Mousse Vs. Gel For Curly Hair
Discovering the right products for curly hair can take time, patience, and experimentation.
Curls are a unique hair texture that often requires additional attention and care to look their best.
While all hair needs are different, curly hair care is specific to each individual’s curl pattern, hair type, and texture to achieve the desired results.
One debate often arises when determining which product is best for curly locks: hair mousse vs. hair gel.
Both create beautiful curls and offer specific benefits for the hair.
Yet figuring out which of these two products works best for your curls can be tricky.
So, which is better for curly hair: mousse or gel?
Depending on your hair texture and curl pattern, mousse and gel will perform differently in your hair type. Looser curls and hair that needs added volume can benefit from incorporating mousse into your routine, while hair that is thicker or more densely curled can see the best results from styling hair with a gel.
Below, we discuss the ins and outs of hair mousse and gel, to help you determine which is the best formula for you and your curls!
What Is Hair Mousse?
Hair mousse is a soft, foamy texture that comes in a bottle that can be used on wet or dry hair.
It provides a light hold on hair throughout the day and is a versatile styling product due to its soft, malleable texture.
Mousse, as a texture, is very airy and translates that feeling into the hair as well.
When mousse is applied to hair, whether it be wet or dry, it provides a lightweight feel and adds bouncy volume to the strands.
For a helpful tutorial on styling curly hair with mousse, take a look at this video from Curly Tay on YouTube.
Hair Mousse Pros
One of the biggest pros for using hair mousse is its weightless feel.
In general, when used on curly hair, the texture will not weigh down the curls.
It provides a lightweight texture to the hair that is easy to use.
If you like to change up your style throughout the day, mousse is an ideal product because its soft texture makes it easy to change your hair.
The weightless texture focuses on adding volume to the hair, resulting in curls with full body and movement.
Mousse can be used on many different hair textures, but it is ideal for thin or fine hair that needs an extra boost of volume.
Hair Mousse Cons
While hair mousse does have many pros, it also has its share of cons.
Although its lightweight texture is a benefit, it can also create a looser, softer curl due to its foamy, airy nature.
If you are looking for tighter or more defined curls, mousse will not be the best option for creating them.
While mousse, as a texture, is lightweight, it often contains alcohol, which can be drying on the hair.
Mousse does not usually add moisture to the hair, and curly hair often requires extra hydration.
If mousse is your curl styling product of choice, you may also need to follow up with hydrating serums to ensure your curls receive the moisture they need.
Because of its lightweight nature, hair mousse can also struggle to maintain curls in high humidity.
Mousse forms looser, softer curls, and the humid climates can cause frizz or for the curls to lose their shape.
Depending on your curl type, mousse may not provide enough hold for your texture.
What Is Hair Gel?
Hair gel is a thick, sticky substance available in a tube or jar and can be used on wet or dry hair for a variety of styling options.
Gel has a strong hold that withstands various environmental conditions, styling options, and different hair types.
The sticky substance can feel thicker in the hair and can maintain the hair’s look throughout the day.
Gel’s strong hold can control frizz and define curls, especially those that are tightly curled or have a thicker texture.
Here’s a helpful tutorial for applying curly hair gels from Luisa Louis on YouTube.
Hair Gel Pros
While hair gel is a versatile product with many advantages, one of the most notable is its strong hold, which effectively controls frizz, even in humid climates.
The product is capable of achieving various styles and will keep them in place throughout the day.
Although gel is a thicker, stronger product, it can also work well with other styling products and tools to add more definition to the hair.
Hair gel can work in a variety of hair types and textures, often for different reasons.
However, when it comes to curly hair, gel works best on thicker or coarser hair, as well as on denser, more tightly coiled curls.
Gel can easily and evenly define curls, keeping them styled and in place all day.
Hair Gel Cons
With its thicker, stickier nature, hair gel can sometimes be heavy in the hair and weigh it down.
If it is used for curls that are not the right texture, it can cause the curls to stretch out due to the added weight.
Especially if hair is thin or delicate, a gel product can be too harsh for the lighter curls.
It is essential to be mindful of how much gel you apply to your curls, as too much product can make your hair look and feel stiff or crunchy.
If too much gel is applied to the hair, it can flake.
Much like hair mousse, gel can be drying for the hair, depending on the ingredients.
What Is The Difference Between Hair Mousse And Hair Gel?
Although hair mousse and gel are two of the most popular styling products for curly hair, they differ in performance and the looks they achieve.
Mousse can make curls look softer and looser, while gel can make curls look more coiled and defined.
Gel works best with thicker hair textures, while mousse works best on thinner hair.
In addition to its texture, mousse is lighter and more easily able to add volume and body to your curls.
Gel, on the other hand, is thicker and can provide the needed weight for dense curls to help create their shape.
The light texture of mousse makes it easy to style into different looks, while gel will hold the desired style in place throughout the day.
Gel will also have a stronger hold on the hair, which will protect and control frizz, especially in humid environments, rather than the soft hold that is provided by mousse.
Best Methods for Applying Hair Mousse
Mousse is a versatile product that can be applied to wet or dry hair. When used on curly hair, it is ideal to apply the product to damp hair to begin styling.
The best way to apply mousse is to scrunch the product into damp hair.
Before adding the mousse, it is best if you use an old t-shirt to absorb any excess water from the hair by scrunching the material through the hair in sections.
Follow the scrunching motion through sections of the hair with mousse to form the curls.
As mousse can be drying on the hair, it is best paired with other hydrating products to ensure the hair receives proper moisture.
Best Methods For Applying Hair Gel
Gel can also be applied to wet or dry hair, depending on the styling choice.
When styling your hair to enhance its curls, if you have thicker hair, comb the gel through your wet hair to evenly distribute the product.
To achieve the best definition with your curls, you can use the gel by twisting sections of your hair into curls to evenly define the pattern.
Gel can also be used in conjunction with other hair care products and works best when applied after lighter styling products, such as creams or lotions, to provide a stronger hold.
It is best to use it as the final step after using any other styling products. Be mindful not to use too much gel, to avoid any potential flakiness or stiffness.
How To Choose If Mousse or Gel Is Right For You
Ultimately, choosing between hair mousse and gel depends on your hair texture and curl type.
Both can be used for different reasons and to achieve different results.
They offer different styling options for those with curly textures who want to define or add volume to their styles.
If you are looking for a lighter, softer hold, the airy texture of mousse is best, especially if you have fine hair.
If you are looking for a stronger, longer-lasting hold, gel would be the better choice.
Mousse works best for hair with a loose curl or wave texture, as it can enhance that curl pattern.
It is also ideal if you are looking to add volume and body to your curls.
Gel works best on thicker hair or hair with naturally tighter curls.
It works well to define and hold curls, keeping them in place throughout the day.
Conclusion
Overall, hair mousse and hair gel both provide beautiful results for curly hair.
The texture and curl pattern of your hair, as well as how you want your curls to look overall, will determine whether mousse or gel is the right styling choice for you.
However, if you want the lightweight volume of a mousse and the stronger hold of a gel, combining the two can help you get the best of both worlds for your curls!
