Hair mousse is one product we often overlook. Think of it as a product of the past or an unnecessary extra step. For years, the dramatic volume has been off the hair trend agenda. After Adele appeared on the cover of Vogue with her signature bombshell blow-dry, complete with voluminous roots, we’re all ready to bring hair mousse back into our lives.
With the festive season right around the corner, it’s never been a better time to experiment with your hair. It’s time to grab your backcombing brush and a new bottle of hair mousse. Hair mousse is a party essential that can transform your hair with just a few strokes.
Welcome back, old friend, we’ve missed you!
We’re taking a deep dive into the world of hair mousse and how this ‘80s staple can put you back in control of your hair.
What is hair mousse?
A staple of the ‘80s haircare routines, hair mousse, had a frothy foam consistency applied to the roots to add body and volume to your hair. It transforms your limp and dull-looking hair into a Dynasty-inspired look. The original hair mousse of the 1980s had gained somewhat of a bad reputation for leaving your hair looking and feeling crispy. While we all strive for a seamless look, you used to be able to spot hair mousse from a mile away.
Fast forward to the ‘90s, and the bouncy blow-dry became the ‘it’ hairstyle, with hair mousses incorporated in a new way to achieve the perfect hold.
Just like toners have changed in the skincare world, so to have hair mousses. Gone are the days of sticky textures and heavy mousses. They’ve redesigned and reformulated to give you a lasting hold with quicker results. Just like Adele, you can use today’s hair mousse to lift your hair at the roots for natural-looking volume and the perfect grip.
Today’s hair mousses are an all-around hero product that can give your hair an update, helping you go from day tonight.
How hair mousse has changed since the ‘80s
Be forgiven if you still have nightmares about your mum’s hair mousse – or if you remember the pain of trying to remove sticky hair mousse from your roots.
The next generation of hair mousse is genderless and suitable for all hair types. They work by thickening your hair at the root, creating the appearance of a natural lift with a plumping effect. As a multi-tasking product, hair mousse leaves a natural shine on your hair while giving you both volume and hold.
It’s an all-in-one product that can streamline your hair care routine and make it easier for you to achieve your desired look. We’d go as far as to say that the new hair mousses are a ride-or-die product. They’re a must-have that we would pack in every carry-on or overnight bag.
The hair mousses that you’ll find on the market utilize different formulas from their predecessors. Thickener was a crucial ingredient in the ‘80s but has now become a minor ingredient. Today’s products give your hair extra grit and hold without weighing down your hair with the product. The main similarities between the new and old hair mousses are that they have the same application style and goals.
What to know about buying and using hair mousse
Part of the reason hair mousses were a troublesome product in the ‘80s that they were for professional use. Before YouTube and TikTok tutorials, most people didn’t know how to apply professional salon products at home. Today, if you get stuck while applying your hair mousse, there is always a tutorial online for you to watch.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a hair mousse – whether it’s your first bottle or a repurchase. You want to keep your hair type in mind and look for a formula that works for you. If you’re a newbie to hair mousses, it’s a good idea to try a few to get a feel for what works for you. Your hairstylist can also recommend the best formulation for you to discover.
It’s worth remembering that you’ll need more hair mousse if you have thinner hair than thick, coarse hair. When applying your hair mousse, you must use it on damp hair and not thoroughly wet hair to get the best results.
When you’re applying your hair mousse, you want to make sure that it’s thoroughly dried. You can maximize your results and get more volume in your roots by turning your head upside down and using your hairdryer. The purpose of your hair mousse is to lift the hair roots from the scalp. If you leave your hair damp, this is harder to achieve.
The best way to apply a hair mousse is to squirt a small amount of product into the palm of your hand. You want to distribute it through your hair evenly. If you have curls, apply on the areas where your hair falls flat or where it struggles to hold curly hair. Scrunch your hair with your hand in an upward motion. For shorter hair, apply the hair mousse evenly. With longer hair, you want to focus on even application from the root to the tip.
You want to double-check what the recommended application is for your hair mousse. Some formulas call for dry hair instead of damp, ideal for beginners or those unsure about using a hair mousse. This style of product dries quickly and is easier to work with, giving you almost instant results. The only difference with this style of hair mousse is that you’ll comb it through your hair then rub it in until the mousse has thoroughly dried, leaving you with voluminous and bouncy locks.
Thanks to the next generation of hair mousses, you can finally achieve the perfect bouncy blow-dry at home.
Six hair mousses to kickstart your new haircare routine:
