Reviewed: The Best Hair Mousse for Every Hair Type
Mousse: It defines, smoothes, volumizes, and hydrates—all in under 30 seconds.


Mousse is the unsung hero of hair products. It has the ability to tighten and define curls, smooth poufy waves, moisturize kinky coils, and even add major volume to limp, deflated hair—as long as you know which formula to pick. To ensure you reach for the right one, we've selected the best of the best mousse formulas for virtually every type, texture, and concern, so you can live your best hair life, 365 days of the year. Check them out, ahead.
1. For Puffy Hair That Needs Definition
Rusk Smooth Foam, $18
The shorter your hair is, the more it tends to poof, which isn’t ideal if you’re going for this year’s sleek lob or bob. To cut the volume and give your hair a workable texture, rake a golf ball–sized dollop of a smoothing mousse, like this lightweight formula from Rusk, through towel-dried hair before blow-drying. For an ultra-sleek finish, follow with a flat-iron. The mousse works to lock-in sleekness for up to five days.
2. For Fine, Straight Hair That Falls Limp
Kristin Ess Instant Lift Volumizing Mousse, $14
If your hair lives in a constant state of flat, look for a volumizing mousse that gives your hair a ton of hold and lift, like this cult-favorite formula from Kristin Ess. Run a golf ball–sized puff of mousse through your damp roots, comb through them, then flip your head over and blast them with a blow-dryer for mega, all-day volume.
3. For Kinky Coils That Need Moisture
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Styling Foam, $9
Okay, so technically all curls—especially tight coils—need moisture. But if you’re in between washes and need some hydration, try a flexible conditioning foam with a little bit of hold, like this favorite from Carol’s Daughter, which moisturizes and defines curls without flakes. Just massage 2–3 pumps of foam through your hair (damp or dry) from root to tip, then either let air-dry or style as usual.
4. For Curly Hair That Falls Flat
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Take Chare Curl-Boosting Mousse, $9
Though the obvious choice for limp hair would be a volumizing mousse, women with limp curls should opt for a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse, which will bring out the natural volume of your curls, while keeping them from going limp or falling out. Just rake a baseball–sized puff of mousse through your damp hair, from root to tip, and air-dry.
5. For Wavy Hair That Frizzes Out
Ogx Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse, $9
Rather than using products that try to “smooth” frizz—which will often leave waves looking lank—opt for a product that enhances them, like this curl-defining mousse, which helps lock your waves together for frizz-less definition. Comb a baseball–sized puff through your sopping-wet hair, root to tip, with a wide-tooth comb, then let air-dry. As your hair dries, twist small sections of hair around your finger to encourage even tighter waves.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
-
Beyoncé Trades Her 'Cowboy Carter' Glam for a Whole New Aesthetic
She's gone corporate core.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Fans Think 'Temptation Island' Success Story Ashley and Danny Are Still Together—Here's What We Know
The pair found each other on the Netflix reality show...after she called things off with her ex.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Is a "Stranger to Self-Pity" After Difficult Health Battles and Public Criticism
A source said Camilla draws her strength from a strong "sense of duty" despite her recent challenges.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Gigi Hadid's Espresso Brunette Hair Color Is Growing Out So Beautifully
The model showed off yet another hair change days after being spotted with silver strands.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Doechii’s Best Paris Fashion Week Beauty Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
The Grammy winner cemented her place as a beauty and fashion icon.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Katie Holmes’s Beachy Waves Are a Masterclass In Unbothered French Beauty
The actor turned heads at the Zimmerman Paris Fashion Week show with her new look.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Cate Blanchett Redefines the Cool, Slick Bob
Endless short hair inspiration ahead.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Mindy Kaling's New Sharp Lob Haircut Is All My Spring Hair Goals
The actor was spotted in New York City with a new short 'do and we can’t get enough.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published