mousse for 4c hair
Ever since I started this website, I’ve tried many different short 4c hairstyles. However, there are still a few that I haven’t because they require me to use techniques and products that I know very little about.
One of them, being a good mousse. Which if you didn’t know is the french word for foam.
Apparently, mousse is a popular styling product used by women in the natural hair community. Similar to hair gel it provides great curl definition, however, it doesn’t weigh your natural hair down because it’s lightweight.
Who knew?
So, as I’m trying out the different brands, I’m sharing with you my finds for the best mousse for 4c hair.
Can I use mousse on 4c hair?
Yes, mousse can be used on 4c hair as a styling product. Because 4c hair has a tightly coiled or kinky texture, it can be prone to dryness and breakage.
This is why it’s important to choose a mousse that includes the right formula for type 4 natural hair and dry hair.
When choosing a mousse it’s important to pay attention to consistency as it will affect certain curl patterns differently.
If you have fine hair, you want to look for a lightweight foam to give your hair some volume. However, if you have more dense natural curls, the right mousse for you would be a thicker curl mousse that provides some hold and definition.
What does mousse do for 4c hair?
Mousse can be used on all hair types, including 4c hair to provide light hold and definition to your natural hair without weighing it down.
Additionally, mousse can add volume or help avoid frizzy hair.
Furthermore, many mousses contain natural oils and butters, which can moisturize and nourish the hair and help prevent dryness and breakage.
However, use mousse in moderation, as too much foam can make your hair stiff. And it’s best to use a brand that is formulated for natural 4c hair.
What is the best hair mousse for 4C hair?
There are several hair mousses that are well-suited for 4c hair, but the best hair mousse for 4c hair is definitely The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam!
It’s a high-definition control mousse that meets every expectation because it turns your afro into super-defined kinks. And we love that.
Below are the details on The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, as well as 4 more great options:
1. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
If you are like me and have been dying to try out a wash and go for the first time, then The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam is your girl. This lightweight styling foam allows you to do a one-product wash and go easily because it defines, holds, and provides volumes to your curls.
It includes aloe vera which is known for its moisturizing properties. The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam is perfect for achieving styles such as twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-gos, without the crunch or flaking.
2. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Mousse
The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Mousse is a very popular mousse in the natural hair community. But just like with many Shea Moisture products I just never assume they work for 4c hair.
Well, I was wrong. This mousse is formulated with our specific hair type in mind! It provides definition, shine, and hold to your curls and coils without weighing them down. And once it’s applied and dried. it leaves your hair feeling super soft and moisturized with zero crunch.
The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Mousse includes some of our favorite natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and hibiscus flower extract that are known to nourish and moisturize natural hair. It’s the perfect mousse for a beautiful wash and go.
3. Mielle Organics Babassu Brazilian Mousse
Next up is the Mielle Organics Babassu Brazilian Curl Mousse. This mousse is made with natural ingredients such as Babassu oil, rice protein, and silk amino acids that work together to get the best definition of your curl pattern.
In addition, it has a non-greasy and lightweight formula that provides long-lasting hold without flaking or crunchiness.
While this mousse is perfect for enhancing your natural curl pattern, it’s more geared toward women with more of a wave pattern rather than coils. The mousse on its own did not work too well for me and had to be paired with a gel for a better definition.
I was not too impressed with my final results for a wash and go, but do think that the Mielle Organics Babassu Brazilian Curl Mousse might work better for rod sets.
4. Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse
The Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse is the one I use the most. It’s designed to work for curly as well as wavy hair and is made with shea butter like most of their products.
A benefit of this mousse is that it is free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which makes it an excellent choice for women like me with sensitive scalps or dry hair.
The Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse is super light and airy and has a nice scent to it. The curls pop immediately as you apply it, however, it only offers a soft hold which means that the curls fall quickly after the mousse has dried.
In order to battle that you’d need to use a curl-activating cream or gel with it. Another downside of the mousse in my opinion is that it does not moisturize the hair very well.
5. Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse, Almond, and Avocado Collection
The Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse from the Almond and Avocado Collection is pretty popular as a brand that focuses on coarse hair textures, which we like. It is made with sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and chamomile extract which are all great ingredients that promote hair growth.
Like most mousses on this list, it also has a non-greasy mousse formula and is lightweight which leaves no residue. In addition, the foam is pretty dense which means that one pump goes a long way. A great benefit, especially if you have thick kinky hair.
The unique formula of the Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse, Almond, and Avocado Collection provides a long-lasting hold while also keeping your hair soft and hydrated.
Remember that each hair product will work differently for different people. So you might need to try out a few different options before you find the one that works best for your hair type and styling needs.
How to use mousse on 4c hair?
There are multiple ways in which you can use mousse or setting foam. I recently discovered it for my braids. However, it is also your go-to product for 4c hair wash-n-go’s, as well as twist outs, and perm rod sets. Here is how to use mousse on 4c hair:
- As always start with freshly washed and detangled hair. Make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for natural hair and if overdue, use a deep conditioner.
- Next, section your hair into four parts, using butterfly hair clamps to keep them separated. This will help make the application process more smooth and clean.
- There is no need to completely dry your natural hair before applying the mousse as you get the best results with damp hair.
- Apply a small amount of mousse to your palms. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Now distribute the mousse throughout one section of your hair. Rub it in from the roots to the ends. Use your fingers to distribute the product evenly and separate your curls.
- It is normal for the foam to appear white as you apply it to your hair. Once it’s absorbed, your hair will lose its color again.
- Once you have applied mousse on your entire hair, shake your head in order to allow air to flow through your curls and give it more volume.
- You can also use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to gently dry your hair and enhance your curls. If you prefer to air dry, scrunch your hair gently as it dries to encourage curl formation.
- Once your hair is dry, you can use a light oil or serum to seal in moisture and add shine.
These are the steps you would use for a wash n go, however, the only difference is that your hair is in no protective hairstyle prior to applying the mousse. But you would follow the exact same steps if it was.
What to look out for in mousse
4c hair is a type of curly hair has a more delicate hair texture. This means it is more likely to dry out or even break. Therefore, you want to choose a mousse that is formulated with 4c hair in mind.
When shopping for mousse, look for products that contain natural oils and butters such as coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter. These ingredients can help moisturize and nourish the hair, while also providing hold and control.
Simultaneously, avoid products that contain alcohol as they can dry out your hair. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test with any new hair product before applying it. Pay attention to your hair’s reactions and adjust accordingly.
