Mousse is a versatile product that can work for almost any hair type, including wavy and curly hair. So if you're wondering how to apply it, you've come to the right place. We've researched the best method and found a great way to apply mousse to wavy and curly hair.
Follow the steps below to apply mousse to wavy and curly hair:
- Choose your mousse.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
- Work in sections and apply a generous amount of mousse to damp, detangled hair.
- Comb your hair, so the mousse is evenly distributed.
- Style your waves or curls; you can scrunch your curls, use rollers, etc.
- Allow to air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment.
We've given you the basic steps to apply mousse to wavy or curly hair, but keep reading as we elaborate on the steps below. We'll go over whether you should only apply mousse to clean hair and what mousse does for your hair. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about applying mousse.
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Step 1: Choosing Your Mousse
This is an important step because there are different types of mousse depending on what you want it to achieve. It's important to choose a mousse that will not only work well on your hair type but will do what you want it to do. There are mousses for volume, definition, texture, and style holding.
What does mousse do to curly hair?
For curly or wavy hair, mousse can help define and add lift to your curls. It can also help reduce frizz. If you have curly hair, you know that frizz is common and sometimes hard to conquer. You can also use mousse to hold your curls in place throughout the day.
Does mousse dry out curly hair?
Mousse developed a bad rep for drying out and causing crunchy hair. However, it's come a long way since then. Mousse can dry out curly hair if it has a high alcohol content. Alcohol is used to increase dry time. If you are concerned about the mousse drying out your hair, choose an alcohol free mousse.
You can also pair mousse with other products to increase moisture. Consider using hydrating products like shampoos or leave-in conditioners.
Click here to see Alcohol-Free John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse on Amazon.
However, if moisture is a top priority for you, mousse shouldn't be your first choice when looking for a hair product. Instead, opt for moisture adding cream or serum. This is really the only time mousse might not be able to help you out.
Step 2: Wash Your Hair
Mousse will work best if it is applied to wet, clean hair. Shampooing and conditioning your hair ensures that your curls are clean and free from any other hair product that might impact how your mousse works. If you need extra moisture, choose a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner. You can also use a leave-in conditioner.
Once you're done washing your hair, gently towel dry it. Try to avoid rubbing the towel too aggressively against your hair, as this can cause more frizz. Either pat it dry or use an old cloth or t-shirt. The t-shirt will be much gentler on your curls.
If you like the wet look and want to know how to keep it, check out this other blog post here: "How To Keep Hair Looking Wet All Day [4 Methods You Should Know]."
Step 3: Apply The Mousse
Apply the mousse while your hair is still wet. It'll help lock in some of the moisture.
Mousse will not work well to add moisture to dry hair. If you choose to add mousse to dry hair, use a small amount or it could end up looking stiff and crunchy. If you want to apply mousse in between wash days, dampen your hair with a spray bottle before applying the mousse. Otherwise, you should always use mousse on wet or damp hair.
Once your hair is detangled, apply the mousse in sections. Use a generous amount and apply it to your entire hair.
Do you brush your hair before applying mousse?
As we mentioned above, you should apply the mousse to wet, detangled hair. Therefore, you should brush or comb your hair before applying your mousse. You should make sure it is completely tangle-free. By doing this, your mousse will be defining your natural curls and not your tangles.
Step 4: Make Sure It's Evenly Distributed
Once you've applied the mousse, comb it again to make sure the mousse is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
Step 5: Define Your Curls
After the mousse, if evenly distributed, it's time to decide how you want to style your hair. Many people choose to scrunch their curls; if you do this, scrunch your curls upwards. A good way to do this is by tipping your hair upside down. Others like to combine some of the smaller curls into clumps to form groups of larger curls.
If you have wavy hair and like to use rollers, you can add your rollers after applying your mousse. Or, you can skip touching your curls at all, let them be natural, and head straight to the drying stage.
Step 6: Dry Your Hair
The final step is to dry your hair. You can let it air dry if you're in a hurry. Mousse is great for applying and going. It requires little work.
If you don't want to wait for it to air dry, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. A diffuser will distribute the air and help reduce frizz and speed up drying time. It'll also help your hair retain its natural curl.
Click here to see Revlon 1875W Infrared Heat Hair Dryer with Diffuser on Amazon.
Can I style my wavy hair with mousse the night before?
If you want to minimize the time you spend doing your hair in the morning and maximize the time you get to sleep in, you can style your hair with mousse the night before.
Begin by washing your hair and then applying a dollop of mousse to your hair. Before applying the mousse, towel dry your hair slightly. You don't need to dry your hair after applying the mousse. The mousse will help retain your waves while you sleep and your hair dries.
Can you use mousse and gel together on curly hair?
We touched on this briefly above, but a great attribute of mousse is that it can be paired with other hair products. This includes hair gel. Hair gel can help add even more definition to your curls in addition to helping hold your style in place.
For best results, apply the gel first and then allow your hair to dry a little. You can use a diffuser to dry it about fifty percent or get ready while your hair dries. While it is still damp, go back and apply your mousse.
Some people choose to apply a small amount of mousse first, then their gel, and another small amount of mousse. You should try experimenting with different combinations of products to see which works best for you.
Click here to see Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, if you came here with any doubt on how to apply mousse to curly or wavy hair, you now feel confident in the steps you need to take. The main thing to remember is to apply mousse to wet hair. Mousse is a forgiving product, so there are very few ways to go wrong! Give it a try!
Mousse is a great way to stop frizz, but for more helpful tips, check out our other blog post here: "How To Stop Frizzy Hair After Washing?"
