15 Best Cosmetologist-Approved Mousses For Curly Hair (2024)
Keep your curls secured with foamy formulas that prevent frizz and nourish the strands.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... read full bio
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... read full bio
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... read full bio
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, ... read full bio
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Maintaining your curls can be quite a tedious process at times. However, nothing is more beautiful than curly hair when it becomes manageable. You need the best mousse for curly hair to keep your curls defined. The aerated foam formulas of mousses help increase fullness by creating space between hair strands. Hair mousse is a holy-grail product for curly hair as its plumping ingredients like polymers enhance the shape of your curls. It also provides deep conditioning to curly hair. Get bouncy curls instantly by going through the list of best mousse for curly hair ahead. Read on.
In This Article
15 Best Mousses For Curly Hair That You Must Try In 2024
1. Best Heat Protection:John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse
John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse is the best volumizing curl mousse. Its lightweight and alcohol-free formula does not weigh your hair down while giving you the right amount of shine and volume. It prevents frizz while enhancing your natural curls without heat styling or stickiness. The non-sticky formula of this mousse never makes your tresses feel crunchy or stiff. It creates bouncy, defined, and shiny ringlets with touchable hold. It also provides heat protection for curly hair. Multiple reviewers love that this hair mousse gives salon-quality control and holds for natural-looking curls. It increases manageability, so even the most difficult hair responds quickly and easily to styling. It works best when used on damp hair that is air-dried or blow dried with a this video. detailing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Alcohol-free formula
- Lightweight
- Protects hair from heat styling and sun damage
- Makes your hair more manageable
- Restores bounce
- Suitable for curly and wavy hair
Cons
- Awful fragrance
- Not completely non-sticky
2. Best Hydrating: Royal Locks Pro Curl Cream Gel
The Royal Locks Pro Curl Cream Gel is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients like argan oil and macadamia seed oil that help in nourishing and conditioning the hair deeply. The lightweight formula is non-greasy and offers a soft and flexible hold to the curls that last long. This quick-drying hair cream is generally used on damp hair to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and to add bounce and definition to the lovely curls.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reduces frizz
- Adds shine
- Quick-drying
- Non-greasy
- Creamy texture
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This cream is exactly what my curls needed. I used it for a week and the frizz was gone. Even in high humidity, my curls look gorgeous. It has a sweet scent and the cream has become a staple in my hair care routine."
Quick Tip3. Best Long-Lasting Shine:AG Hair Curl Mousse Gel
If you are looking for long-lasting shine for your curly hair, try AG Hair Curl Mousse Gel. It is infused with AG’s Curl Creating Complex (C3) that offers firm hold, curl retention, and definition with long-lasting shine. Ingredients like bio-fermented tomato fruit extract shrink the hair cuticle to define the curls; silk proteins add strength, moisture, and elasticity to your hair; and panthenol adds shine. The rice amino acids in it hydrate and promote your curls.
Pros
- Curl retention
- Long-lasting shine
- Hydrating formula
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Dries out the hair
"This mousse gel works great with its lightweight formula that maintains curl without weighing the hair down. It hydrates the strands, adds bounce, and offers good hold. It is easy to use and doesn't leave the hair feeling sticky or dry."
John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse Best Heat Protection | Royal Locks Pro Curl Cream Gel Best Hydrating | AG Hair Curl Mousse Gel Best Long-Lasting Shine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | Cury, Wavy, Textured, Dry, Coarse | Curly, Wavy |
| Dimensions | 1.77 x 1.77 x 8.69 inches | 1.86 x 1.86 x 8.59 inches | 2.08 x 2.08 x 9.6 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 9.59 Ounces | 13.12 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,730 | 2,050 | 895 |
| Price | $15.94 | $16.8 | $26 |
4. Best Lightweight:OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse is the best curl mousse with a strong hold. It is blended with coconut oil and shea butter that help fight frizz and maintain moisture. This part-foam and part-cream hair mousse enhances and tightens your curls. Several reviewers are impressed by the creamy formula of this mousse that holds your curls, tames flyaways, and hydrates your hair. It keeps your curls bouncy and is perfect for thicker hair as well as curly hair. This video detailing a tester’s experience gives you more information about the hair product with a volumizing foam.
Pros
- Hydrates your hair
- Lightweight
- Eliminates frizz
- Enhances and tightens curls
- Creamy formula
Cons
- Leaves behind a white residue
- Greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 11,277 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
5. Best For Tight Curls:Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse is a lightweight mousse for tight curls. It is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil that enhances curl shape and separation, seals in moisture, and fights frizz. It tames coily and tightly-spiraled hair without leaving behind a sticky residue. It provides long-lasting shine and definition to tight curls. It also softens and smoothens curls and frizzy hair without weighing them down. This foaming mousse is fragranced with the signature Moroccanoil scent, which is an exotic blend of spicy amber aromas and sweet floral notes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides long-lasting shine
- Smoothens and softens curls
- Long-lasting definition
- Enhances the curl shape
- Moisturizes the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Sticky formula
Pro Tip6. Best Quick-Drying:Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse is a quick-drying mousse that gives you perfectly defined luminous curls. This natural curl-enhancing mousse is infused with olive oil and vitamin B complex that define, seal, and polish each hair strand. Olive oil provides moisture to your hair and vitamin B complex provides strength and elasticity to promote healthy hair growth. Reviewers rave about the enhancing formula of this mousse that leaves no sticky residue, no frizz, and no crunch while styling your hair. This mousse has a soft-pliable hold, dries quickly, reduces frizz, and imparts a natural shine to your hair. Have a look at this video to learn more about the tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Adds definition to curls
- Soft-pliable hold
- Promotes bouncy curls
- Dries quickly
- Reduces frizz
- Moisturizes the hair
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No mineral oil
Cons
- Hardens curls
- Unpleasant fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,045 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
7. Best Pleasant Fragrance:OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Frizz-Defying Moisture Mousse
The EDEN BodyWorks Citrus Fusion Styling Mousse is a very nourishing and moisturizing product. It is infused with natural vitamin-rich ingredients like honey, jojoba oil, and acai that add essential nutrients to the hair and help strengthen it by promoting healthy hair growth and reducing breakage. It also helps in taming flyaways and adds definition and bounce to the curls. Its pleasant citrusy scent has garnered positive reviews online and refreshes you while minimizing frizz and giving a soft and natural hold to the curls. You can also mix it with other styling products.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nourishes hair
- Reduces frizz
- Tames flyaways
Cons
- None
"This hair product defines my soft curls and maintains my hair health. It has no overpowering scent — a big plus for sensitivity. It is ideal for a straightforward, everyday solution and is effective for frizz and curly hair management."
8. Best Humidity-Resistant:Pantene Pro-V Curl Defining Mousse
Pantene Pro-V Curl Defining Mousse is formulated with nutrients that promote soft and defined curls. The advanced Pro-V formula prevents your curls from getting frizzy and leaves your hair shiny. It is designed to create perfectly defined and twirling curls. This lightweight foam provides protection against humidity, controls frizz and prevents flyaways. It provides soft, defined curls that are manageable all day long.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Offers humidity resistance and protection for curls
- Reduces frizzy curly hair
- Long-lasting hold
Cons
- Defective nozzle
"This mousse has been a reliable go-to for my long curly hair, particularly during humid summers. It's great for a more defined look and minimizes frizz without leaving the hair crunchy."
9. Best Non-Sticky:Bumble and Bumble Curl Mousse
The Bumble and Bumble Curl Mousse is enriched with a rich blend of oils like avocado, coconut, jojoba, along with shea and cocoa butter that deeply hydrate the hair. It conditions the hair making it smooth and reducing frizz while adding a long-lasting shine. This lightweight formula is non-drying, non-sticky, and offers a flexible hold to the curls without making them stiff. This can be used on dry or damp hair for styling, touch ups, or to add definition.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrates hair
- Reduces frizz
- Adds definition
- Non-drying
- Non-sticky
- Adds bounce
- Long-lasting results
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- None
"This formula feels light, non-sticky, and provides enough hold to keep my curls defined without the frizz. While I love the volume and the natural curl enhancement it slightly dries out my hair. This is a good product to consider if you have fine hair that needs a gentle lift."
10. Best Frizz-Control:Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse is formulated with coconut oil, neem oil, shea butter, and silk protein that enhance your natural curl pattern. Coconut oil deeply moisturizes and protects dry, brittle hair from breakage and neem controls frizz while adding shine to your curls. The organic shea butter provides nourishing, intense hydration that detangles and strengthens sensitive, distressed, and damaged curly hair. This frizz-free mousse is infused with natural silk protein that leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and silky.
Pros
- Eliminates frizz
- Offers protein treatment for curls
- Defines curls
- Leaves no residue
- Moisturizes the hair
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No mineral oil
- Sulfate-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- Not suitable for thick curly hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 599 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
11. Best Vegan:Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
The Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse retains moisture, tames frizz, adds a boost of volume, and defines curls. It is formulated with aloe vera, coconut milk, and mango butter that hydrate and moisturize the curls without weighing them down. This airy mousse adds a healthy glow to the hair and styles your hair easily.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Leaves hair crunchy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 594 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
12. Best Hydrating:Hair Play Set #3 Hair Mousse
Hair Play Set #3 Hair Mousse is a versatile styling product for damaged hair. This leave-in hair-styling foam detangles, restructures, and defines uneven curls while maintaining the integrity of your hair. It hydrates and moisturizes wavy and fine curly hair. Its admirable frizz control and thermal and sunscreen protection has garnered positive reviews online and leaves your hair looking healthy, soft, and shiny. The volumizing mousse makes your hair bouncy without leaving behind any residue or flakes.
Pros
- Anti-frizz
- Adds weightless volume
- Moisturizes the hair
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
13. Best Affordable:Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse is a 98% natural extra-hold mousse. It is the perfect styling mousse that creates weightless and gorgeous curls. It is enriched with shea butter that defines and boosts curls while leaving your hair looking bouncy and shiny. It also provides a long-lasting hold. This mousse reduces frizz and flyaways without any stickiness or residue.
When it comes to creating curly hair updos, the Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse is a reliable companion. It provides the hold, definition, and frizz control necessary to achieve stunning updo styles that showcase the beauty of your curly hair.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting hold
- Creates weightless curls
- Reduces frizz
- Controls flyaways
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Affordable
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May dry out your hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 489 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
14. Best Easy To Use:Cantu Shea Butter Wave Whip Curling Mousse
Cantu Shea Butter Wave Whip Curling Mousse is a sulfate-free mousse for curly hair. It is formulated with pure shea butter that helps create crunch-free and touchable waves. This weightless mousse gives your hair a frizz-free, silky finish. It also conditions your hair from root to tip, refreshening curls.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Softensthe hair
- Moisturizes the hair
- Leaves no white residue
- Easy to use
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for thick hair
15. Best For Split Ends:TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier
TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier is the best mousse for mending split ends. It repairs split ends and provides hold and control to give you defined curls. It is infused with glycerin that absorbs and retains moisture, hydrolyzed keratin, and silicone-alternative conditioners to condition your hair and prevent flyaways. It also protects against humidity and enhances your hair’s natural texture.
Pros
- Repair split ends
- Prevents frizz and flyaways
- Moisturizes the hair
- Defines curls
- Enhances the natural texture
Cons
- Very sticky
"This product defines my curls and combats frizz. It rejuvenates my hair and makes my curls look well-shaped without leaving any residue. It offers a long-lasting hold to my tresses without irritating the scalp. The gentle formula is great for daily use."
If you have curly hair, you know it can be troublesome to find products that will make your locks look and feel their best. Luckily, many mousses on the market are specifically designed for curly hair that can volumize your hair, manage frizziness, and add shine. Here are some things to look for when selecting a curly hair mousse.
Things To Look For In Mousses For Curly Hair
- Texture: Opt for a lightweight mousse to prevent your curls from weighing down. You may choose a creamy formula that applies evenly on your curls and natural hair texture but ensure they are non-sticky.
- Ingredients To Look For: Look for products containing natural ingredients for curly hair like shea butter or cocoa butter to restore moisture in your tresses and make your hair soft. Look for products that use low-poo cleansing agents to help dissolve build-up and leave your strands feeling soft and conditioned.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Avoid mousses containing harsh chemical ingredients like alcohol, parabens, phthalates, gluten, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. They dry your scalp and rob your curls of their shine.
- Heat Protection: Select mousses with heat protection to prevent any damage caused by heat tools or UV rays. These mousses also protect your curls from free radical damage.
- Curl Appeal: When choosing a curl-friendly mousse, it is important to consider how it will look on your curls. Some products work better as styling aids than others, but if you want to achieve more defined curls, try a product with embedded fibers.
- Frequency of use: Some mousses need frequent application, while others can be applied once or twice during the day for good results. If you have a long day ahead, go for a formula that stays on your hair for 24 hours with only one application.
- Humidity-Resistant: Pick a formula that resists humidity and delivers long-lasting shine to your curls while taming the flyaways.
Infographic: Mastering Curl Definition: 8 Tips for Sculpting Curls With A Mousse
When it comes to achieving stunning, defined curls, a good mousse can be your secret weapon. With its lightweight formula and ability to provide hold, definition, and frizz control, it is a must-have product for people with curly hair. However, using it effectively requires a few key techniques to unlock its full potential. Check out the infographic below for eight tips that will help you master the art of defining and sculpting your curls with a mousse.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Curly hair looks gorgeous but takes a lot of effort to maintain. Having the best mousses in hand reduces the effort by half. Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, says, “Know what your styling expectations are when choosing a mousse. If you want more definition, this can sometimes come with more hold.” The mousses for curly hair add spaces between the braids to define the curls and make them look bouncy and voluminous. In addition, they contain nourishing ingredients to help moisturize the strands and protect them from harmful sun rays. To achieve stunning curls and enhanced bounce and definition, try the John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse. The AG Hair Curl Mousse Gel offers a versatile hold and natural shine, while the Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse tames frizz, provides long-lasting shine, and has a fresh scent. These mosses are lightweight, paraben-free, and provide long-lasting shine. However, some products may dry out your hair and may not suit thick hair. Read the product reviews thoroughly to pick the one that fits your needs the best. By selecting the appropriate mousse, you can streamline your curly hair care routine and achieve beautiful, well-defined curls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for curly hair – mousse or gel?
Mousse is better for curly hair as it improves the texture of your curls while enhancing the bounce. Mousses also help keep your curls in position and keep frizz at bay.
Do you put mousse in wet or dry hair?
Put mousse on damp hair and then air dry your tresses. Do not apply a mousse on dripping wet hair or extremely dried-up hair.
What is the difference between curl cream and mousse?
Curl cream defines your curls and protects your hair from frizz, but mousse offers more lift and volume to your tresses while adding shine and bounce. A mousse enhances your roots and keeps your hair in shape in extreme environmental conditions as well.
Does mousse dry out curly hair?
Mousses that contain alcohol in their formulations may dry out curly hair. Alcohol-free mousses are known for improving your hair texture and making them smoother.
Should I use mousse or curl cream first?
Use curl cream first for preparing your tresses for the richness of the mousse. The cream formula acts as a primer which you can later layer with the mousse.
Can you use mousse every day on curly hair?
No, some drying agents in the formula can be harmful to your curls if used daily. Use mousse twice or thrice a week.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and haircare connoisseur who loves testing out the different products that give lustrous and healthy hair. She has conducted detailed research, sifted through user feedback, and gone through the formulations on the brands’ websites to bring her users the best mousses for curly hair. The shortlisted products contain plumping ingredients that increase the fullness of your curls and keep them soft and smooth.
