The 24 Best Mousse for Curly Hair
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How can you define curls, add volume, and tame frizz?
By using the best mousse for curly hair, of course!
But is mousse good for curly hair? Doesn’t make it crunchy?
Fortunately, the right mousse can provide hold and hydration.
Got2b Be Twisted Air Dry Curl Foam
- Based on botanicals and olive oil
- Free of sulfates, parabens and phthalate
- Has a nice, lemongrass scent
Got2b Kinkier Gloss ‘n Define Curling Mousse
- Based on quinoa protein and chufa milk
- Works great with color-treated, damaged curls
- Mild enough for a daily usage
TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier
- Contains glycerin to hydrate
- Prevents curls from frizziness and damage
- Provides both cleaning and conditioning properties
How to use hair mousse for curls
Modern formulations ensure that mousse for curly hair provides volume without stiffness.
It smooths frizz without flattening coils and adds texture to waves.
Some mousses are best for air-drying hair, while others perform better if you use a diffuser and hairdryer.
I’ll point out the differences between the different types of curly hair mousse in the reviews below.
Generally, you’ll apply the mousse to damp hair (1).
Start at the back of your head and work your way around to the sides and the front.
If you plan to air-dry your hair, scrunch a little.
After you’ve done that, try not to touch your hair until it’s completely dry. If you use a hairdryer, set it to a low speed to avoid blowing around the hair.
If the curls feel crunchy, scrunch them until they feel soft. But don’t overdo it.
If you don’t wash every day, look for a mousse that revives second-day hair.
Tips for managing curly hair
If you’re tired of frizz, fuzz, and tangles, try these tricks.
First, find out how porous your hair is. There are simple online quizzes that will help you decide.
Then purchase products that target your hair type.
After a week or two of shampooing and conditioning with the right products for curly hair, your curls will become much more manageable and defined.
Second, add volume to your hair by using hair clips at the roots while you dry it.
That’s right, apply mousse to the roots, then use hair clips to twist in curls.
Once the hair is dry, remove the clips, and viola.
Third, never use a brush on your hair. Never, never, never.
Only use a wide-tooth comb made for curly hair. For even better results, stay away from plastic products that aren’t smooth on a microscopic level and will cause snags.
Comb from the bottom to remove tangles, and work your way up to the roots.
See also: How to make natural hair curly and soft?
Okay, that will get you started.
Top 24 Mousse for Curly Hair
Now, let’s look at some of the best products for curly hair.
1. Got2b Be Twisted Air Dry Curl Foam
Product Overview
Got2b offers different versions of curly hair mousse. This one is best for both waves and curls.
You’ll get better performance from it if you let your hair air-dry with it.
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Based on olive oil and other botanicals
- Moisturizing and nourishing effect
- Free of sulfates, parabens and other toxic chemicals
I love the fact that it doesn’t make the hair sticky. It also doesn’t leave a visible residue so that you don’t end up with flakes in your hair.
The paraben-free formula reduces frizziness and makes each curl stand out.
It has a citrusy fragrance.
Pros
- Leaves a nice, lemongrass scent
- Controls frizziness and split ends
- Helps your damaged curls
The Cons
- The package might be broken
2. Got2b Kinkier Gloss ‘n Define Curling Mousse
Product Overview
If you prefer more volume and tight curls, try this hair mousse instead.
- Contains quinoa proteins
- Has chufa milk for extra strength
- No toxic chemicals in the formula
- Perfect for daily usage
You’ll end up with bouncy tresses and ultra-defined texture. The fact that your hair will look shinier is a bonus.
Pros
- Helps with hair damage
- Provides beneficial proteins
- Moisturizes and hydrates your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so great
3. TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier
Product Overview
TIGI also makes more than one type of mousse for curls. This one appears to be more popular.
That may be due to its excellent protective properties.
- Comes with a nice, microfiber towel
- Works great with curly and wavy hair
- Combines cleansing and conditioning properties
For example, it defends against damage from the environment and from heat-styling.
So yes, you can blow dry your hair after applying it.
The polymers in the formula control curls and avoid frizz caused by high humidity. Yet they boost the natural texture of the hair.
Moreover, it contains glycerin to hydrate every strand, and hydrolyzed keratin to strengthen and smooth them.
No, there’s no silicone in the bottle.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Prevents hair from frizziness
- Protects hair from split ends and future damage
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Extreme Curl Mousse
Product Overview
Don’t you hate it when your curls start to sag about halfway through the day?
This mousse has “curl memory”.
The super hold polymers protect your texture and shine for up to 72 hours after you apply it.
- Infused with mango seed butter
- Plenty of vitamin E
- Deep moisturizing effect
- High level of coconut oil
At the same time, the mousse protects against extreme heat and humidity.
It works great on thick hair, whether wavy or curly.
You can also use a curling iron for long thick hair for the best result.
Pros
- Helps with split ends and frizziness
- Reconstructs and strengthens your hair follicles
- Leaves your hair nice and soft
The Cons
- Not for oily scalps
5. Davines This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse
Product Overview
Here is a moisturizing mousse for curly hair.
You can use it on damp or dry curls.
Users with fine hair love how it gets rid of frizz without stiffening the strands.
- Plenty of shea butter for moisture
- Free of sulfates, sodium chloride and parabens
- Rich in hydrolyzed silk proteins
- Packed with vitamins and beneficial oils
It helps restore the wavy, curly texture and give it natural movement.
Pros
- Enhances your hair health and elasticity
- Does great with shyness
- Improves overall health and minimizes tangles
The Cons
- Dries your hair if not properly used
6. Ouidad PlayCurl Curl Amplifying Foam
Product Overview
Ouidad is a favorite brand for Curly Girls. They have a customized product for each curl type, whether kinky, tight, classic or loose.
To illustrate, this styling foam volumizes hair that’s gone flat on top. It makes it weightless as it lifts the curls and plumps each strand from the root.
- Packed with vitamins and proteins
- Contains aloe vera for extra nourishing
- Locks in the moisture of your hair
- Works great with heat-styling
Part of the magic comes from botanicals and humectants that restore health and shine.
Use it on wet hair from the roots to the ends. Then either air-dry or blow-dry.
Pros
- Treats and hydrates your hairs
- Combats dry scalp and hair follicles
- Moisturizes and reinforces hair roots
The Cons
- Contains silicones
7. OUIDAD Vitalcurl+ Soft Defining Mousse
Product Overview
Haven’t we all used mousse that left our hair stiff, sticky, or crunchy? This one won’t.
You’ll wonder if you forgot your hair product because your hair will feel so soft.
- Shea butter for moisture
- Avocado oil for extra nourishing effects
- Leave-in conditioner for daily usage
- Provides nutrients throughout the day
It contains an omega complex with botanicals like chia, camellia, and sunflower. These ingredients help your curls stay moisturized and elastic.
Can we say glossy spirals?
Pros
- Protects your hair against damage
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Works perfect with tame unruly curls
The Cons
- Has silicones
8. Mixed Chicks Morning After Redefining Foam
Product Overview
Curly hair tends to be dry. I know a lot of curly heads who don’t shampoo every day.
That’s where this styling foam comes in handy. You can apply it to wet or dry hair to refresh your curls.
- Free of sulfates and silicones
- Includes subtle grape fragrance
- Blend with keratin amino acids
- Has rice proteins and enzymes
It redefines bed head to make it manageable and vibrant, never crunchy.
Plus, it works wonders on fine hair or waves.
Pros
- Makes dry and weak hair healthy again
- Leaves a nice scent
- Provides natural shine all day long
The Cons
- Smell filled with overwhelming perfume
9. DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Texture Foam
Product Overview
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this foam puts a stop to frizz.
Apply it to wet hair and enjoy the citrus fragrance. Scrunch, pause, and release from the roots to the tips.
- Perfect for color-treated hair
- Works great with all types of hair
- Contains coconut oil and hibiscus
It smooths and defines each curl and wave without silicone or parabens.
Pros
- Nourishes hair follicles
- Deeply cleanses and hydrates
- Moisturizes and detangles curly hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t help with heat
10. Aussie Leave-In Conditioner & Mousse
Product Overview
Condition, define, and hold curls for up to 24 hours with this mousse/conditioner.
Like other Aussie products, it’s packed with botanicals from down under.
- Perfect for normal to dry hair
- Orange berry scent
- Perfect for dry and damaged hair
- Also works with your scalp skin
It has sea kelp and jojoba oil to soften and enhance curls.
The fragrance is a blend of floral, fruit, and musk.
Pros
- Leaves your hair silky smooth and soft
- Penetrates deeply into your skin and hair
- Provides a nice scent
The Cons
- Strong perfume
11. OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
Product Overview
OGX has more than one mousse for curly hair, so check the details to get the best one for your situation.
This one is like a styling cream or hair butter.
- Contains biotin to add volume
- Beneficial vitamins and minerals included
- Doesn’t dry out your hair
It contains coconut oil and shea butter for silkiness and shine without frizziness.
If you put it on damp hair, it tightens curls to volumize from the roots to the ends.
Pros
- Repairs and prevents future damage
- Reduces frizziness and dryness
- Does a great deal moisturizing
The Cons
- Not for oily curls
12. OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Frizz-Defying Moisture Mousse
Product Overview
The ingredients in this mousse sound good enough to eat. They include sweet honey and citrus and coconut oils.
Users say it leaves their hair ultra-soft without the frizz.
- Protects against UV
- Only natural ingredients
- Perfect for frizz and knots
- Repairs and protects your hair from Sun damage
It’s just what you need if you live in a humid environment.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing effect
- Hydrates your scalp and hair
- Leads to a silky smooth hair
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
13. Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse
Product Overview
For a drugstore mousse, Garnier hits it out of the park. It provides hold without weighing down the hair.
It adds shine without stickiness or flaking.
- Kukui nut and coconut oil
- Moisture and softness
- Works great with damaged hair
- Seaweed protein for extra strength
The formula is 98% natural and free of silicone, parabens, and artificial dyes. The effects last up to 24 hours.
Pros
- Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
- Strengthens your hair with protein
- Seals the moisture inside your hair
The Cons
- Has silicones
14. Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
Product Overview
Design Essentials are experts at taking care of coily, curly, and wavy hair.
Their mousse is enriched with a vitamin B complex that’s essential for healthy hair growth. It also has olive oil to separate and polish each curl.
- Packed with a deeply nourishing ingredients
- Great for damaged hair
- Enriched with silk amino acids
- Argan oil for extra moisture
Those with wash and go hairstyles love it because it cuts out extra steps in styling.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Restores and rejuvenates your hair
- Doesn’t use silicones or other chemicals
The Cons
- The package might get broken
15. Kenra Curl Glaze Mousse
Product Overview
If you have dull, dry, frizzy hair, you need to try this curl glazing mousse.
It’s alcohol-free and won’t flake off. Instead, it makes each curl glossy and defined.
- Free of sulfates, parabens and other chemicals
- Packed with nutrients
- Perfect for light hair colors
- Natural ingredients only
The mousse also prevents frizz even in high humidity weather.
Pros
- Doesn’t need water to work perfectly
- Eliminates impurities and dirt
- Detoxifies your scalp and hair
The Cons
- Can get your hair oily
16. John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse
Product Overview
Here’s a salon-quality mousse for wavy and curly hair. It functions well whether you air dry or blow-dry.
It’s alcohol-free and provides additional protection.
- Deeply cleanses and purifies your scalp
- Free of chemical ingredients
- Restores hair vitamins and nutrients
- Smells great
It defends against heat and UV damage. Therefore, it’s safe for those with chemically-treated or color-treated hair.
Use it to tame frizzy hair and restore those ringlets.
Pros
- Cleanses and makes your hair smooth
- Prevents tangles in tight curly hair
- Rejuvenates damaged hair
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
17. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-free Curl Mousse
Product Overview
Avoid the crunch and stiffness caused by old-school mousse. This one has soft hold, plus it moisturizes and conditions.
It contains coconut oil for moisture that penetrates into the hair fiber. Then, there is neem oil to reduce frizz. It makes each curl gleam.
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Contains citrus and coconut oil
- Does have a great deal of honey.
- Perfect for high humidity
Silk protein smooths the cuticle and leaves hair sleek. But the curl memory makes sure that your hair doesn’t go flat.
It will revive dry, damaged styles.
Pros
- Works great with fine curly hair
- Moisturizes and hydrates your curls
- Reduces frizziness and dryness
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
18. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Styling Foam
Product Overview
For amazing results, use this foam after washing with the Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk shampoo and conditioner.
You can also apply it after the leave-in conditioner if your hair is extra-dry.
The creamy foam styles kinks, waves, and coils, whether you have 4c or 1c hair.
- Packed with nutrients
- Provides 48 hours of curl definition
- Free of sulfates and saltes
- Perfect for damaged, color-treated hair
It’s infused with shea butter, cocoa butter, and agave nectar to feed your hair the moisture it needs.
It prevents tangles and frizz and strengthens each strand with pro-vitamin B5.
The only downside is that it provides very light hold.
Pros
- Moisturizes scalp and hair
- Relieves itchiness
- Provides curl definition and overall hair health
The Cons
- The package can be broken
19. Cantu Natural Hair Wave Whip Curling Mousse
Product Overview
Cantu’s mousse is perfect for textured hair.
It defines and enlarges curls far better than a gel ever could.
- Works great with curly hair
- Fantastic fragrance
- No residue or crunch
- Enlarged curls
Then, the day after you apply it, you can revive it was just a little bit of water and some extra product.
There’s no white residue or crunch. Moreover, users say that the fragrance is fantastic.
Pros
- Provides a deep cleanse
- Doesn’t leave any impurities
- Helps get other styling products out
The Cons
- Has sulfates
20. L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Curl Elastic Mousse
Product Overview
How about 24-hour hold and shaping without buildup or residue? Is it possible that a drugstore mousse can do that for curly hair?
You have to try this product from L’Oreal to see. Most users offer positive feedback. They say that it gives them bouncy, defined curls and waves.
- Natural formula with lots of botanics
- Contains coconut and sunflower oils
- One wash for a noticeable difference
If you put it on the roots, it adds volume.
Pros
- Leaves a nice smell
- Includes lots of different oils
- Moisturizes and extra nourishes your scalp
The Cons
- Can dry your hair out
21. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Extra Hold Styling Foam
Product Overview
Those with thick, coarse hair have trouble finding a mousse that works well. That’s why I was pleased to discover this product.
It provides a firm hold and eliminates frizz.
- Create cleansing properties
- Does a great deal moisturizing
- Cleanse the pores and blackheads
- Has vitamin E
The formula has vitamin E to increase moisture, too.
Pros
- Doesn’t leave dead skin cells
- Helps with flakes
- Works great with curly hair
The Cons
- Has both sulfates and silicones
22. Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse
Product Overview
Once you’ve smelled Oribe hair care products, you’ll be tempted to try them. This curl mousse is no exception.
It won an award from Essence in 2014. That’s because it’s very good at defining curls.
- Natural ingredients only
- Free of silicones, mineral oil and parabens
- Calming properties
It also prevents frizz, yet leaves coils supple and gleaming.
Pros
- It calms frizziness and itchiness
- Works great with dry, damaged hair
- Does a great deal protecting your curls
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
23. Tea Tree Lavender Mint Curl Refresh Foam
Product Overview
Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree hair care products tend to be multi-purpose. Even this mousse doesn’t just revive your curls.
It also has a calming mint and lavender fragrance to soothe your mind.
It’s made for curly, dry, and coarse hair.
- Coconut and jojoba oil
- Amazing fragrance
- Smooth, attractive hair
The jojoba, Monoi, and Pequi oils rehydrate and detangle waves and curls.
You don’t even need to apply it to damp hair to enjoy the effects.
Scrunch it through second-day hair to bring back your curls.
Pros
- Makes your hair smooth and nice
- Balances between chemical cleanse and natural moisture
- Doesn’t dry out your hair
The Cons
- Contains sulfates
24. Herbal Essences Mousse Totally Twisted Curl Boosting
Product Overview
I’ve heard so many people rave about Herbal Essences’ curl mousse.
It’s cheap, and it works well enough that at least one Cosmo employee has used it for years.
- Quinoa and rice amino acids
- Murumuru butter
- Works great with fine hair
- Free of sulfates and hypoallergenic
If you don’t mind the delicious berry fragrance, you’re going to love the results.
It defends against frizz without crunching or weighing down the hair. Your curls will feel weightless and touchable throughout the day.
Pros
- Can be used for kids
- Eliminates tangles and frizz
- Adds strength and smoothness
The Cons
- It’s not tear free
Conclusion
Managing curly hair can be difficult without the right products.
Fortunately, there are many mousses and styling foams for curly hair.
They separate each curl and prevent frizz from fuzzing up your style.
If you discovered your new favorite hair styling product here today, please drop us a comment below.
You May Also Like: The 15 best flat irons for curly hair
Got2b Be Twisted Air Dry Curl Foam
Based on botanicals and olive oil
Free of sulfates, parabens and phthalate
Has a nice, lemongrass scent
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!