Kayla Young
While hair mousse sometimes seems outdated and is often overlooked, its versatility makes it one of the most popular hair styling products around. It gives your hair more volume, brings out the curl, and helps it achieve a shiny appearance. Mousse also helps control unruly curls, keep frizz in check, and protect your hair.Â
Mousse is often applied to wet hair. But can you use mousse on dry hair?
- You can use mousse on dry hair, which helps define the waves or curls.
- You should use a level 1 or 2 hair mousse on dry hair.
- Using small quantities at a time will prevent your curls from becoming too stiff.
Sometimes, mousse should be applied to dry hair, while other times, applying it to wet or damp hair is best. Keep reading to find out more about this.
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Can You Use Mousse on Dry Hair?
Although some think applying mousse to dry hair will make it too stiff and potentially lead to damage, this isn’t entirely true.
Hair mousses aren’t all the same and are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, depending on their intensity.
When using mousse on dry hair, it’s important to use the right hold level.
When using mousse on dry hair, it’s important to use the right hold level.
Level 1 or 2 hair mousse will give you the desired effect, making your hair voluminous and keeping your waves or curls in place. Using level 3 or 4 hair mousse on dry hair will leave your hair as hard as cables.
When Should You Apply Mousse to Dry Hair?
As stated earlier, mousses are classified into four levels. The first level will naturally set your hair, which is ideal for light and wavy hair. Levels 2 to 4 will help you achieve a well-structured style and keep the styles in place.
If you aim to define your curls or waves naturally, applying level 1 or 2 mousse to dry hair will help you achieve that. Your curls or waves will not be too stiff and will not get crushed.
However, you must ensure you only apply mousse to dry hair and in small quantities. Using too much of the product, or using one with a high level, will make your hair incredibly hard. And you’ll be hard-pressed to achieve a natural style. Â
Not a good look!
How to Apply Mousse to Dry Hair
The process is quite easy.
However, many apply mousse to their hair directly with their hands. This isn’t a great idea. When you use your hands to spread the mousse through your hair, you’ll fail to distribute it evenly.
To correctly apply mousse to your hair, use a comb with medium-sized teeth to distribute it evenly, following these steps:
- Ensure your hair is dry and well-brushed.
- Dispense a small amount of level 1 or 2 hair mousse onto your palm. The amount of mousse should be about the size of a walnut or a small apple, depending on the hair.
- Using the comb, take the mousse from your palm and comb your hair.
- Carefully apply it throughout, ensuring no part is left untouched.
- After you’ve combed the mousse through your hair, shape your curls or waves with your hands.
Hair mousse dries faster when applied to dry hair. Once you’re done shaping the curls with your hands, watch as your hair takes on the structure and style you want it to. Your hair won’t feel heavy, but it will rather look shiny.Â
Hair mousse dries faster when applied to dry hair.
When Should You Apply Mousse to Wet Hair?
You should use mousse on wet hair in two cases:
- To achieve structured hairstyles such as bridal updos.
- To accentuate and define the curls in fine hair.
Hair mousse is excellent for achieving structured styles, as it lasts longer in the hair. To get the best result, use mousse products containing higher hold levels. Â
People with fine hair may find it difficult to retain the curls in their hair after curling. You can easily solve this problem by using a level 3 or 4 hair mousse on damp or wet hair.
When done correctly, the defined curls will last much longer.Â
The application process is the same as when applying mousse to dry hair. The only difference is you have to ensure your hair is wet before using the mousse. Use a medium-toothed comb mousse. Distributing it through your hair will be easier in this case since the hair is wet.
Using a Blow-dryer to Amplify the Effects of Hair Mousse
After applying the mousse to your wet hair, there’s a specific way you should dry your hair. You may use your blow dryer to achieve your desired height and volume.
If you don’t want to use a blow dryer, see our article here.
1. Curly Hair
Set your blow dryer to medium heat and attach a diffuser head to work on the curls. Doing this will help you define your curl pattern without ruining it. To do this, gently scrunch your hair between your fingers and move it under the diffuser.
Ensure you reach every part of your head.
2. Straight Hair
Using a round brush, you can give your straight hair more volume and height. First, hold up the top layer of your hair with a clip. Then, pull the bottom parts of your hair over the brush while blow-drying the strands.
Using a round brush, you can give your straight hair more volume and height.
To give the hairstyle a final polish:
- Switch the brush off, and leave it in your hair for a few seconds.
- Wait for your hair to cool before gently pulling the brush out.
- Style the top layer of your hair using the same procedure.
Is it Safe to Use Hair Mousse Every Day?
The short answer is no. Many contain alcohol and other drying agents. Using hair mousse excessively on your hair can dry your strands, especially the ends, causing hair breakage, split ends, and frizziness. Using it too much may also affect colored and chemically treated hair.
Using hair mousse excessively on your hair can dry your strands.
To be safe, check the formula of a hair mousse before purchasing it, and choose one without alcohol and any harmful ingredients, such as isopropyl and propylene.
If you’re up for a little DIY, you can make your own mousse with pure ingredients. Click here for instructions!
Conclusion
Mousse can be the solution to many of your hair problems. It is an incredible tool for taming and defining your curls, leaving your hair shinier. You can use mousse on dry or wet hair, depending on what style you’re going for.
Apply mousse with a low level of hold on your dry hair to define your curls. If you want your style to last, use mousse with higher levels of hold while your hair is damp.
