If you've been hesitant to reach for mousse because it reminds you of your mom's '80s hair (or gives you flashbacks to your grade seven yearbook photo), start by forgetting everything you remember about it. We're here to change your mind, and to show you how to use hair mousse the way we do in the studio. Today's formulas are light, brushable and almost invisible once your hair is dry. What they leave behind is body, a bit of grip and a blowout that holds its shape well into the evening.
In the studio, mousse is one of the first things I reach for. It's the styling step you need if you're after volume and shape that last all day, and it makes everything else work better.
As a girl cursed with fine, straight hair, I've been chasing volume my whole life. (Mind you, all I knew of hair products back then was hairspray and salt spray, so no wonder I wasn't getting anywhere.) It wasn't until hair school, when I was handed a set of Velcro rollers and started playing with stronger styling products, that I felt like I'd finally figured it out. Mousse and a round brush, Hallelujah.
How much to use
About the size of an egg is right for most heads. What really changes the amount is density: the more hair you have, the more you'll need. You can always add, so start small.
Where it goes
Work it into towel-dried hair. Not soaking wet, but not barely damp either: you want plenty of moisture left, because the earlier the mousse goes in, the more it helps, even while you rough-dry. Hair that's already too dry is harder to manage, so why not let the product build volume for you? Focus on the roots and mid-lengths, then brush it through rather than using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, which can leave it patchy. You're after a nice, even coating everywhere, kept light on the ends.
Then style as usual
Mousse needs heat to do its job, so blow-dry or diffuse rather than letting it air-dry, which is when it can turn crunchy. With a round brush, it gives your blowout more bounce and helps it last. If you're diffusing, wait until your curl or wave is fully set, then gently break it up with your hands for soft, touchable texture.
Studio note: flip your head upside down and do most of your rough-dry that way. It builds volume at the root without you having to work for it.
Our favourite on the shelf is R+Co BLEU Highest Volumizing Mousse. It works for every hair type: light enough that it won't weigh down fine hair, with enough hold to lock in a style on thick or coarse hair.
Who it's for
Honestly, almost everyone. Fine hair gets volume and hold. Wavy hair gets definition. Thicker hair gets a little control and a softer finish. If you've ever wished your blowout had more staying power, this is the easiest place to start.
Mousse is probably the secret weapon your stylist is using, and the reason your hair always seems to last longer when they do it. So leave your old ideas about it in the past. Besides, the '90s are back in style, and just about every iconic look from that decade was made with mousse and a high-hold hairspray.
Shop R+Co BLEU Highest Volumizing Mousse →
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