Mousse basically makes my world go round. As someone with 2a/2b wavy hair, mousse offers body and volume without weighing down my waves (aka it doesn’t make my hair straight). Mousse is in almost every hair routine I’ve posted, and it’s something I always have around. Here are some mousses that have made the most positive difference for me! There are some great drugstore options here as well as some cult favorite brands. Hopefully there is a little something for everyone!
7 mousses to try on wavy hair
Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly
Perhaps the lesser known of Herbal Essence Mousses, Tousle Me Softly is a medium hold mousse that gives beachy waves for days. It’s perfect to use as a refreshing mousse with the 2 minute refresh technique because the hold really builds on any previously added product without weighed the hair down. If you want looser waves you could also use this on wash day too. I *think* this is my personal favorite.
Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse
This lightweight and budget friendly mousse offers good volume, excellent hold, and doesn’t weigh the hair down. The only downside is that it can be drying over long periods of time. It’s easy to combat this with a deep conditioner, or adding in a curl cream occasionally. If you have tried Aussie Instant Freeze mousse, the results are just a slightly lighter hold (I hardly notice a difference between the two). If you’ve tried the Aussie Sprunch mousse – read my critical review here – or the Miracle Curls mousse (not a fan of that either -comment if you want a full review), this mousse is much lighter.
Aveda photomollient volumizing foam
The highest in price on this list, but perhaps the most gentle on the hair. This non-aerosol, alcohol free foam boasts lemongrass and other plant extracts. This mousse contains polyquats, which can be smoothing and moisturizing for many wavies. This product can be heavy for some, so it may perform better for 2b/2c wavies. Personally, I like to use on day one hair, but I use a different one on refresh days (this also helps it last longer!)
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Tresemme Tres Two (also comes in travel size!)
Okay, so the full size is probably great too, but this is an awesome travel sized mousse you can find at nearly any store. And yes, by travel size I mean it’s 3oz or less so it can go in an airplane carry on. So if you are ever lost or traveling without any hair product, this is a great option. And Tresemme Tres Two is a good mousse! Not only in a pinch, but anytime. The hold is medium/strong, it’s a lightweight product. It gives good definition without weighing down waves. Again, it can be drying over time. This works excellent as a refreshing mousse too.
Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse
If you need strong hold, this mousse is a great option. The mousse itself is quite lightweight, but it offers a good amount of hold. This mousse doesn’t do the best with clumps, but is great at creating a smaller consistent wave pattern. It’s easy to do the 2 minute refresh method too!
Not your Mother’s naturals Dark Blue mousse
Completely alcohol free, this mousse is easy on your waves. The NYMN dark blue mousse offers a lighter weight hold but does give good definition. You can expect a softer wave pattern than others on this list. The smell is amazing, and it’s a great non-aerosol option.
Aussie instant freeze mousse
Same name as my favorite hard hold gel, but in mousse form?! The AIF mousse offers the most hold on this list….on day one. It’s not my personal favorite to refresh with, but it’s awesome on wash day!
did your favorite make this list? let us know!
