If you put hair mousse in every day, just to wash it out every night, you might start to wonder if it's necessary. Is it bad for your hair? Is there any easier way to get it out if you don't feel like taking a shower? Do you have to wash out hair mousse after every use? We've checked with hairstylists for the official verdict on how to keep your hair clean and healthy.
Hair mousse does not necessarily, need to be washed out after every use. There's nothing wrong with leaving it in, especially if you'll just be reapplying later. Mousse can be restyled every day simply by dampening the hair and adding more product as needed. Alternatively, you can use a leave-in conditioner to break down the mousse, then brush it out.
Keep reading for more tips. This article will cover how to leave mousse in your hair without damage. We'll also cover how to prevent mousse from ruining your hair and the safest way to use mousse every day. Finally, we'll give you some tips on what to do if you put just a little too much mousse in. You can fix your hairstyle without having to wash the whole thing out, we promise!
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How To Restyle Hair Without Washing
If you already have mousse in your hair, you can just restyle it as needed. All you do is dampen the hair to soften any leftover product. You can then comb and style like normal, adding more mousse as needed. Just remember that mousse doesn't add much moisture to your hair. Eventually, you'll want to be sure to remove it all and take special care to rehydrate your locks.
Different ingredients in mousse will affect how well it wears on second-day hair. If your mousse is too sticky or crunchy to leave in overnight, try switching to an alcohol-free version. It's healthier for your hair, anyway.
Another method is to use a leave-in conditioner. Some people find this has better results, as the conditioner replaces some of the hair's moisture. Just be aware that the conditioner will break down the mousse (more conditioner, more product removed). This means you'll need to add more mousse, but it can also be easier to style.
Is It Bad To Leave Mousse In Your Hair Overnight?
There's no harm in leaving the right mousse overnight, but there's a couple of pointers that will help keep your hair healthy. First of all, consider avoiding mousse that contains alcohol, isopropyl, sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), and Prolyene. These all dry out hair, a problem made worse if it's going to sit on your hair for a long time.
Secondly, don't forget that mousse doesn't offer much as far as keeping hair hydrated. And nighttime is a great time to add moisture. Leaving mousse on some of the time won't hurt, but maybe avoid doing it every night. Once in a while, try a product like an overnight conditioner. It has all night to soak in and work its magic, compared to mousse, which just sort of...sits. For more advice on keeping your hair hydrated and healthy, see: When To Apply Hair Serum [You'll Want To Know This Answer!]
And finally, just don't forget to make sure that your hair is dry first. Some people put mousse in and let it dry overnight. Sleeping on wet hair is very damaging - while the mousse isn't the problem, the habit is bad. Learn more about wet hair here: Does Wetting Your Hair Everyday Damage It?
Does Mousse Ruin Your Hair?
Mousse doesn't ruin your hair - or at least, it doesn't have to. Used properly, there's no harm in a mousse. Unfortunately, many people don't take the time to understand the products that they're putting in their hair or how. As a result, they can damage the hair inadvertently.
- Don't use more than you need. This varies with hair length, but most people use too much. Mousse, like most hair products, is more effective than it used to be. If you're still applying like this is mousse from the '80s, you're doing it wrong.
- Only put in damp hair. To clarify: Damp, not wet - you'll lose too much product as it evaporates.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly without pulling harshly on hair.
- Go easy on the heat. Most mousse is made with ingredients to help protect your hair from heat. Be sure to pick one if you'll always heat style. Keep the heat low, don't fry your head. You can also let hair air dry, though your style may not be set as firmly this way.
- Be sure to remember to moisturize. Replace the hydration lost from hair, especially if the ingredients in your mousse are drying.
Is It Okay To Use Mousse Every Day?
You can use alcohol-free mousse every day, though you will likely find that it still builds up in your hair. This can dull your hair, dry it out, and weigh it down. If you use mousse daily, add a clarifying shampoo into your weekly routine to help fight this problem.
Some people also use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (half and half) after their shampoo. You can spray this into your hair. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse out well.
For more advice on taking care of your hair, see: After Shower Hair Routine [4 Must-Read Tips]
What Do I Do If I Put Too Much Mousse In My Hair?
If you've accidentally gotten a little heavy-handed with your mousse, start by knowing that you're not alone. It happens all the time. Take a breath before you scream into your towel - you can fix it without having to wash your hair and start over.
Break down the product by misting it with water or a leave-in conditioner. Use a brush to redistribute the product. Be sure to start brushing at the bottom of the hair. Trying to drag a brush from the top down through tons of product can leave you feeling like tearing your hair out.
You might need to spray more than once - it will continue to harden as it dries. Finish with a wide-tooth comb, spreading the mousse through your hair. Use a blowdryer on low heat, which will also help break down some of the mousse.
In Closing
You don't have to wash mousse out every time you use it. For people who apply and reapply mousse every day, frequent washing can do more harm than good. It won't hurt your hair to leave the mousse in, and add a bit more product for a day-two styling. Just dampen the hair first. This will reactivate the leftover mousse.
Once it's softened with water, you can restyle it with a bit more mousse. To keep your hair healthy, use a mousse that's free from drying ingredients like alcohol, and be sure to moisturize your hair regularly.