12 Best Alcohol-Free Mousses In 2024 That Are Hairstylist-Approved

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.

12 Best Alcohol-Free Mousses – 2024 Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Best For Volume:Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam

Image: Scruples

BUY ON AMAZON

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.”

Pro Tip

If you cannot figure out how much hair mousse to apply, use an egg as a guide. Take an egg-sized amount of the styling product or two dispenses for optimum results

2. Best Non-Irritating Ingredients:No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse

4.2

Image: No Nothing

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.0

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

4.2

Image: Maui

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.12

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!”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 594 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

	Scruples Creme Parfait Volumizing Styling Foam	No Nothing Very Sensitive & Strong Mousse	Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
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

4.4

Image: Nexxus

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

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.”

Quick Tip

If you accidentally apply too much mousse to your hair, take a hair dryer and apply heat to that hair section while crunching it.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 5,974 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

5. Best For Silky-Smooth Hair:TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse with Coconut and Avocado Oil

4.6

Image: Tresemmé

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.99

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

4.4

Image: Kenra

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $16

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.”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 1,764 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

7. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Vigorol Mousse Curl Super Hold

4

Image: Algenist

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.99

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

4.3

Image: Design Essentials

BUY ON AMAZON

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!”

Pro Tip

Use a blow dryer while applying hair mousse to add more volume and definition to your curls.

9. Best For Styling:Great Lengths Volume Care Mousse

4.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $38.0

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

4.1

Image: Giovanni

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.99

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

4

Image: Keranique

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.97

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.”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 720 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

12. Best For Natural Curls:Suave Professionals Mousse

4.7

Image: Suave

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.79

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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.

(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/

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Yvey ValcinHairstylist

 

Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.

Read full bio of Yvey Valcin

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

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, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha