11 Best Mousses For Thin Hair (2024) That Give Your Hair A Volume Boost
Volumize thin hair with mousse and enhance the look of your fine hair by boosting its shine.
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.
Read full bio of Laura Dale
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.
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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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Tired of flat, flat hair that never gives you that oomph you’re looking for? Well, it’s time to add the best mousse for fine hair to your hair care essentials and watch your hair transform. Not only are they easy to apply, but hair mousse is also recommended by experts to help add texture, shine, and much-needed volume to hair. “As a stylist, using a mousse in fine hair is crucial for achieving volume and lift. A mousse coats each hair strand, creating a volumizing effect without weighing down fine hair. It adds body, texture, and long-lasting hold, making it a must have for fine hair,” says cosmetologist, Laura Dale. Check our top favorites below and pick the perfect one from our must-buy list!
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In This Article
11 Best Mousses For Thin Hair In 2024 That Give Your Hair A Volume Boost
Best For Curly Hair:Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
The Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse is a professional-grade lightweight foam that defines curls, separates each hair strand, and tames frizziness. This medium-hold formula is infused with natural ingredients that penetrate the hair cuticles for stronger, healthier-looking hair.
Styling with this mousse gives you a soft, pliable hold. It offers visible results and leaves a luminous shine and extra lift on your hair. The mousse adds texture without leaving any sticky residue. It quickly dries when applied to damp hair. It does not flake or crunch. The mousse is free from parabens, paraffin, and other harsh chemicals. Shahntay Simpson, a licensed cosmetologist and beauty blogger, has tried this mousse and shared her experience with her readers. She says, “My hair feels soft, and my curls look defined after using this product. … This mousse does not flake at all and is not damaging. … I recommend this mousse for anyone who has curly hair, just remember to add the correct type of oil depending on your hair’s porosity. (i)”
Key Ingredients
- Avocado Oil: It is rich in biotin and vitamin B complex that make hair smooth, shiny, and provide intense moisture. The minerals in the avocado extract seal the hair cuticles and prevent hair breakage.
- Almond Oil: It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that seal moisture into the hair shaft, nourish each hair strand, and leave a luminous shine. Its strategically infused wheat protein is a boon to fine hair.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: It improves the tensile properties of hair fibers, keeps the hair elastic, and adds strength. It also prevents hair breakage.
- The olive oil and B vitamins provide a natural shine.
Hair Type
: 2A-4C type curls
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- No mineral oil
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No alcohol
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural ingredients
- Separates each curl
- Dries quickly
- Leaves no sticky residue
- Provides soft, pliable hold
Cons
- Contains silicone
- Leaves hair greasy
- Feels heavy on the hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 1,045 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Best Lightweight Formula:Moroccanoil Volumising Mousse
The Moroccanoil Volumising Mousse is a lightweight formula that creates extraordinary volume. It leaves no flakes or grease in the hair. This long-lasting mousse offers flexible hold and makes your hair look sleek and shiny. The anti-static ingredients in this mousse also tame frizzy hair. It adds oodles of volume to fine, straight hair. Tina Rodosta, a makeup and travel blogger, has tried this product and shared her thoughts about it. She says, “One thing I like about it is that it is really good for fine/medium hair. It’s not going to weigh you down, it’s going to give the hair lift and volume. The way that it does it is by swallowing the cuticles. So, as you blow dry your hair, your hair feels bigger and has more volume. I use this on almost every blowout I do (ii).” Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details!
Key Ingredients
- Argan Oil: It conditions hair from the roots. It leaves hair feeling soft and smooth. The essential fatty acids protect the moisture barrier. It offers restorative care by improving hair elasticity, taming frizz, providing extra lift and treating dry and damaged hair.
Hair Type
: Fine to medium hair
Pros
- Flexible hold
- Grease-free
- Lightweight
- Non-flaky
- Long-lasting
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Defective nozzles
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 643 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Best Long-Lasting:Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse
If you want to add volume to your limp hair and achieve a long-lasting hold, the Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse is your right pick. It is infused with nourishing ingredients like bamboo and Australian Kakadu plum that provide intensive treatment to boost hair health from the roots for 24 whole hours. Applying this mousse will give your effortlessly flawless hair a natural volume. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video review on the merits and demerits of this product.
Key Ingredients
- Bamboo Extract: This is a powerful plant extract that retains hair moisture. It also strengthens and softens the hair locks. It improves blood circulation to the scalp, promotes hair growth, and gives a new lease of life to thin, limp hair.
- Australian Kakadu Plum: It helps boost collagen and elastin production and enhances hair moisture and shine. The antioxidants in Kakadu plum protect the hair from oxidative damage and chemical toxins.
Hair Type
: Fine curly hair
Pros
- Lightweight foam
- Provides maximum hold
- Long-lasting effect
- Adds shine to hair
Cons
- Leaves flakes in the hair
- Leaves a greasy feel
"I've tried this hair mousse and it provided the volume I desired. It works wonders on different hair types, including curly hair. It's commendable for its stronghold and effectiveness in reviving hairstyles like it did for my braids."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 3,868 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
| Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse Best For Curly Hair | Moroccanoil Volumising Mousse Best Lightweight Formula | Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse Best Long-Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | Fine | Fine |
| Dimensions | 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 2 x 2 x 9 inches | 1.75 x 5.37 x 8.19 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 Ounces | 10 Ounces | 1.28 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,045 | 643 | 3,868 |
| Price | $22.54 | $30 | $10.44 |
Best Vegan:Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam
The Paul Mitchell’s voluminous mousse with extra-body sculpting foam provides fullness and controls frizz. The tried-and-tested thickening formula with natural ingredients amplifies shine and seals moisture, making hair more manageable. The rich emollients drench the thirsty, brittle hair and wrap them with moisture with every use. The energizing and calming notes of lemon, neroli, chamomile, peony, and rose uplift your mood.
Key Ingredients
- White Ginger Root Extract: It deeply cleanses the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Hair Type
: Fine hair
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
- Super-emollient ingredients
- Seals moisture
- Refreshing aroma
Cons
- Defective nozzles
- Not suitable for baby-fine hair
- Sticky consistency
"I found this mousse delivered softness and a mild pleasant scent, without being overpowering. It provides a good hold without the crunchiness. Works well for fine hair, adding body and shine, but for those needing a firmer hold throughout the work day, an additional styling product might be necessary."
Best In Budget:John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse
The John Frieda Mousse is an ultra-nourishing cream that adds volume in all the three dimensions viz. fullness, thickness, and lift. It leaves your limp hair feeling touchably soft. The antioxidant-rich natural formula with polymer technology protects each hair strand from oxidative damage. It also helps thicken individual hair strands. Check out this YouTuber’s video on the benefits of using this product.
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: It is a potent DHT blocker that helps stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. It stimulates hair shaft elongation and strengthens hair roots, resulting in longer, fuller hair. It adds life to dull, limp, and dehydrated hair.
Hair Type
: Color-treated damaged fine hair
Pros
- Lightweight foam
- Protects hair strands
- Lifts hair from the roots
- Nourishing
- Alcohol-free
- Safe for color-treated damaged hair
Cons
- Leaves residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 773 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Best Organic Formula:Giovanni Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Natural Mousse
The Giovanni Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Natural Mousse helps in easy styling. The texturizing, volumizing, and bodifying natural ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and promote hair health. This styling foam blends easily with the hair strands and adds texture and shine without stripping off moisture, while helping you achieve fuller-looking hair.
Key Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: It strips off extra sebum from the roots and helps in deep cleansing. The vitamins A, C, and E in the aloe leaf extract improve cell turnover and protect each strand from oxidative damage. It helps increase blood circulation in the scalp, promotes hair growth, and strengthens the hair follicles.
- Soybean Seed Extract: The amino acids in the soybean extract promote elastin and collagen synthesis to repair and strengthen the structure of hair strands.
- Vitamin E: The antioxidant properties of vitamin E protect the locks from environmental and chemical toxins.
Hair Type
: Dry, thin hair
Pros
- 100% vegan formula
- Perfect for damaged, color-treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lavender aroma
- Distributes easily for smooth styling
- Adds shine and luster
- Hydrates tresses
Cons
- Sticky consistency
- Defective pump
Best For Heat Protection:Tresemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse
The Tresemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse allows salon-quality hairstyling in an affordable range. It adds texture, volume, and luster to thin locks. The super-hold mousse is formulated with a moisture-locking vitamin complex that resists humidity and protects hair from free radical damage.
Key Ingredients
- Panthenol: It is a highly effective humectant that deeply moisturizes dry hair. It adds shine and strength to chemically-damaged hair.
- Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant providing a protective shield against oxidative damage.
- Keratin: Hydrolyzed keratin is an amino acid that helps smoothen the hair strands for a glossy, shiny look. It also helps strengthen the hair roots, controls frizz, and stimulates hair growth.
- Biotin: It helps strengthen hair roots and promotes hair growth. It helps restructure the keratin and adds life to thin, sparse hair.
- Nicotinamide: It enhances the appearance and feel of hair. This vitamin improves blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Hair Type
: Chemically treated thin, fine hair
Pros
- Seals moisture
- Leaves hair feeling soft
- Strengthens hair roots
- Promotes hair growth
- Adds shine
Cons
- Sticky consistency
Pro Tip
Best For Colored Hair:Pureology Clean Volume Weightless Mousse
The Pureology Clean Volume Mousse is a weightless formula that protects hair color, and adds volume and luster to super-fine hair strands. Apply this lightweight mousse to damp hair, starting from the root to the end. Blow-dry it for adding fullness. The aromatherapy blend of elixir essential oils (bergamot, citrus, cedarwood) provides deep nourishment and leaves a weightless shiny finish.
Key Ingredients
- Sunflower Seed Oil: It is high in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E that deeply condition and soothe a dry scalp. It seals the moisture and offers protection against free radical damage.
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable (Soy) Protein: It penetrates the hair strands and binds water molecules to restore moisture. It also helps keep frizz at bay, reduces hair loss, and prevents hair breakage.
Hair Type
: Chemically treated fine strands
Pros
- Color-safe
- 100% vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Provides shine
- Strengthens root to tip
Cons
- Aroma could be overpowering
"This volume-boosting product works well for fine hair, providing a lift without heavy residue. It protects color-treated hair too. Quick tip, the usage of damp hair could enhance the volumizing effect, offering a pleasing boost."
Best For Thickening:aiHr Whipp Volumizing Mousse
If you are looking for a fresh, breezy scent with a beachy vibe, the airHr Whipp mousse is the best option. It is easy to apply and glides through the hair smoothly. Your hair will not disintegrate or fall apart, making this product ideal for brushable blowouts. This mousse helps add density and structure to the locks. It also exhibits sun protection properties for color longevity.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin E: It helps strengthen the hair and improve scalp health. It also promotes growth and adds shine to the hair, making it appear bouncy, shiny, and mangeable.
Hair Type:
Fine, Damaged, and Color-treated
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Keratin safe
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- UV protection
Cons
- None
"After using this hair mousse a few times, I noticed it gives a decent lift to thin hair without the heavy feel. It's effective for someone with fine curly hair like me, seeking to combat frizz. It left my hair soft and is enough for me to consider repurchasing."
Best For Detangling:Thermafuse Fixxé Extreme Volume Mousse
The Thermafuse Fixxé Extreme Volume Mousse adds instant shine and body to thin, limp hair. The natural botanical formula includes protein and vitamins that protect each strand from the damaging effects of free radicals, UV rays, and chemicals. Its bond-strengthening power provides long-lasting style with deep moisturization and incredible shine. The blackberry vanilla notes blended with green mandarin and apple add a fresh feeling to your locks. Spray this lightweight mousse to damp hair and style it without weighing it down.
Key Ingredients
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: It enhances volume and provides deep conditioning without any build-up.
- Keratin Protein: It strengthens the hair roots and leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and shiny.
- Polyquaternium-11: It forms a clear, non-tacky, and continuous film that seals luster.
- Panthenol: It is an effective humectant that promotes moisture retention.
Hair Type
: All types of fine hair
Pros
- Lightweight
- 100% vegan
- Long-lasting hold
- Detangles hair strands
- Protects hair from damage
- Seals moisture
- Soothing fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
"This hair product stands out for its lightweight control, which is a boon for my fine hair. The light foam texture and pleasant fragrance are major pluses for me. It doesn't leave my hair feeling stiff or sticky."
Pro TipBest For Humidity Protection:Nexxus Mousse+ Volumizing Foam
Create volume and long-lasting body with the Nexxus Mousse+ Volumizing Foam. This salon-grade creamy mousse sculps and protects hair strands from chemical and environmental aggressors. The aerated hair foam lifts fine hair from the roots while retaining their natural movement.
Key Ingredients
- Keratin protein: This is a natural hair conditioning agent that improves the gloss, sheen, and texture of thin hair.
- Ceramides: These are a type of lipids that protect the outermost layer of the hair strands and strengthen the roots. They also promote hair elasticity and retain hair moisture.
Hair Type
: Thin hair
Pros
- Lightweight
- Protects from environmental toxins
- Protects hair from humidity
Cons
- None
"This product holds my style effectively, keeping frizz at bay without leaving a white residue. It's easy to apply, not sticky, and has a pleasant scent. Plus, its alcohol-free formulation is kind to my hair. The overall performance keeps me coming back. It's been very reliable for adding volume to fine hair."
These are the 11 best mousses for fine hair that add texture, fullness, and volume. We will further discuss a hair mousse in the following section.
What Is A Hair Mousse?
A hair mousse or styling foam is an aerosol foam spray that adds volume to the hair. It conditions hair deeply and leaves no residue on the scalp. Using a mousse alone can get you fuller, thicker hair and provide thermal protection. It also adds life to the thin strands. Even for individuals with wavy hair, mousse can be a game changer as it manages frizzy and greasy hair.
How does applying a mousse to your thin hair help? The next section discusses the same.
Why Use A Hair Mousse For Thin Hair?
Thin hair often looks dull and frizzy. Applying mousse to thin hair boosts the volume from the roots, sculpts your strands, and gives long-lasting volume. It also provides intensive treatment that helps fight humidity and encourages hair shine and definition. The nourishing ingredients stimulate hair growth and also allow versatility in styling.
Before you buy a hair mousse for your thin hair, you may want to go through the following buying guide.
Hair Mousses For Fine Hair – A Buying Guide
- Ingredients: The hair mousse should contain natural ingredients that seal in moisture, add luster, restore elasticity, and provide protection. Argan oil, keratin complex, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera extract, and biotin are known to nourish and rejuvenate hair.
- Hold: Another major function of a hair mousse is to hold the volume for long periods. Polymer complex and resins in the mousse coat each hair strand, add body from the roots, and offer long-lasting hold.
- Protection: A mousse rich in antioxidants protects the strands from environmental damage. It can also provide the necessary day protection for your hair. Look for dermatologist-tested products that are proven to shield your mane from damage.
Lastly, do your research by looking up the products on Amazon and popular beauty blogs and opt for the ones that have been duly tested and have a significant number of positive reviews.
Infographic: Mousse For Fine Hair: Buying Guide And Key Ingredients
Thin or fine hair gets weighed down easily and looks dull. Hair mousses can add volume and healthy shine back to your fine hair, but it is necessary to pick the right one to avoid weighing down your tresses. Check out the infographic given below for some factors and ingredients that you must consider while choosing a mousse. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you have thin hair, then one of the effective solutions to boost hair volume is to use the best mousses for fine hair. These hair mousses will transform the overall texture and restore the shine of your hair. They will also offer a long-lasting hold to your desired hairstyles. You can try the Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse to tame frizziness, the Moroccanoil Volumising Mousse to treat dry and damaged hair, or the Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam to lock in moisture and improve hair manageability. They are enriched with natural ingredients and do not leave any sticky residue on application. While choosing the best hair mousse for fine hair, read the ingredients list, and ensure that the mousse offers long-lasting hold and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mousse Vs. Gel – which is better for fine hair?
Mousse is better than gel for all types of thin hair. Mousse is an airy foam that lifts hair from the roots whereas gel may weigh down hair even further.
How do you use mousse on fine hair?
Damp each hair strand and apply the mousse gently from the root to the tip. Wash or rinse with normal water to add volume. If you need to add extra body, blow dry your hair for versatile styling.
How often should fine, thin hair be washed?
Fine, thin hair can be washed 2-3 times a week.
Do I apply mousse to wet or dry hair?
It is recommended to apply mousse after towel drying your hair. However, do not completely dry your strands and keep them semi-wet while using the product. Hair mousse can help get rid of the dull appearance and mattify your tresses.
Can I brush my hair with mousse in it?
Yes, brushing your hair with mousse can create wonderful textures on your tresses. This can also help define your waves and curls without using heated styling tools.
Can I put on a heat protectant before or after using a mousse?
Yes, you can apply a heat protectant five minutes before putting on a mousse. While heat protectants ensure that your hair remains damage-free, mousses offer the perfect definition to your strands and provide heat defense.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach and passionate about hair care and styling. She is aware of the difficulties associated with thin hair and has listed the ideal product recommendations for her readers. After thorough research and reading various internet reviews, she developed a list of the finest mousse for fine or thin hair that could effectively add volume. These products are chemical-free, non-greasy, and do not leave any sticky residue.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Brown Sugar Glam
https://brownsugarglam.com/2019/09/03/simple-wash-n-go-routine-with-design-essentials-curl-enhancing-mousse/
(ii) #N0BSBEAUTYREVIEWS
https://www.tinarodosta.com/blog/2020/4/8/no-bs-beauty-reviews–9hd3e
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