Mousse

What does hair mousse do?

Hair mousse is one of the most versatile hairstyling products you can add to your routine. It’s a lightweight foam that helps shape and hold your style while adding body and texture. From blow-drying and scrunching to diffusing, mousse helps lift roots, define curls, and smooth frizz without weighing your hair down.

Unlike some heavier hair products, mousse gives you flexible control and a soft finish. It coats the hair evenly from roots to ends, creating volume and hold while still allowing your locks to move naturally. It's suitable for all hair types and works especially well when you're styling damp hair before using heat.

How to use hair mousse

Hair mousse works best on damp hair before you style. It adds volume, shape and hold without making your hair feel stiff or sticky. With the right technique, it can help you create a look that lasts all day.

If you’re starting with clean, towel-dried hair, here’s how to get the most out of your hairstyling mousse:

1. Apply to damp hair for best results: Mousse spreads more evenly and works better when you use it before heat styling.
2. Always start with conditioner and detangling: Make sure your hair is smooth and tangle-free so the mousse goes on cleanly.
3. Shake and use the right amount: A golf ball-sized amount is usually enough unless your hair is extra long or thick.
4. Work it through from roots to ends: Use your hands or a wide-tooth comb to spread it evenly so every strand gets some love.
5. Blow-dry to lock in volume: Use a round hair brush or hair diffuser to lift your roots and shape your style as it dries.

Can you use mousse on dry hair?

Yes, mousse can be applied to dry hair, especially when you're refreshing your style or needing quick frizz control between washes. It won’t create volume at the roots like it does on damp hair, but it can still add texture, shape and softness without feeling stiff or sticky.

If your hair is already dry and styled, here are a few ways to make mousse work for you:

• Smooth frizzy areas or stray flyaways for a neater finish
• Scrunch into dry curls to bring back definition and bounce
• Apply a light layer before using a hair straightener or hair curling tool for extra hold
• Add a few drops of serum to dry ends for extra hydration and shine
• Start with a small amount and add more only if needed to avoid stiffness

Is hair mousse good for curly hair?

Absolutely! Mousse is one of the easiest ways to shape your curl pattern, manage frizz and hold your style without that crunchy or stiff finish. This styling foam is light, so it won’t drag your curly hair down or make it feel overloaded.

This hairstyling essential spreads easily, which means each curl gets an even coat for more definition and less clumping. You’ll still get movement, but with more structure. If your curls need extra lift or tend to fall flat during the day, curl mousse is a great styling step to keep them looking full and bouncy.

For extra moisture and control, the Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse is a favourite. It’s infused with Argan Oil and proteins to hydrate, strengthen and improve elasticity. It helps curls hold their shape for hours, even the tightest textures.

evo Whip It Good Styling Mousse is another go-to. It smooths the cuticle for a polished finish and helps block humidity to keep frizz in check. It’s also vegan, sulphate-free and paraben-free, so it’s a solid choice if you have colour-treated hair. Pro tip: Dry your hair with a diffuser to help curls hold their shape and boost volume at the roots.

Which hair mousse works for thick hair?

The right mousse for thick hair adds volume, defines shape and gives you more control over dense strands. It should feel light in your hands but still provide the hold and smoothing power you need to manage bulk and maintain your style.

Look for a formula with moisturising ingredients to help soften coarse texture and make styling easier. Kérastase Couture Styling Mousse Bouffant is a go-to. It lifts your roots, shapes your look during heat styling and leaves your hair feeling soft, full and frizz-free all day.

Which hair mousse is good for fine hair?

If you have fine hair, the right mousse should build volume and shape without leaving your hair sticky or weighed down. A lightweight formula is best, especially one that lifts at the roots and adds texture through the lengths.

Thin hair is also more prone to breakage and split ends, so choosing a thickening mousse with conditioning ingredients can make styling easier. Argan Oil and panthenol are common in mousse formulas because they help moisturise and protect during heat styling.

Fat Muk Blowout Mousse by muk is designed to add volume and hold shape for up to 48 hours. Moroccanoil Volumising Mousse is another favourite. It uses Argan Oil to smooth frizz, bring moisture and maintain soft, touchable hold.

For a lightweight option with a clean formula, Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Volumizing Mousse Conditioner is vegan and free from sulphates, parabens and mineral oils. It helps boost volume and thickness while keeping your hair soft and easy to manage.

Can you use mousse on coloured hair?

Of course! You can definitely use mousse on coloured hair, and the right one can even help protect and extend your hair colour. Many now include ingredients that care for colour-treated strands by boosting hydration, boosting shine and offering long-lasting hold.

If your hair is fine or tends to fade quickly, go for a lightweight option that helps prevent colour fade while adding body. The Pureology Style + Protect On the Rise Root-Lifting Mousse is a great choice. It lifts and thickens while being gentle on processed hair, thanks to its 100% vegan formula.

Blonde hair can also benefit from tinted mousses to keep its tone looking fresh. Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Expert Mousse can revive colour and shine for up to eight washes. If you're managing brassiness, the Color WOW Brass Banned Mousse uses violet pigments to keep your blonde cool and bright between salon visits.

What hair mousse is good for wavy hair?

Wavy hair needs a mousse that enhances your natural pattern and keeps your texture soft with frizz control. A formula with light hold and definition shapes waves without making them heavy or stiff.

The Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse is great for wavy hair. It’s made to define and enhance waves while giving them a soft, touchable finish. The sea salt-free formula keeps hair hydrated and textured without feeling dry or stiff, making it ideal for enhancing that lived-in, effortless look.

At Hairhouse, we stock a wide range of mousse products for every hair type. From volumising formulas to options for defining curls or boosting fine strands, you’ll find styling solutions from your favourite hair brands. We also have other hair and haircare products, including hairspray, heat protection spray and dry shampoo.

You can add your picks to your wishlist or hit checkout to place your first order, but don’t wait too long. Popular products can go out of stock fast!

Shop online with delivery across Australia, or drop by your nearest Hairhouse store for a consultation with one of our experts. For more details, check out our FAQs.