15 Best Hairstylist-Approved Hair Mousses For Gravity-Defying Volume (2024)
Your stunning curls deserve just the right care to stay voluminous and bouncy.
Slay and stay stunning by adding volume to hair with the best hair mousses that we have picked for you. Hair mousses are great for hairstyling and adding volume to hair. It’s like a lightweight styling foam that adds shine, elasticity, volume, moisture, and an effortless lift to the hair. Hair mousse is easy to apply and also acts as a heat protectant. In the 80s, hair mousse got its popularity to rock the “big hair” look. However, it left hair dry, crunchy, and stiff back in that time. But thanks to the new formulas available, the hydrating ingredients and polymers will help you get rid of frizzy hair without compromising the volume and hold of hair. So, you can replace your hair gels with hair mousse because they are perfect for flaunting the sleek wet look. Hair mousse will do it all, from grooming your hair to adding a new look. So, don’t wait up and check out the top 15 hair mousses below.
In This Article
List Of Hair Mousse Products For Different Hair Types And Styles
- Best Mousse For Fine Hair: Moroccan Oil Volumizing Mousse
- Best Thickening Hair Mousse: Got2B Fat-tastic Thickening Plumping Hair Mousse
- Best Mousse For Color-Treated Hair: Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Hair Cream-Mousse
- Best Volumizing Hair Mousse: Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumising Mousse
- Best Hydrating Hair Mousse: Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
- Best Weightless Hair Mousse: TRESemme Extra Hold Firm Control Mousse Hair Styling Mousse
- Best Mousse For Curly Hair: Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
- Best Lifting Hair Mousse: SEXYHAIR Big Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse
- Best Mousse For Wavy Hair: R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse
- Best Versatile Hair Mousse: Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumising Mousse
- Best Humidity-Resistant Hair Mousse: TRESemme Extra Hold Firm Control Mousse Hair Styling Mousse
- Best Mousse For Dry Hair: Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
- Best Budget Hair Mousse: Garnier Fructis Style Sky-Hi Volume Mousse
- Best Mousse For Soft, Defined Curls: R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse
- Best Long-Lasting Hair Mousse: Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
- Best Anti-Frizz Hair Mousse: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-free Curl Mousse
- Best Hold Hair Mousse: Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Grip Volume Extreme Hold Mousse
- Best Flexible Control Hair Mousse: Moroccan Oil Volumizing Mousse
- Best TLC Hair Mousse: OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Weightless Mousse
- Best Non-Drying Hair Mousse: Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
Scroll down to check out the reviews of the 15 best hair mousses available right now!
15 Best Hair Mousses That’ll Give Gravity-Defying Volume – 2024
1. Best Volumizing Formula:L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Curl Elastic Mousse
The L’Oreal Paris AHS CURVE IT Curl Elastic Mousse offers long-lasting, envious soft, bouncy curls. The lightweight formula imparts your curly hair with a remarkable definition, regardless of your curl type. This mousse shields and prevents heat damage and frizz while providing a firm hold that can last up to 24 hours. Take a look at a YouTuber’s detailed review of the product featuring the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- All-day hold
- Lightweight
- Offers heat Protection
- Controls frizz
Cons
- None
2. Best Non-Drying Formula:Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 1
Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 is a firm-hold, lightweight hair mousse for everyday styling. It controls frizz and spreads evenly throughout each hair strand to add volume, body and bounce. This alcohol-free product provides intense thermal protection (up to 450°F/232°C) and does not dry your hair or leave behind flakes. It is perfect for curly hair styling on both naturally curly hair and permed hair. If you have frizzy hair, you should definitely invest in it and put this one to the test for desirable results.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Non-flaking
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Humidity-resistant
- Tames frizz
- Provides thermal protection
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Dispenser does not work efficiently
3. Best Sun-Protective Formula:BIOLAGE Styling Hydra Foaming Styler
If you wish to achieve a fresh, natural look and add intense hydration and volume to your hair while managing frizz, go for the BIOLAGE Styling Hydra Foaming Styler. This product has a medium 2-hold factor that does not weigh the hair down but imparts structure and natural movement. It contains geraniol and agave leaf extract that gives you a salon-quality finish with a simple and hassle-free application. The conditioning solution works wonders for people with dry hair. Still on the fence? Check out the unbiased reviews online to know more about this product.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Controls frizz
- Moisturizes the hair
Cons
- None
"I like this styling mousse's lightweight texture. It is gentle on my hair and gives it an effective hold. It helps me manage frizz without disturbing my hair's natural texture. I am also surprised by the volume it gives me while strengthening the weaker curls."
L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Curl Elastic Mousse Best Volumizing Formula | Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 1 Best Non-Drying Formula | BIOLAGE Styling Hydra Foaming Styler Best Sun-Protective Formula | |
---|---|---|---|
Hair Type | Curly | All | All |
Dimensions | 1.9 x 1.9 x 9.3 inches | 2 x 2 x 8.75 inches | 1.97 x 1.97 x 9.13 inches |
Weight | 10.4 Ounces | 9.6 Ounces | 6.4 Ounces |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 281 | 1,764 | 111 |
Price | $9.99 | $16 | $22 |
4. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Moroccan Oil Volumizing Mousse
Moroccan Oil Volumizing Mousse has a lightweight formula that creates natural-looking volume in the hair without any flaking or greasiness. It is infused with argan oil, a key ingredient that conditions your hair to make it look soft and smooth. This long-lasting mousse offers a flexible hold and makes your hair look sleek and shiny. The anti-static ingredients in this volumizing product also tame frizz. It adds oodles of volume to fine, straight hair. Several reviewers online love its fragrance and its ability to instantly add volume to fine hair.
Pros
- Adds volume
- Flexible hold
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for fine to medium hair
- No flaking
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fragile nozzle
"This mousse gives my hair a lightweight hold without leaving it heavy. I like creating different hairstyles like mermaid waves and delicate ringlets, and it adds volume without the crunch. It is non-sticky and gives a natural lift to my hair when I need it."
5. Best Cruelty-Free Option:Keranique Thickening & Texturizing Mousse
Keranique Thickening And Texturizing Mousse protects your hair from breakage and heat. It strengthens the hair shaft by restoring moisture. This helps in detangling and styling your hair. It adds volume, body, and bounce without any stiffness. This styling product conditions your hair to make it soft to the touch and adds a glossy shine.
Pros
- Prevents hair breakage
- Strengthens the hair
- Provides conditioning benefits
- Works as a heat protectant
- Detangles the hair
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Conditions the hair
Cons
- Greasy formula
6. Best Unscented:John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam
The John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam gives thin and fine hair lift and volume. This hair foam is free of silicone and can be used to style color-treated hair or after a chemical treatment. The unscented hair mousse has a nourishing formula and is built with an Air-Silk technology that creates soft and touchable fullness to your hair without weighing it down. It makes your air look plump and healthy. Multiple reviewers online recommend using this for fine hair due to its lightweight formula. So, don’t wait up! Test it out today.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Provides hold to your hair
- Suitable for fine hair
- Color-safe
Cons
- Can make hair crunchy
"This mousse adds volume to my fine hair and makes it softer. I like its pleasant scent as well. It does not feel sticky, especially when I apply it in sections before blow-drying. I use it consistently to style my hair."
7. Best Heat Protectant:Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
Oribe – 1st line Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse is a hydrating mousse that has won multiple awards. It is formulated with the Oribe Signature Complex (a blend of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts) that protects, hydrates, strengthens, and conditions your hair. It adds volume to your hair and is specially used to achieve denser and thicker hair for voluminous hairstyles. It makes your hair soft and thick by plumping up the hair shaft. It also provides thermal protection. The Superior Styling Polymer in it provides long-lasting and flexible hold. Check out this YouTuber’s video review of the product if you require more details.
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Adds volume
- Provides heat protection
- Repairs and strengthens the hair
- Non-crunchy
- Suitable for color- and keratin-treated hair
- Provide UV protection
- Suitable for thick hair
- Paraben-free
Cons
- The nozzle does not dispense product effectively
8. Best Anti-Frizz:Marc Anthony Curl Enhancing Styling Foam
Allow your curls to flourish in their natural beauty with the Marc Anthony Curl Enhancing Styling Foam. This product contains silk proteins and shea butter that help detangle and tame unruly curls. It also contains vitamin E which nourishes the hair and restores depleted moisture. The thick foamy formula manages flyaways and frizz. This product works best for wavy and kinky hair with fine, limp curls that require a voluminous finish. According to the reviews online, a little goes a long way with this product. Use a small amount of the product to make your hair look glamorous.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Phthalate-free.
- Nourishes the hair
- Adds volume
Cons
- Sticky
"I have realized that this mousse is great for both curly and straight hair. It settles well and offers a lasting volume. It gives me a medium hold with any crunchiness. However, I use it sparingly as a little bit goes a long way."
9. Best: Garnier:Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse
The Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Creation Mousse is the solution for long-lasting, weightless, defined curls. This shea butter-infused curly hair mousse enhances and shapes your curls while taming frizz and flyaways. The non-sticky formula provides a strong hold and smooth finish to your silky hair. This hair mousse also helps to nourish and strengthen hair without any buildup.
Pros
- Dairy-free
- Imparts shine
- Controls frizz
- Pleasant citrus fragrance
- No product buildup
Cons
- None
10. Best Humidity-Resistant Formula:SEXYHAIR Big Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse
This spray mousse adds incredible volume to your hair! It is humidity-resistant, so it protects your hair shafts from uneven swelling, frizz, and flyaways. You can use it on dry hair to enhance natural hair texture. It is perfect for fine to medium hair types. Reviewers online highly recommend this product for its amazing hold and stays put even in extremely humid weather conditions.
Pros
- Medium hold
- Reduces frizz
- Controls static
- Suitable for fine and medium hair
- Humidity-resistant
- Adds lift to the hair
- Easy to wash off
Cons
- Sticky formula
"This mousse easily gives my fine hair a lift without the undesired heaviness. It enhances my hair's volume but does not make it look too dramatic. Moreover, I like that it does not weigh my hair down."
11. Best Nourishing Formula:Tresemme Thermal Creations Volume Boosting Mousse
Tresemme Thermal Creations Volume Boosting Mousse is loaded with ingredients like glycerin, keratin amino acids, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, niacinamide, biotin, and lactic acid. These powerful ingredients nourish your hair and make it soft and silky. They restore moisture in the hair shafts and help control frizz and static. It’s a miracle styling mousse that has a good hold and adds volume and gives you shiny hair.
Many online reviewers state that they love using this product as it does not feel sticky or stiff, but rather makes their tresses appear soft and bouncy with added volume.
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Nourishes the hair
- Adds volume
- Adds shine
- Repairs and restores hair
- Conditions the hair
Cons
- None
"I tried this volumizing mousse during one of my travels. It protects my hair from heat without leaving it feeling stiff or sticky. I like how it gives me lasting volume which is noticeable even after days of use. I create many hairstyles with ease after applying the mousse."
12. Best Creamy Formula:Schwarzkopf OSIS+ 4 Grip Extreme Hold Mousse
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ 4 Grip Extreme Hold Mousse is a creamy mousse that adds extreme volume to your hair. It offers a strong hold and control for elaborate hairstyles. The creamy texture gets absorbed quickly into the hair and lasts for a long time, keeping your hair free from frizz and static. This product is best suited for coarse or curly hair, so test it out today!
Pros
- Extreme hold
- Suitable for coarse and curly hair types
- Long-lasting hold
- Creamy formula
- Non-sticky
- Makes the hair look thick and lustrous
- Easy to wash off
Cons
- May leave behind some residue
"This hair mousse is great for my curls. It defines them and gives them a great hold. It settles well and does not weigh my hair down. Also, I like it because it stays gently on my hair without causing buildup or making it challenging to style with rollers."
13. Best Plant-Based:Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
The Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse has your back when it comes to achieving soft, tousled beachy waves. It refreshes and nourishes your tresses with the goodness of nutrients like aloe vera, coconut milk, and mango butter. This mousse prevents your locks from drying out while offering a lustrous, flake-free hold. It minimizes frizz while hydrating and protecting your ringlets from crunch. Multiple reviews online commend this product’s ability to make your hair appear bouncy and volumized without weighing it down.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfated surfactant-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May weigh your hair down
14. Best Vegan Formula:R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse
R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse is specifically formulated to create texture on your hair while retaining its body and volume. It revives flat hair and works perfectly on second-day hair. It is rich in nourishing ingredients such as vegetable protein and neem oil that strengthen your hair by maintaining its moisture content. The papaya extracts in it help create volume and add shine to your hair. This cruelty-free product is good at defining curls on wavy and curly hair and is free from toxic chemicals. So test it out today and flaunt your gorgeous hair!
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Adds shine and texture
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Offers UV protection
- Strengthens the hair
- Vegan
- No mineral oil
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Greasy formula
15. Best For Textured Hair:tgin Rose Water Defining Mousse
The tgin Rose Water Defining Mousse is a styling mousse designed to work on curly, coarse, and textured hair with low porosity. This hair mousse has the goodness of rose water along with vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E that promote the health of your natural hair and define your curls without any frizz. The weightless formula contains acai berries that control excess oil and protect your air from breakage. This hair mousse gives a light hold to your curls without making them crunchy or heavy which is why multiple reviewers recommend using this product.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No artificial color added
- Controls frizz
- Nourishing formula
- Suitable for textured hair
- Promotes hair health
Cons
- May feel greasy
"This hair mousse revitalizes my curls. It softens and defines them. It has a scent that fades away and does not overwhelm me. I also like that it moisturizes my hair without weighing it down."
Buying Guide For Hair Mousse
- Hold: The primary purpose of using hair mousse is to hold the hair in place. There are products that offer a ‘natural hold’ so that your hair does not look stiff or crunchy. ‘Light hold’ creates a breezy but defined look. Polymers and resins coat the hair to add the flexibility to shape it while giving it body and volume. Hair mousse with ‘strong hold,’ ‘extreme grip,’ or ‘sky-high volume’ sets your hairstyle in place for a long time. This is particularly useful for elaborate hairdos, wedding hairstyles, or high-fashion runway looks!
- Formula: Most hair mousses are lightweight, foam aerosol sprays that can be easily applied without making your hair sticky or greasy. There are also cream-based mousses available that do not dry out your hair or leave behind any residue. If you have dry or damaged hair, look for products that do not contain alcohol. Also avoid chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil as they are toxic to your hair as well as the environment.
- Ingredients: Hair mousses contain ingredients that nourish, repair, and restore the moisture levels of your hair. This strengthens and conditions your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy. Natural ingredients or botanical extracts like coconut milk, argan oil, hibiscus, neem, cotton flower, fruit and stem cell extracts, and whipped egg white protein are quite common. Collagen, biotin, keratin, panthenol, and vitamins also nourish and fortify the hair.
The antioxidants, heat protectants, and sunscreen ingredients in hair mousses protect your hair from free radicals and oxidative damage. Specific hair mousses are available for colored hair that contain dyes, UV filters, and color protectants to prevent your hair color from fading quickly. Hair mousses with humidity-resistant ingredients can control frizz and static and tame flyaways, leaving your hair smooth and manageable.
Types Of Hair Mousse
- Drugstore mousses are the most commonly available. They add shine and volume and reduce frizz. They are affordable and easy to use. They suit all hair types. They are popularly used to achieve curls or waves.
- Volumizing mousse boosts the volume of your hair so that even fine, limp hair looks fuller and thicker. It is generally used on wet hair to prep the hair for styling tools. These mousses don’t weigh down your hair or leave it sticky or stiff. They work best on fine hair to give the appearance of full-bodied hair.
- Firm-hold mousse adds lift and body to your hair and offers style control. It is best suited for thick or coarse hair types that are difficult to manage. They tame frizz and provide humidity protection so that your hair looks neat and tidy. Light to medium hold is best for everyday natural-looking hair with flexibility!
Now that we have learned all about the different types of hair mousse, let us look at the proper way to use it for great results.
How To Use Hair Mousse Properly
- Choose the right product for your hair type and style.
- The most important step is to start with a blank canvas, i.e., clean hair. Makes sure that the product gets absorbed completely and helps you style your hair easily. There are products that can be used on second-day hair or between wash days to add natural texture and volume.
- Make sure to start with smaller amounts as you don’t need too much product. Apply the styling product to small sections of hair. Saturating your hair with any styling product will weigh it down and lead to product build-up.
- Hair mousse works best on damp or towel dried hair as it locks in moisture, which helps in building volume. Avoid using it on dry hair unless it is formulated for that specific purpose.
- Apply hair mousse from the roots to the tips. Gradually add more product as you go. One to two pumps of mousse is good enough for short to medium-length hair.
- Use the right blow dryer attachments, i.e., a diffuser for curly hair for best results.
- Blowdry gently and in an upward motion to add lift and volume.
- You can style your hair or define your curls using a comb or a brush.
- Be vigilant while using multiple styling products. It is better not to mix too many products as it can damage your hair.
Now, let’s answer the most important question…
Does Hair Mousse Make Your Hair Crunchy?
Unlike hair gel, hair mousse does not make your hair crunchy. You just need to apply it in small amounts at first and gradually add more for the best results. It makes your hair soft, manageable, and easy to comb.
Hair mousse is a multipurpose product that boosts volume, fights humidity, offers thermal protection, and enhances the shine and definition of your hair. This styling product keeps your hair in place and can be used to style your tresses in versatile ways. So, pick a product from the ones listed above and style your hair away!
Infographic: Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Your Hair Mousse
If you want to add volume and shine to your hair, a good hair mousse is what you want. The infographic below lists all the ingredients that are often found in hair mousses that can damage your hair. Make sure you steer clear of these ingredients when buying one. Scroll down for more information.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a versatile hair product that will boost hair volume, fight humidity, offer heat protection, and enhance the shine and definition of your hair, you need to get your hands on the best hair mousse. A hair mousse is easy to apply and keeps your hairstyle in place for long hours. It works equally well for both thick and thin hair. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Curl Elastic Mousse is a great option for those who want defined, soft curls, while the Moroccan Oil Volumizing Mousse is an excellent choice for those with fine, thin hair. However, if you are looking for a formula that offers high humidity resistance, try the Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17. The reviewed products above have an ultra-light and alcohol-free formula, and they effectively help to tame frizz. Consider the hold, formula, and ingredients before picking the best hair mousse!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is an ardent haircare enthusiast. She uses her extensive knowledge of product formulations, ingredients, and excellent research skills to bring leading haircare products to her users. She collated this list of the best hair mousses her users after conducting extensive research. She checked the brand websites and user reviews and feedback to shortlist the products.
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