Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Hair Mousse vs Gel for Curly Hair: Which Gives Better Hold?

Key Takeaways

  • If mousse moves, gel grooves, you can use curl mousse when you want lightweight bounce and natural shine. Go for a hair gel for stronger hold, humidity control, and sharper definition. 
  • You don't even have to pick sides. Layering hair mousse for wavy hair with gel for curly hair can give you volume and hold. 

In This Article 

Key Takeaways

Introduction

What is Hair Mousse?

What is Hair Gel?

What’s The Difference Between Mousse And Gel For Curly Hair?

Choosing Between Hair Mousse and Gel

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Your curls have a unique vibe, so do not let the wrong styler mess your style!

All my curly girlies, wavy kings, and coily cuties, are going to relate to this! When it comes to choosing the best curly hair products for styling, the choice between hair mousse and hair gel can literally make or break your wash day. So, if you have been wondering; Is hair mousse or gel better for curly hair hold, we are going to walk you through it all in this blog.

What is Hair Mousse?

First, let us talk about what does a hair mousse do. It's a lightweight foam that should be your go-to when your hair needs volume, bounce, and natural curl definition.

It is not greasy, therefore it won't wear you down. This makes hair mousse a hair a sweetheart of styling products for wavy hair and curls alike.

Manetain hair mousse 

Manetain’s curl mousse is absolutely the best because it can give your hair the instant lift that you want. 

  • The lightweight formulation won't leave your curls crunchy. 
  • If you are wondering, is mousse good for hair? Manetain’s hair mousse is the best. It has the power of ginseng, nettle, neroli, and bergamot that can give nourishment and shine to your hair. 
  • It is perfect for boosting volume, especially for fine hair that might feel flat. 
  • We highly recommend this curl mousse for wash days or quick refreshes midweek.
Mousse For Curly Hair

Pros of Hair Mousse

Believe us. A good hair mousse can hype up your curls just like your besties hype you up. 

  • It can add lightweight volume and bounce. 
  • It gives a natural curl definition. 
  • Curl mousse can keep curls soft, and smooth. 
  • The best thing is that you can easily pair a hair mousse with other styling products for wavy hair or curly hair.

Cons of Hair Mousse

Well, if you are thinking which is better for frizz control, mousse or gel, here are a few cons of using hair mousse for wavy hair that you should take note of. 

  • When we talk about hold, it is not as strong as a gel. 
  • Hair mousse may not be able to take frizz in high humidity. 
  • If your curls need definition, you will have to layer your hair mousse with other curly hair styling products.

Tips for Applying Mousse To Curly Hair

Now that you know what is hair mousse used for, you can follow these tips to enjoy its maximum benefits. 

  • Always apply curl mousse on cleansed and conditioned hair. 
  • For cleansing, you can check out some of the best shampoos for curly hair in India from Manetain. 
  • In terms of application, you will have to cleanse, scrunch and diffuse for maximum bounce.

What is Hair Gel?

A hair gel is thicker and smoother than curl mousse and it is built for long-lasting hold. If you are looking for sharp definition and frizz control that can easily navigate humidity, a hair gel is the best choice for you.

Manetain Hard Hold Gel

If you are thinking, does hair mousse give long-lasting hold for curls? The answer does not lie with a curl mousse but hair gel. 

  • Manetain’s strong hold gel for curly hair gives you maximum hold and definition. 
  • It is humidity-resistant, and therefore, you can say goodbye to that puff hairball drama 
  • The presence of amino acids and polymers can infuse shine in your hair. 
  • Manetain’s hard-hold gel can leave your curls defined for days.
Hard Hold Gel

Manetain Volume Gel 

The Manetain Volume Gel is perfect for medium hold and a lightweight feel. 

  • It has aloe vera, chia seed extracts, flaxseed and more that can give moisture and shine to your hair. 
  • If you love hair volume products, this will become your favorite in no time. 
  • Manetain’s Volumising hair gel for curly hair is a go-to choice for you when you want natural definition with volume.
Curly Hair Gel

Pros of Hair Gel

When you really want your curls to behave, a hair gel is the perfect pick for you.

  • A hair gel will give you a strong and long-lasting hold. 
  • It locks in definition for days. It works like a dream for frizz control.
  • And, if you're thinking, does mousse work on tight curls and coils? Well, it won't work as wonderfully as hair gel would.

Cons of Hair Gel

But hold up, your hair gel can also have mood swings!

  • There's always a risk of crunchy curls if you do not use the product in the right way. 
  • It takes longer to dry and scrunch out the cast.

Tips for Applying Gel To Curly Hair

Here are a few tips for applying hair gel. 

  • Always apply hair gel on dripping wet hair for best results. 

  • Use the praying hands method (this technique gets this name because your hands are literally going to look like they're in a prayer position when you apply the product) and then scrunch. Also, make sure that your hair is fully coated with gel. You can even section your hair for even application. 

  • You can use hair gel after applying curl cream for wavy hair or even leave-in hair conditioner

  • After your hair is 100% dry and the gel cast is formed, you can scrunch it to break the cast and fluff. You can also use a satin material or three drops of our oil to do so. This is one of the best tips to avoid frizz.

Praying hands method:

Take your hair gel, rub it between your palms, flatten your hands together and then glide your palms down a section on wet hair.

What’s The Difference Between Mousse And Gel For Curly Hair?

If you are wondering what is the difference between mousse and gel for curly hair, here is a table for your reference.

Feature

Hair Mousse

Hair Gel

Texture and Feel

Light, airy foam

Thick, smooth gel

Hold Strength

Light to medium

Medium to strong

Frizz Control

Moderate

Strong

Curl Definition

Curl Mousse is recommended for soft and natural curls

Sharp, structured curls

Shine

Natural

Glossy and perfect for achieving that wet look

Volume

Adds lift and bounce

Can weigh down if overused

Best For

Loose curls, waves

Tight curls, coils

Choosing Between Hair Mousse and Gel

Now let us decipher the big question, mousse or gel;

  • When to Choose Mousse

Choose mousse if you want lightweight, bouncy, and soft curls that move. We highly recommend curl mousse for waves and loose curls. 

  • When to Choose Gel

Choose gel if you want long-lasting, hold, humidity-proof definition, and frizz-free curls. Hair gel is highly recommended for coils and tighter curls.

In fact, you don't even have to choose. You can simply layer your hair mousse and gel to experience the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a mousse and a gel together?

Yes, you can use hair mousse for lift and hair gel for locking in the look.

Does mousse or gel make your hair crunchy?

Hair mousse will not leave your curls stiff or crunchy. It is lightweight, so your curls will still be able to retain their bounce. On the other hand, hair gel can create a cast around your curls. But once you scrunch it out, you will be able to unlock shine, frizz control, and long-lasting hold. It give a better hold as well. 

Is mousse good for curly hair in humid weather?

Humidity is every curly person's nightmare. While curl moves adds volume and definition, it is not too much to fight frizz in humid weather. That is exactly where hair gel comes in and steals the spotlight.

Which one holds your wavy hair better between mousse and gel?

When it comes to definition, gel takes the crown. Gel gives you sharp, well-defined, structured curls that hold their shape beautifully. The consistency of gel coats each curl strand, creating that enviable curl definition. Mousse gives you a softer, more natural-looking curl definition.

Should you use hair mousse or gel to hold heat styling?

Heat styling requires a stronger hold to maintain the style you’ve created, whether that’s curls from a curling iron or waves from a straightener. Gel’s stronger hold helps lock in your heat-styled look for longer.

Which is better for holding definition in hair, mousse or gel?

Gel provides medium to strong hold that can last for days, keeping your waves defined and in place. Mousse offers light to medium hold, which is perfect for soft, natural-looking waves that move freely.

Does mousse or gel make straight hair curly ?

If you have naturally straight hair, they won’t create curls from nothing. However, if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, these products can help bring out your natural texture. Mousse and gel enhance and define the curl pattern you already have.

Should gel be applied before or after mousse for curly hair?

Apply mousse to damp hair first to add volume and create that bouncy foundation. Let it sit for a minute, then apply gel on top to lock everything in and add hold. This layering technique gives you volume from the mousse and definition plus frizz control from the gel.

Which is better for taming curls and frizz: mousse or gel?

Gel creates a protective shield around each curl that locks out humidity and keeps frizz at bay, even on the most challenging weather days. Mousse offers moderate frizz control, which works fine for low-humidity environments or if your hair isn’t super prone to frizz.

Which is better for high-porosity hair: mousse or gel?

High-porosity hair is like a sponge; it absorbs everything quickly but also loses moisture fast. For this hair type, gel is generally the better option. Gel’s thicker consistency helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, which is exactly what high-porosity hair needs. It creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss throughout the day.

Does gel have a higher hold than mousse?

Gel typically offers medium to strong hold, while mousse provides light to medium hold. Mousse is for days when you want your hair to move naturally and feel soft. Gel is for when you want your curls to stay exactly where you put them,

Popular Searches

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse|Hair Setting Spray For Curls|Deep Conditioning Treatment|Dry Damaged Curly Hair Treatment|Curly Hair Accessories|Satin Headband|Hair Bonnet|Best Products For Curly Frizzy Hair|Scalp Buildup On Curly Hair|Good Hair Products For Dry Curly Hair|Best Products For Damaged Curly Hair|Frizz Control Products For Wavy Hair|Best Products For Coily Hair|Best Hair Products For Thin Hair

Popular Blogs

How To Exfoliate Scalp|How To Apply Curl Cream To Hair|Mousse Vs Gel For Curly Hair  How To Use Leave-In Conditioner | What Are The Best Hair Products For Curly Hair | Curly Hair Quotes |Types Of CurlsEasy Hairstyles For Naturally Curly Hair

Yuba Aga

Yuba Aga

Yuba Aga is the co-founder of Manetain and a certified curly and wavy hair stylist. She combines hands-on experience with deep technical knowledge, actively researching different hair types to guide product development, formulation and testing. She reviews every article on the Manetain blog to make sure it is clear, useful and genuinely addresses what people with wavy or curly hair look for. Having gone through her own struggles with textured hair and the lack of good options, Yuba draws on her knowledge of the Curly Girl Method and her experience at The Curl Project studio in Mumbai to share practical guidance and create products that truly work for the curly-hair community.

Follow her on  Instagram.

Read more

Exfoliate Scalp

How To Exfoliate Scalp At Home Naturally

Key Takeaways  If you have been struggling with dry, damaged, curly hair, itchy scalp, or flat curls; scalp exfoliation can be a game-changer for your haircare routine.  No matter if you choose ...

Read more
Water Bad For Hair

Is Hard Water Bad For Hair and What You Can Do About It

Key Takeaways  If you are thinking, is hard water bad for hair, yes it is; because it can lead to dryness, frizz, and even hair loss due to hard water.  Clarifying shampoos, ACV rinse, and deep co...

Read more