Like we often mention, it’s important to cleanse, condition and style on a consistent basis to remove any dirt, debris or product build up from the hair. We typically recommend every 7 to 10 days, based on an average lifestyle. The more often you are cleansing your hair, the less cleansing your shampoo will need. Also, how water soluble your products are will determine which category of shampoo would be most effective for your cleansing session.
Just like choosing a shampoo formulation, how many times you shampoo will be determined by the needs of your scalp and hair. Waxy sebum buildup, alternative styling (braids/weaves/crochet) and heavy non water-soluble product usage will likely be a reason to shampoo more than one time. But determine how many times you need to shampoo based on what your hair is doing in the moment. There is no correct number of times to shampoo, just make sure that your hair/scalp is clean whatever you use or how many times you use it. We’ll be releasing our 2023 Styling + Product Guide very soon!
9 Best Mousses for Curly Hair to Get Volume and Hold
They deliver more moisture than your average foam for more softness, less crunch. When you think of a mousse or foam, you still envision crunchy, wet-looking strands? If you answered yes, good news: With the best mousses for curly hair, there’s no reason to avoid this hero styler. These days, these foamy hair products for curls are no longer crunchy but rather touchable and lightweight, and there to deliver defined, frizz-free strands. And it does all of this without leaving any residue behind.
According to Malwina Augustyn, hairstylist and curl expert at Ouidad Salon, mousse is an excellent product for curly hair, as it helps enhance curl definition and provides lightweight volume without weighing hair down-so while they work for many hair types, they’re downright essential if you have waves, curls, or coils. So how do you know what kind of mousse to use? First, consider your hair-care goals-are you seeking volume, shine, definition, or frizz control. All these factors will determine what hold to choose (more on that later).
Ahead, our list of the best curly hair mousses, curated by hair stylists and Allure editors.
Best Overall: Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam, $26
Why we love it: Infused with yuzu extract for added antioxidants, plum oil for lightweight moisture, and super B-complex for healthy-looking hair, the Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam is a go-to, one-and-done curl styling foam. The nourishing mousse will help to reduce frizz, never feel crunchy, and leave hair super soft when you’re hair styling.
Tester feedback: “This airy foam gives buildable volume and hold to my curls-without crunch-all day. It defines my curl pattern, nourishes my strands, and preps me for the inevitable blowout a few days later. It's easily the best multipurpose product in my hair routine.”
Key ingredients: yuzu extract, plum oil, and super B-complex | Who it's for: Type 2 waves and curls, Type 3 curls | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Type 2 Curls: Davines Oi Souffle, $47
The liquid-to-foam Davines Oi Souffle adds body to curls without weighing it down, making it a go-to if you have Type 2 waves and curls (which typically need moisture but no heaviness). It uses roucou oil and chicory root extract to deliver lift, volume, and shine to hair without inadvertantly flattening it or leaving a telltale crunch, although our tester found that the curl definition didn't hold up throughout the day.
Tester feedback: “This made my hair impossibly soft and supple, although I would have loved a bit more definition-but maybe the tradeoff is in the hold. And my hair had a ton of body, which is a big ask for it.”
Key ingredients: almond oil, jojoba oil | Who it's for: Type 2 waves | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Type 3 Curls: Rizos Curls Thickening Treatment Foam, $25
Why we love it: For those whose hair needs a little TLC, the Rizos Curls Thickening Treatment Foam helps to strengthen fragile strands, boost volume, improve shine, and reduce breakage. The hero ingredient is the L-arginine, which is an amino acid found in keratin, a.k.a. the primary protein in hair; it helps to minimize hair loss by protecting hair from damage, reducing hair breakage, and supporting the hair's moisture barrier. Oat straw extract steps in to repair the overall elasticity of hair, too.
Tester feedback: “I usually use a mousse purely for styling, but I love that this formula adds hair health benefits in addition to defining my curls.”
Key ingredients: oat straw extract, L-arginine, saw palmetto | Who it's for: dry or damaged curls | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Type 4 Curls: Pattern Curl Mousse, $23
The Pattern Curl Mousse delivers weightless volume to your curls, has a subtle scent, and, as our tester found, can actually extend your time between washes by a day or two. This curl-enhancing mousse features moisture-boosting marshmallow root and castor oil, making styling coily hair a smooth experience.
Tester feedback: “My 4C coils typically last for two days post wash day. Since using Pattern Curl Mousse, my wash day set is able to last three to four days without an added refresh.”
Key ingredients: marshmallow root, castor oil | Who it's for: Type 3 curls, Type 4 curls | Fragrance-free: no
Best for All Curl Types: Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, $42
Packed with protein, vitamins, and sunflower extract, the lightweight Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse delivers just the right amount of bounce, definition, and hold for most curl types, from Type 2 waves to Type 4 coils. It adds moisture and helps keep curls in place, with a protective barrier against heat when styling.
Tester feedback: “I’ve been able to get away with just one product thanks to the Oribe mousse. It leaves my hair smelling good and crunch-free.”
Key ingredients: almond oil, sunflower extract, jojoba oil | Who it's for: most curl types | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Protective Styles: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, $16
For twist-outs and wash-n-go styles desiring a non-flaky hold, opt for The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam. The all-in-one styling mousse helps to detangle, condition, and add shine to natural textures. Aloe vera keeps curls soft, while silk protein enhances elasticity to prevent damage.
Pro-tip: Work in a wide-tooth comb for even distribution, before scrunching to ensure all curls are defined and hydrated. The result: voluminous, salon-looking curls.
Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, silk protein | Who it's for: Type 4 curls and coils | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Volumizing: Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Mousse, $38
We love when an effortless look is actually effortless-and that’s the case with this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner. The nonaerosol Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse makes summery hair easy with its extra-light foam formula, shaping and hydrating without a heat-styling tool in sight. It also works for straight hair, as testers have found.
Tester feedback: “I'd describe my natural hair texture as flat as a pancake, but taking a few pumps of this airy mousse through damp strands leaves me with body and texture I didn't know I had.”
Key ingredients: Pink Bolivian salt, plant protein blend | Who it's for: Fine waves and curls | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Curls: Ouidad VitalCurl+ Curl Defining Mousse
The Ouidad VitalCurl+ Curl Defining Mousse hydrates, controls frizz, and adds body to coils and spirals, without a stiff finish. It’s especially beneficial for dehydrated curls needing moisturizer and definition.
Key ingredients: almond oil, jojoba oil | Who it's for: dry or dehydrated curls | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Curls: Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Thickening Foam
The Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Thickening Foam brings volume and lift to limp, fine curls. Formulated with organic amla and rice protein and proven to thicken hair by 11% (per the brand), the volumizing foam creates fuller, all-day voluminous curls. Most curls only need a small amount-about a golf-ball size-to achieve definition and hold.
Key ingredients: amla protein, rice protein | Who it's for: fine or thinning curls | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are mousses helpful for curly hair? They provide a strong hold to maintain curl patterns while encasing the hair to retain moisture, reducing frizz and defining curls with an airy finish.
- Should you apply mousse to damp or dry hair? Apply to clean, damp hair for longevity; start with a hydrating leave-in or curl refresh, then distribute evenly and scrunch for best results.
- When do you use mousse in a curly-hair routine? Use mousse at each wash or as a refresh if curls look lackluster, re-wetting as needed for best hold.
Meet the experts who contributed to these insights: Malwina Augustyn, Cheryl T. Bergamy, Irinel de León, Jamie Lynn DeSimone, Naomi Dove. How we test and review products includes examining ingredients, efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and wear, with input from dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to ensure reliable recommendations.
| Product | Hair Type | Key Benefit | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam | All curl types | Lightweight hold, frizz control | $26 |
| Davines Oi Souffle | Type 2 | Volume, lift without heaviness | $47 |
| Rizos Curls Thickening Treatment Foam | Type 3 | Strength, moisture, reduced breakage | |
| Pattern Curl Mousse | Type 3-4 | Weightless volume, extended wash days |