13 Best Cosmetologist-Approved Drugstore Mousses For Curly Hair (2024)
Enhance your natural curls with affordable and nutritious haircare products.
Michelle Morton is a cosmetologist and the founder of KmXtend Hair Extensions. With a relentless passion for empowering individuals to express their unique beauty, she has revolutionized the world of hair extensions, creating a lasting impact on the lives of countless people.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila 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, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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
Experience: 3 yearsEshna 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, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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If you are struggling to tame your curly hair, it’s time to make the most of your natural kinks and coils. Whether you have a wavy, spiral, or coily curl pattern, you know just how important it is to use the best curly hair products to get your locks to look moisturized, bouncy, and healthy. In this article, we bring you the best drugstore mousse for curly hair to achieve perfectly enhanced and well-defined curls.
A mousse is a versatile hair styling product that revives curl definition and fights frizz on days-old hair without adding too much product. Ghanima A, a professional hairstylist and cosmetologist, suggests that “A hair mousse provides definition and hold for curly hair.”
We have shortlisted the 13 best drugstore mousse for curly hair that will make you fall in love with your curls. Once you try and find yourself the perfect drugstore mousse for curly hair, you won’t even consider using an expensive one.
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Mousses For Curly Hair That Are Affordable- Top Picks Of 2024
1. Best Overall:Design Essentials Almond And AvocadoCurl Enhancing Mousse
Get beautiful, well-defined curls with the Design Essentials Almond And AvocadoCurl Enhancing Mousse. The lightweight formula of this mousse is enriched with avocado which has proven efficacy in strengthening the hair shaft and preventing breakage while offering intense moisture. Almond nourishes your hair and leaves a gorgeous shine. Olive oil and vitamin B complex add moisture and shine. This mousse is a must-have for all curly hair types. It dries quickly and combats frizz without being greasy. Check out this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with this product, before buying it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for all curl types
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraffin-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might feel sticky
Pro Tip2. Best Creamy Formula:OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse
The OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse has a partly foam and partly creamy texture cream that gives your curls a heavenly feel. This hair mousse gives you the perfect hold and hydration, which makes it ideal for enhancing and de-frizzing curls for that total goddess vibe. The nourishing formula is infused with coconut oil and shea butter that holds, hydrates, and enhances your curls. You can also check this video to explore a tester’s experience with this mousse to learn more about it.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Creamy formula
- Easy application
- Pleasant aroma
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might leave a residue
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 11,277 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best For Frizzy Hair:SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse
If you are looking for a hair mousse with all organic products, try the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients such as 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 nourishes, detangles, and strengthens sensitive, distressed, and damaged hair. In addition, this frizz-free mousse is infused with natural silk protein that leaves your hair texture feeling soft, smooth, and silky. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- Leaves no residue
- Helps in curl retention
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not suitable for thick hair
4. Best Affordable:Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse
The 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 and leaves your hair looking bouncy and shiny. It also provides a long-lasting hold, preserving your natural wave pattern. In addition, this mousse reduces frizz and flyaways without any stickiness or residue.
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- 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 received over 489 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
5. Best Lightweight:Nexxus Mousse + Volumizing Foam
Get volume and long-lasting curls with the Nexxus Mousse + Volumizing Foam. The formula of this hair mousse is enriched with nourishing ingredients like keratin protein and ceramides, which sculpts and protects hairstyles from humidity and external aggressors. It is a salon-quality aerated hair foam mousse that creates long-lasting volume. In addition, it has a classic floral and powder scent. Many reviewers love how the product makes their loose curls thick, healthy-looking, and shiny.
Pros
- Long-lasting curls
- Floral aroma
- Lightweight
- Anti-humidity
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 5,974 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best Organic:Mielle Babassu Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Mousse
The Mielle Babassu Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Mousse will help you achieve healthy, well-defined, and bouncy curls in no time. The formula is enriched with a blend of organic Brazilian oils, suitable for dry and curly hair types. This organic hair mousse blends certified organic ingredients like muru muru, babassu, copaiba oils, and buriti buriti for lasting hydration that locks moisture into curls while providing an ultimate definition. Simply apply it to clean, damp hair and style the way you want.
Pros
- Made with organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for curl enhancement
- Preservative-free
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- Overwhelming fragrance
7. Best Crunch-Free:Cantu Natural Hair Wave Whip Curling Mousse
The 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, protecting your natural hair texture. This weightless mousse gives your hair a frizz-free finish. It also conditions your hair from root to tip and softens your curls.
Pros
- Leaves no white residue
- Improves hair manageability
- Easy to use
- Helps in wave formation
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for thick hair
8. Best Non-Sticky:Cake Beauty The Curl Whip
Try out The Curl Whip by Curl Beauty for maximum curl power and control. It shapes your curls with a burst of volume and invisible hold. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like chamomile, shea butter, and calendula that make your curls soft and offer ultimate day-to-night frizz and humidity protection, with zero crunches. After using this mousse, use a blow dryer with a diffuser to achieve long-lasting results.
Pros
- No harsh chemicals
- Non-sticky
- Does not crunch
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
9. 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 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 helps you style it easily. Many reviews by users claim that this product leaves the hair flake- and crunch-free, and helps soften the coarse curls.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Leaves hair a bit crunchy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 594 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
10. Best For All Curl Types:Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse
The Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse helps control curly, coily, and tightly-spiraled hair without any crunch. It tames, defines, and holds your curls for hours while sealing in moisture and preventing curly hair in any weather. This curly hair mousse has a lightweight and powerful formula infused with argan oil which is extremely rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E), essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, a natural surfactant and anti-static agent derived from coconut, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein get absorbed into your hair and strengthen it and protect the surface of the hair. In addition, it provides soft, smooth hair with a natural texture without any sticky residue.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for all curl types
- Foamy texture
Cons
- None
11. Best Non-crunchy:L’Oréal Paris Curve It Curl Elastic Mousse
The L’Oréal Paris Curve It Curl Elastic Mousse is a high-performance and lightweight mousse that adds definition and a brilliant shine to your curls. It is made with Fibralock advanced technology that provides a 24-hour lasting hold to the hair without any stickiness or buildup. Use this hair mousse to get soft, lasting curls that bounce from roots to ends.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Leaves no residue
- Offers 24 hours hold
- Non-crunchy
Cons
- None
12. Best Alcohol-free:Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight
If you want to style your hair in a flash on your wash day, go ahead and try the Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight. This hair mousse styler is blended with aloe and provides hydration, shine, and definition to all curls and coils. It has a lightweight texture that dries fast and offers a strong 48-hour hold without any frizz, flakes, crunch, or weighing down. It works efficiently for all types of curls. This curl refresher will make your hair feel more defined, moisturized, and manageable. The formula is blended with aloe and glycerin, and it provides a slip of foam for fast and easy spreadability throughout hair. It saves your time on a wash day while providing up to 48 hours of frizz control and humidity protection.
Pros
- 48-hour all-day hold
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all curl types
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- None
13. Best Cruelty-free:R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse
The R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse helps retain the body, texture, and shape of any hair type. The formula is enriched with vegetable protein, which increases moisture content. Neem oil, sourced from Central America, strengthens and maintains the hair’s moisture levels while papaya extract, produced in Australia, creates volume while adding shine to your tresses. A heat protection polymer provides thermal protection and reduces frizz. The best part about this mousse is that it works on any hair length and type. Many reviewers appreciate the heat protectant stating that it helped tame their frizz and imparted their hair a natural and crunch-free hold.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Works on any hair length and type
- Non-drying
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- None
So, that was our round-up of the 13 best drugstore mousse for curly hair. To help you pick the right product, we have mentioned certain facts that you need to look for in a mousse for curly hair.
What To Look For In A Mousse For Curly Hair
- Hair Type
When choosing a hair mousse, your hair type should be your first consideration. Every formula can help lock your style in place, but some specific products may better fit based on how you want to style your hair. For example, if you have wavy, textured, or curly hair, go for a curl-defining mousse that helps minimize frizz and give bounce to your curls.
- Types Of Mousse
Mousses can be of different types, and you have to pick one depending on the type you prefer. For example, volumizing foam mousses are lightweight, non-sticky, and help to lift flat hair. On the other hand, styling mousse is helpful for those with unruly and difficult-to-style hair. Illuminating foams are designed to deliver well-defined and shiny curls while natural mousses which are free from sulfates, alcohol, and other preservatives are meant for those who have particularly damaged hair.
- Color-Safe Formula
While mousse is generally safe to use on color-treated hair if you have dyed or highlighted hair, opt for a formula that’s specifically designed to be color-safe. These formulas are usually gentler on your hair, so you don’t have to worry about the mousse drying it out any further or letting your color fade and wash down the drain.
- Read The Packaging
Yes, it pays to read the label. Always pay attention to the ingredients. If possible, go for products that can protect your hair from the UV rays coming from the Sun. This is important because there are a lot of forms of hair damage that are brought about by overexposure to the scorching heat of the Sun. Look for ingredients that add volume to the hair and promote hair growth, keep the scalp healthy, and improve circulation. Celebrity hairstylist and curl expert Ona Diaz-Santin says, “The curling mousses now have moisturizing ingredients in them like jojoba oil or shea butter to natural humectants. Some are paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, etc.”
Infographic: What To Look For In a Mousse For Curly Hair
It is difficult to match the distinctive personality of curly hair. However, you must manage your curls with the appropriate hair care products if you want to improve their definition and health. A hair mousse is one of the best ways to tame those frizzy curls, boost volume, and manage your locks effectively.
Check out the infographic below to understand how to choose the best hair mousse with the right ingredients for curly hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you are someone with curly hair, then the best drugstore hair mousse will be your holy grail styling product. The mousse will define your curls, boost volume, add a refreshing boost of hydration, and smooth out frizz and flyaways. The reviewed products in the curated list are devoid of any synthetic chemicals, and they have a lightweight, non-sticky texture that offers a long-lasting hold. Some products are also free of animal testing. The OGX Coconut Curls Mousse is one of the finest options to define and tame frizz with a touch of coconut luxury, while the Mielle Babassu Brazilian Curl Mousse has certified organic ingredients and is paraben and preservative-free. If you are looking for a weightless mousse that gives crunch-free, touchable waves without leaving any residue, then try this Cantu Wave Whip Mousse. Consider your curl type and go through the packaging carefully before choosing the best mousse for curly hair. If you have a sensitive scalp and weak hair, side with a dermatologist-tested product and always perform a patch test to check for allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drugstore mousse for curly hair?
The Design Essentials Almond And AvocadoCurl Enhancing Mousse and the OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse are the two best drugstore mousses for curly hair.
Does mousse make hair thicker?
A hair mousse or styling foam is an aerosol foam spray that boosts hair volume. It conditions your hair deeply and leaves no residue on the scalp. A hair mousse alone can get you fuller, thicker hair, and it can add life to the thin strands.
Can you put mousse in wet hair overnight?
Yes, you can put mousse in wet hair overnight.
Can I style my hair every day with mousse?
No, you cannot style your hair every day with mousse because applying a mousse requires washing your hair regularly, which is not recommended. In addition, it can cause damage to your hair.
Does mousse make your curls stay?
Yes, mousse makes your curls stay with a moisturized and bouncy look.
How often should you apply mousse to hair?
You should apply mousse to your hair only when you need it exclusively. Some mousse contains alcohol that may dry your hair if used regularly.
How much mousse should I use for curly hair?
If you have large curls, a few golf ball-sized pumps on your palms will do the work. If you have small curls, a quarter-sized amount is enough.
How long to see results from mousse on curly hair?
You will see visible results from mousse on your curly hair in six weeks.
Do you apply mousse to wet or dry hair?
Towel dry your hair in a semi-wet state and then apply mousse. This is the best way to ensure that your hair is free of traces of dirt and other products before applying the mousse.
What’s the difference between mousse and gel?
Hair mousse adds volume, hold, and shine to your hair for longer periods, whereas a hair gel will only hold your hair in place. Hair gels may make your strands stiff, but hair mousse is milder.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Expert opinions and insights from professionals back StyleCraze articles. The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, relies on using hair mousses, and she believes that it is a magical product for those with curly and wavy hair. After trying and testing quite a few, she has finally zeroed down to these 13 products. They have been carefully reviewed after considering reviews of hundreds of users to help her readers make the best choice.
Read full bio of Michelle Morton
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