Does Mousse Cause Hair Loss?

Hair mousse is a popular alternative to gels and hairsprays for styling hair. As it is lighter than other products, you end up with less product build-up, resulting in shiny, healthy-looking hair. But like all things, too much can be too much!

Does mousse cause hair loss?

No, fortunately mousse does not cause hair loss. Here’s the basics of what can happen, though:

• Hair mousse will not cause hair loss. But it can lead to dry, brittle, damaged hair that is more prone to breakage.
• Most hair mousse brands contain alcohol and other drying ingredients.
• Common mousse ingredients can cause significant damage to the hair. 

Let’s explore the world of hair styling products and, more specifically, the effects of using mousse to style your hair. In this article, we give you the best tips on how to style your hair as we cover the following hot topics: 

1. Mousse: Good or Bad?
2. Styling product alternatives
3. Haircare tips and tricks that really work

Let’s jump right in. 

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Mousse: Good or Bad?

Hair mousse has been around for decades and is often used to achieve a natural-looking curl that will actually hold for longer than five minutes!

If you have naturally straight (ish) hair, you will relate to the frustration of having your hair fall flat only a few minutes after you’ve spent more than thirty trying to achieve a glam look. 

Hair mousse is used to achieve a natural-looking curl that will actually hold for longer than five minutes.

This is where mousse comes in.

Mousse can be used on either damp or dry hair to help lock in those curls.

But, there is a dark side to using mousse that many are not aware of. 

Most brands of mousse contain alcohol which, when used excessively or even daily, can lead to dry, brittle and damaged hair that is more prone to breakage.

Even when paired with a heat-protectant spray or serum, the alcohol can severely dry out your scalp and hair strands, leading to dandruff, dermatitis, and even allergies. 

How bad is alcohol for your hair? It’s extremely drying. Alcohol can work styling magic, but over time, it’s rough on your hair.

This is why, for example, wigs and hair extensions cannot be styled with alcohol mousse. The alcohol would destroy the extensions. Now think about what it does to your actual hair.

This is why, for example, wigs and hair extensions cannot be styled with alcohol mousse. The alcohol would destroy the extensions. Now think about what it does to your actual hair.

The most common alcohols used in hair mousse are:

• SLS
• Propylene
• Isopropyl

Choosing a mousse that does not contain one or all of these is the way to go. In fact, we love DIY hair mousse, with 100% safe ingredients (you just need some elbow grease).

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Alternatives to Hair Mousse: Great Products to Try Today

If you want a more natural or less controversial alternative to mousse to hold curls, style hair, and add shine, keep reading! 

We have a list of the best products available to style your hair without the risk of damage or a dry scalp that comes with using mousse that contains alcohol. 

1. Pomade

Hair pomade is a more natural hair product that is made of beeswax, lanolin, or even a petroleum jelly-like substance. Pomade can be used to add shine while holding the style that probably took you ages to perfect.

Pomade is often thought of as a hair styling product mostly for men, but that’s not true. There are many comapnies that make pomades for women, includng the Maui Pomade  shown above.

2. Leave-in Conditioner

No longer just for moisturizing dry hair, a good quality leave-in conditioner is an excellent alternative to mousse that helps keep hair in place without leaving a sticky residue.

Leave-in conditioner should not typically be used daily, as too much moisture can cause excessive oil production or even have the opposite effect, causing your hair to dry out. 

3. Hairspray

No, we’re not talking about the musical!

Hairspray, like mousse, has been around for decades and is a popular product used by many women (and men) to keep their hair perfectly coiffed and in place. It is quick and easy to use and adds great shine to your hair, but it can make your hair sticky. 

4. Hair Gel or Wax

For a hold that will last, gel or wax is probably the most commonly used product. Gel, however, makes hair stiff and will only add to the build-up of product in your hair. Wax is slightly more flexible and can be used more than once daily to fix your hairstyle. 

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Say Adios to Damaged Hair: Hair Care Tips to Prevent Hair Loss and Damage

We have come up with possibly the best styling tips to help you care for your hair, maintain moisture, and prevent damage and possible hair loss caused by the overuse of products that lead to dry, brittle hair. 

1. Choose Natural Products

Natural hair products, or those without alcohol or alcohol-type ingredients, are better for your hair.

Always read the ingredients listed on the product packaging, and note what you use on your tresses.

Silicon-based mousses are great for holding curls without drying out your hair. 

Natural hair products are better for your hair.

2. Hot-Oil Treatments are Your Friend

Have you ever wondered how Asian women get their hair to look glossy and thick? Weekly hot-oil treatments or oiling your hair can make a huge difference in maintaining moisture and leaving your hair looking luscious.

3. Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner

Investing in a good quality purifying shampoo and conditioner to remove any product build-up can help protect your hair from heat damage, moisture loss, and more.

Be sure to follow the usage instructions carefully, and don’t wash your hair more than twice a week. 

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Conclusion

The bottom line is that mousse will not directly lead to hair loss. It doesn’t work that way. However, excessive or daily use of mousse that contains alcohol will strip your hair and scalp of moisture, leading to dry, brittle hair, and potentially split ends and breakage.

One of THE most critically important things you could do to protect your hair when styling with products like mousse is to choose the best product possible. Make your own, or pick up a high-quality alcohol-free mousse like Maui Coconut Milk Mousse .

Try out our tips in this article and say goodbye to damaged hair for good.