida is obsessed with the product. She says, “It does not weigh my hair down. My hair feels soft and tamed. What I love is that my curls did not lose their texture. They feel hydrated (i).” However, it is recommended to conduct a patch test before committing to the product to make sure that the formula is not triggering hair fall.
Pros
- Suitable for curly hair
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing formula
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Free of silicone, sulfate, and paraben
- Easy to style
Cons
None
Review: A reviewer says, “Discovering this coconut curl mousse from Maui Moisture was a game-changer for my curls. It not only smells amazing for days but also provides fantastic hold without any crunch or frizz. My curls maintain their shape, shine, and hydration. An affordable gem in the curly hair world!”
Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam | No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse | Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse | |
---|---|---|---|
Hair Type | All Hair Types,Thin Hair | All, Dry | Dry, Curly |
Package Dimensions | 9.06 x 4.06 x 2.01 inches | - | - |
Weight | 1.3 Pounds | 6.35 Ounces | 10.72 Ounces. |
Dimensions | - | 7 x 2 x 2 inches | 1.89 x 1.89 x 8.88 inches |
Rating | |||
Reviews | - | 915 | 594 |
Price | - | $26.0 | $8.12 |
4. Best For Frizz-Free Finish:Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam for Volume
The Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam is a lightweight, alcohol-free hair mousse that helps you achieve voluminous hair and hold hairstyles all day long without damaging your hair. The mousse is formulated with key ingredients like keratin protein and ceramides, providing moisture and strength to your curly or straight hair type, ensuring a smooth, frizz-free, natural finish. Reviewers on e-commerce platforms have praised the formula for offering a salon-like finish.
Pros
- Alcohol-free formula
- Suitable for all hair types
- Cause no flaking or buildup
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can make hair feel sticky
Review:
A reviewer says, “I have wavy, curly, and coily sections, making volume a challenge. This Nexxus mousse delivered stunning results – dense, thick, shiny locks with movement. It’s my go-to for maintaining a fuller look without weighing down my hair.”
5. Best For Silky-Smooth Hair:TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse with Coconut and Avocado Oil
The TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse is a curly-girl-friendly, alcohol-free mousse enriched with coconut and avocado oil. It provides a powerful hold to your hair that is flexible enough to style and enhance your natural hair texture for a smooth and defined look. This lightweight hair mousse is also formulated with gelatin protein and keratin that helps improve your hair’s quality and make it silky-smooth. The mousse is suitable for all curl types and color-treated hair and protects your hair from heat-styling tools.
Pros
- Suitable for textured hair
- Suitable for colored hair
- Can be used as heat-protectant
- Provides strong hold
- Has a pleasant smell of coconut
Cons
- Can make detangling difficult
Review:
A user says, “Trying TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse was a game-changer! My naturally straight hair held beautifully after styling with flexi rods. The curls remained soft, bouncy, and untouched by stiffness even hours later. It brought lasting waves without crunchiness. A new favorite with great value!”
6.Best Unscented : Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
The Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 is suitable for achieving a firm hold to keep your hairstyle intact all day. This unscented styling mousse provides intense thermal protection for up to 450°F, which allows you to style your hair into straight fringes or soft curls without causing damage, frizz, or stickiness. In addition, the hair mousse has a rich formula that is easy to apply and helps you achieve full and shiny hair, even in very humid conditions.
Pros
- Provides a firm hold
- Suitable for all hair types
- Provides heat protection
- Silicone free
- Unscented
- No flaking
- Cruelty-free
- Non-drying formula
Cons
- Can make hair feel stiff
Review:
A tester says, “Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 has transformed my hair routine! As a loyal Kenra user, I had high expectations, and this mousse didn’t disappoint. It added body and volume without the weight. Whether air-drying or blow-drying, it delivers a salon-quality finish with no crunchiness or stickiness.”
7. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Vigorol Mousse Curl Super Hold
The Vigorol Mousse Super Curl Hold is a distinct daily styling foam. It is a creamy, rich foam containing argan oil, which enhances curl definition and provides frizz control. It helps style your hair without leaving it stiff or sticky. It is an alcohol-free mousse that helps detangle hair. It also makes dry and brittle hair healthy. It helps control frizz and leaves hair shiny.
Pros
- No flakes or residue
- Long-lasting hold
- Boosts volume
- Adds shine
- Softens hair
- Suitable for curly hair
Cons
- Does not define curls well.
- May make the hair frizzy.
Review:
A user says, “I tried Vigorol Mousse Curl Super Hold and was pleasantly surprised. It truly lives up to its name by delivering super hold for my curls. My hair stayed defined and bouncy all day without feeling stiff. A reliable choice for lasting curl definition.”
8. Best Kid-Friendly: Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
Style your 2A to 4C curls with beautiful sheen with the Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse before any event. The lightweight formula dries quickly with a non-greasy finish while eliminating all frizz from curls. The mousse contains almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, Vitamin D complex, and wheat protein that penetrate the hair shafts to add nourishment and moisture while strengthening them. With this moisturizer, you can achieve a soft, pliable hold to enhance curl definition while getting ready. Gently comb through with your fingers to achieve an eye-catching thicker hair look and use a diffuser to make the mousse disappear, creating a natural look. Shahntay, an honest personal blogger, tried this product to enhance the natural look of her curls. She writes, “Overall, my hair feels really good. My hair is soft, and my curls are defined… This mousse does not flake at all and is not damaging. I did not use heat on this style – it is a true wash-and-go (ii).”
Pros
- Kid-friendly
- Lightweight
- Adds natural bounce to the hair
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Mild smell
Review:
A reviewer says, “This mousse from Design Essentials is my curls’ new best friend! It brings out the desired shine, curls, and body, lasting well beyond my expectations. It’s light, yet holds beautifully. This is my staple now!”
9. Best For Styling:Great Lengths Volume Care Mousse
The Great Lengths Volume Care Mousse provides extra volume and elasticity. It nourishes and revitalizes the hair, providing long-lasting volume and improved elasticity. It also shelters the hair from humidity. It contains special ingredients that make the hair more manageable when styling. Reviewers on Amazon praised this product for providing a lasting hold on hairstyles without drying out the hair.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Humidity resistant
- Adds volume
- Adds shine
- Boosts hair elasticity
- Reduces frizz
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
- Might leave hair a bit crunchy.
Review:
A user says, “I tried Great Lengths Volume Care Mousse and was pleasantly surprised. It delivered noticeable volume without any heaviness or residue. My hair felt light, bouncy, and held its shape well throughout the day. Definitely a mousse I’ll continue using for added volume and style.”
10. Best For Nourishing:GIOVANNI Mousse Air-Turbo Charged, Hair Styling Foam
The GIOVANNI Mousse Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Foam is a lightweight, curly-girl-friendly hair styling foam that provides medium to strong hold. The hair foam is infused with vitamin E, aloe vera, and lavender, which helps nourish your hair and give definition and volume without damaging the natural texture. In addition, it is made safe for color-treated hair, meaning it won’t fade your hair color. With the goodness of natural ingredients and recyclable packaging, this hair foam is a good choice for your hair and the environment. No animal testing is conducted to determine its efficacy. This makes the product an ideal cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Environment friendly
- No harmful chemicals or dyes
- Vegan
- Non-crunchy
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for colored hair
Cons
- Can have a strong smell
Review:
A reviewer says, “I have quite thick hair. This mousse delivers flexible hold, perfect for my curls and boxer braids. I love its natural feel and eco-friendly attributes. It keeps my styles intact but also allows movement. A fantastic find for organic hair care!”
11. Best Lightweight:Keranique Thickening & Texturizing Mousse
The Keranique Thickening & Texturizing Mousse is a multitasking product that gives bouncy, thicker hair, while adding definition to the curls, waves, or any other hairstyle. The clinically-tested ingredients in this product help control frizz, add shine, and reduce the appearance of flyaways. It is a lightweight and gentle formula enriched with biotin, which straightens the hair strands. It also conditions dry, damaged hair without weighing them down. It does not leave a white cast or any greasy, sticky residue.
Pros
- Adds volume
- Reduces frizz and hair loss
- Softens hair
- Safe for chemically treated hair
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Does not add much volume
Review:
A user says, “This Keranique mousse has been a savior for my thinning hair. It delivers volume, hold, and even survived windy safaris without a hair out of place. Finally found my go-to product for thicker, fuller hair that looks and feels stronger.”
12. Best For Natural Curls:Suave Professionals Mousse
The Suave Professionals Mousse is alcohol-free and prevents frizz. It also helps define and enhance natural curl patterns. It softens curls and improves their natural movement. You can apply the mousse to wet hair. Shake the can, turning it upside down. Blot out any excess water with a towel using a squeezing motion. You can use a blow dryer but on a low setting. Use the mousse, depending on your hair length and texture. Check out this video to learn more about a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Imparts shine
- Reduces frizz
- Softens hair
- Long-Lasting hold
- 24-hour soft and touchable curls
- Meets CA and NY Clean Air Standards
Cons
- Might not suit all hair types.
- Might leave hair sticky.
Review:
A reviewer says, “As a long-time user, it’s hands down the best defining curl mousse I’ve tried. No crunch or stiffness here—just gorgeous sculpted curls. A little goes a long way, and it holds for days. My go-to choice for perfect curls that get compliments.”
A good-quality hair mousse adds life to your hairstyle. A quality hair mousse, treats your locks with love, adds definition, and prevents dryness or frizz. Here is a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best alcohol-free mousse for your strands.
How To Choose The Best Alcohol-Free Mousses
- Ingredients To Avoid
If you are shopping for a mousse for your hair, make sure that the formula does not contain the following ingredients:
- Mineral oils And Silicones: Silicones offer the silky slip to your hair, but with regular use can weaken your strands and cause dullness. They also cause buildup on your scalp.
Mineral oils are not recommended for people with sensitive scalp, as they are known to cause allergic reactions and irritation.
- Alcohols: It can dry out and ruin your bouncy hair. Stay away from alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol which can strip your hair of its natural oil and moisture.
- Sulfates: Sulfates can cause dryness and brittleness in your hair, along with irritation and inflammation of the scalp.
Naturally nourishing ingredients like coconut milk, argan oil, panthenol, or vitamins fortify and strengthen the hair. These ingredients are ideal for hair care formulas.
- Type
There are different types of hair mousses with proven efficacy. You can pick the right one, depending on the type of styling you need.
- Fix A Hairstyle: If you want your hairstyle to stay in place throughout the day, opt for stronghold fixation mousses, which add definition to your hairdo while keeping the most complex hairstyles intact.
- For Volume: For thin or fine hair, choose volume adding mousses. These hair mousses are perfect to apply on the base and offer voluminous, lush hair.
- Hold
Some mousses offer a ‘natural hold’ so that your hair looks natural and not stiff or crunchy. ‘Light hold’ creates a breezy but defined look. Products that offer ‘stronghold,’ ‘extreme grip,’ or ‘sky high volume’ set your hairstyle in place for a long time. This is particularly useful for elaborate hairdos, wedding hairstyles, or fashion runway looks.
- Additional Features
There are certain additional features to look for in hair mousses, like the finish and whether the product offers restorative care. If you want a shiny effect, go for a glossy finish hair mousse, and to enhance the texture of your hair choose mousses with a matte finish. In case you have colored hair make sure that the hair mousses are specifically formulated for prolonging the shine and color of your strands.
Infographic: A Guide On Buying And Using An Alcohol-Free Mousse
If you have sensitive skin and scalp and curly hair, you might want to say no to products with alcohol. This is why you need an alcohol-free mousse – a hair product that can make your hair more manageable and easy to style while being gentle on your scalp. Choosing the best alcohol-free mousse gets you closer to having good hair every day. And what’s more, it also helps reduce frizz and flyaways.
Here’s an infographic that lists the factors worth considering when buying an alcohol-free mousse and how to use this product the right way for the best results. Check it out!
The Bottom Line
Try out the best alcohol-free mousses if you want to show off your curls while protecting your hair from any damage. These mousses will help you achieve your dream hairstyle without causing any damage to your tresses. For a strong hold and definition for your hair, try the Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam, No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse for voluminous and shiny hair, and opt for the Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam for Volume for a frizz-free and natural finish. The reviewed options in the curated list are lightweight, offer a long-lasting hold, do not leave your hair stiff, and are devoid of all harsh chemicals. In addition, they do not leave any residue or weigh your hair down. These handpicked options will work well for both thick and thin hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use mousse on dry hair?
Using hair mousse on dry hair can make its appearance dull and mat. The amount of product you use will depend on your hair length.
Can you leave mousse on wet hair?
Yes. Wash your hair and towel-dry it. Apply a generous amount of mousse on damp hair before going to bed. The next day you’ll wake up with natural curls.
Is it OK to use mousse every day?
Using hair mousse excessively may dry out the hair strands, especially at the ends leading to hair breakage, split ends, and frizziness. Overusing mousse may affect permed and colored hair. Some formulas are made for daily use while some others are to be used 1-2 times a week. Check the label of the product for proper instructions.
Can mousse damage your hair?
No. Using hair mousse moisturizes and nourishes the hair and provides, fullness and shine to the tresses. However, if you use mousse too frequently without shampooing your hair, it can dry out your hair, making your tresses dry and brittle.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a dedicated hair care enthusiast who constantly endeavors to provide the best products for her readers. She sifted through numerous customer testimonials in trusted online forums and assembled this list of the choicest alcohol-free mousses available on the market. These mousses add volume, reduce frizz, and soften your hair, making them a must-have in one’s collection.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Simple Faith by Annie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVbj935WyX0
(ii) Brown Sugar Glam
https://brownsugarglam.com/2019/09/03/simple-wash-n-go-routine-with-design-essentials-curl-enhancing-mousse/
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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