Styling textured hair offers numerous options, but beautiful braids stand out as a fashionable choice that not only enhances your look but also provides protective benefits.
Braids require considerable care, from their installation to maintenance. To keep them looking neat and polished, the use of styling foam or mousse proves highly effective.
Yet, when it comes to selecting the best mousse for braids, you might find yourself pondering.
Personally, during my transition to natural hair several years ago, I encountered a common issue. My braids, after just a week, would become excessively frizzy, leading to frustration.
Fortunately, my hairstylist offered valuable guidance. She recommended specific mousse brands and provided clear instructions for their application at home. This advice transformed my braiding experience.
Table of Contents
Comparison between the best mousse for Braids
Certainly, here’s the information in a table format:
| MOUSSE | Details |
|---|---|
| AllDay Locks & Braid Foam | – Reduces fraying – Soothes scalp – Replenishes moisture |
| Design Essentials Mousse | – Enhances definition – Reduces frizz – Dries quickly |
| Nairobi Foaming Lotion | – Tames frizz – No flaking – Provides silky sheen |
| The Doux Mousse | – Flexible hold – Hydrates the hair – Tames frizz |
| Mizani Foam Wrap Mousse | – Lightweight formula – Eliminates frizz – Hydrates hair |
| Vigorol Hair Mousse | – Moisturizes braids – Tames flyaways – Prevents split ends |
| Creme of Nature Mousse | – Flexible hold – Provides silky sheen – Moisturizes hair |
| SheaMoisture Mousse | – Lightweight – Tames frizz – Flexible hold |
| tgin Rose Water Mousse | – No build-up – Natural ingredients – Easy to apply |
What is mousse, and what advantages does it offer for braided hair?
Let’s start by defining mousse. Mousse is a lightweight styling product that resembles an airy foam in its application. It serves as an excellent substitute for heavier products like curling creams and oils, offering a styling option that won’t burden your hair and provides more volume.
Hold and control
Certainly, when you braid your hair, ensuring those braids stay firmly in place is a top priority. In this quest, mousse acts as your reliable ally, offering a light but effective hold that preserves the integrity of your braids throughout the day. Regardless of your level of activity, you can rest assured that your braids won’t become messy or unravel easily when you use mousse.
Tames frizz and flyaways
After a few days or weeks of having braids installed, you might notice that the roots and edges of your hair can become frizzy. This frizz can manifest as flyaways—those pesky little hairs that protrude from your braids. Flyaways have the frustrating potential to disrupt the overall appearance of your braids.
Here’s where mousse comes to the rescue. Applying mousse can effectively tame these flyaways, strays, and unruly baby hairs that seem to have a mind of their own. It smooths them down, helping you achieve a more put-together look. As a result, your braids appear neater and more polished.
Enhances definition
Mousse can work wonders by imparting texture and definition to your braids. Think of it as adding depth and personality to your hairstyle. With the application of mousse, your braids will no longer appear flat or dull; instead, they’ll take on a more vibrant and appealing look.
Extra volume
Have you ever admired those voluminous and bouncy braids that exude a cool and stylish vibe? Well, mousse has the power to transform your braids in this way, providing them with extra volume to appear thicker and fuller.
Drawing from personal experience, if you’re aiming to elevate your braids and give them that extra oomph, mousse stands as your ultimate go-to product. Its ability to enhance volume will make your braids look notably thicker and more impressive, allowing you to achieve that coveted stylish appearance.
Sleek look without build-up
Product buildup is a significant concern when it comes to braids. Therefore, using a lightweight and frothy mousse that seamlessly integrates with your hair is an ideal solution for refreshing the appearance of your braids.
Unlike gels and heavy creams, mousses won’t leave an unsightly residue on your hair or render it stiff and crunchy. Instead, they offer a robust hold, similar to other products, while simultaneously delivering a fresh, sleek, and shiny finish to your braids. This ensures that your hair not only looks great but also remains free from distracting buildup.
Soothing the scalp
Mousse has an additional benefit—it’s excellent for soothing the scalp, particularly when there’s tension from freshly installed braids or itching that can occur after wearing braids for a few weeks.
The foam texture of mousse delivers a satisfying cooling effect that your scalp will genuinely appreciate. It offers relief from discomfort, making it a comforting choice for maintaining scalp health while enjoying the style and protection of braids.
Longevity
When we invest the effort into having stylish braids installed, the desire for them to last is only natural. Mousse plays a crucial role here, functioning as a protective shield for your braids. It assists in keeping them in place and preserving their shape for an extended duration.
Thanks to mousse, you can savor your chic braided look for a prolonged period, ensuring that your investment in this stylish hairstyle remains worthwhile.
Best Mousse For Braids
Design Essentials Natural Almond and Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
Over time, your braids might lose their luster and appear lackluster and lifeless. To breathe new life into them, a rejuvenating touch with rich and nourishing oils is the remedy you need!
In this revitalizing formula, almond and avocado oil take center stage. They collaborate harmoniously to provide your hair with the moisture and deep nourishment it craves, bestowing upon it that radiant shine that only healthy hair can boast. Additionally, avocado oil contributes to strengthening the hair shaft, safeguarding it against breakage or snapping.
Think of these oils as a feast for your hair, promoting its happiness, radiance, and overall refreshment. And don’t let the soft and pliable hold fool you; it’s more than adequate for maintaining your braids.
Moreover, this mousse excels at managing those pesky stray hairs around the roots, ensuring you can continue flaunting your stunning braids without the interference of mischievous flyaways.
Pros:
- Contains a rich blend of oils, including almond, avocado, and olive oils
- Bestows a luminous shine without any greasy residue
- Enhances hair definition with a pliable hold
- Rapid drying without flaking
- Effectively reduces frizz and improves hair manageability
Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion
The Nairobi foaming lotion, originally designed for salon stylists, now empowers you to achieve salon-quality braids with ease, right in the comfort of your own space.
This foaming lotion excels in taming frizz, delivering impressive results even during the most humid seasons, such as summertime. Importantly, it does so without the drawbacks of flaking or leaving any unsightly white residue on your hair. Furthermore, unlike some styling products, it refrains from stiffening the hair.
In fact, it boasts the ability to bestow a silky sheen upon your braids almost instantly. This transformative effect makes your braids appear glossy and exceptionally healthy, akin to just having them professionally installed.
Additionally, the Nairobi foaming lotion serves as a protective shield for your hair when it comes to heat styling and blow-drying, making it an excellent choice for those moments when you decide to remove your braids and explore other creative hairstyles.
Pros:
- Offers salon-level performance and results
- Safeguards hair from heat damage
- Effectively controls frizz, especially in humid conditions
- Provides an instant silky sheen to the hair
- Doesn’t leave the hair stiff after styling
- No concerns about flaking or white residue
Cons:
- May cause a tingling sensation on sensitive scalps
AllDay Locks & Braid Foam Control
One of the most challenging aspects of wearing braids is dealing with the persistent itchiness and irritation that can affect your scalp, especially when the braids are tightly woven near the roots.
AllDay Locks’ foam proves to be a lifesaver for itchy scalps, thanks to its invigorating tea tree oil formulation. When applied, it imparts a refreshing, cooling sensation to the scalp, effectively alleviating discomfort while you continue to style and rejuvenate your braids.
This formula offers remarkable convenience, as it dries rapidly, ensuring you don’t need to endure extended waiting times for your hair to set. It also serves as a reliable solution for reducing fraying in the days following application.
This option is particularly appealing if you’re not a fan of frizz and prefer not to spend excessive time waiting for your hair to take its shape.
Pros:
- Sets braids in place and minimizes fraying
- Enriched with tea tree oil to soothe scalp itchiness
- Doesn’t flake, even with generous application
- Dries quickly, minimizing waiting time
- Provides a long-lasting hold for your braids
- Replenishes moisture to the braids
Cons:
- The product may run out relatively quickly, typically within 2-3 weeks of regular use.
Mizani Foam Wrap Mousse
The Mizani styling mousse is versatile, delivering exceptional results not only for roller sets and wraps but also when applied to braids.
It serves as a valuable asset for freshly installed braids, prolonging their lifespan, and can also work wonders on older, frizzy braids, effectively rejuvenating their appearance.
What makes this mousse particularly suitable for braids is its lightweight formulation, which eliminates the risk of flaking. This unique formula also facilitates excellent absorption, leaving your braids with a radiant shine.
A key ingredient, Monoi oil, plays a pivotal role in nourishing your hair by preventing the loss of protein and moisture. This ensures that your hair receives the necessary hydration, and as a result, your braids look exceptionally shiny.
Furthermore, when employed for wraps, molds, and roller sets, this mousse offers a long-lasting hold that keeps your hairstyles perfectly in place.
Pros:
- Non-flaking formula
- Effective at eliminating frizz
- Monoi oil helps prevent protein loss
- Provides much-needed hydration to the hair
- Leaves braids with a glossy appearance
- Lightweight formulation for comfortable application
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
Mousse isn’t just for styling; it can also provide nourishment to your hair! The Doux’s texture foam offers a unique combination of touchable hold, anti-frizz smoothness, and essential nutrients to promote thicker and more lustrous hair.
Unlike gels and hairsprays, this foam doesn’t leave that annoying crunch, and it’s completely free of flakiness. Instead, it contains natural humectants that work to hydrate your braids, restoring their shine while combating frizz-inducing humidity.
Additionally, this foam features protein-rich silk amino acids, which play a vital role in strengthening your hair, making it more resilient. Beyond achieving neat and refreshed braids, you’ll also be nurturing the health of your hair.
So, if you’re seeking hydration and hair strengthening, look no further—this foam has got you covered.
Pros:
- Provides a touchable and flexible hold
- Controls the sleekness of your hairstyle
- Natural humectants hydrate the hair, enhancing shine
- Silk amino acids strengthen the hair
- Effectively resists frizz caused by humidity
- Leaves no crunch or flaking
Cons:
- Excessive product use can potentially weigh down the hair.
Vigorol Relaxed Hair Mousse
If you’re in search of a creamier, more nourishing mousse, Vigorol has the perfect product for you. While originally designed for relaxed hair, this mousse proves exceptionally replenishing for both natural hair and braids.
It features a blend of avocado oil and jojoba oil, both rich in moisturizing properties, without leaving any sticky residue. Additionally, the inclusion of wheat proteins strengthens the hair, preventing split ends and hair breakage.
This mousse excels at taming flyaways and baby hairs, ensuring your braids maintain a sleek finish even after several weeks of refreshing. The standout feature is that it leaves each braid feeling silky-smooth and entirely touchable.
This product serves as a testament to the transformative power of proper hair care, as it enhances the radiance of your hair from the inside out.
Pros:
- Contains avocado and jojoba oils for effective braids moisturization
- Enriched with wheat proteins to strengthen the hair
- Prevents split ends and hair breakage
- Effectively tames flyaway hair, achieving a sleek finish
- Leaves hair silky-smooth for an extended period
Cons:
- May not be the best choice for those with hair sensitive to protein.
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style and Shine Foaming Mousse
Crème of Nature introduces an innovative approach by transforming the miracle ingredient, argan oil, into a mousse format that works wonders for your textured hair and braids.
This unique oil-to-mousse formula gracefully foams up, rejuvenating your braids. The argan oil within this product plays a pivotal role in nourishing and moisturizing dry, damaged, and brittle hair.
Its slick and slippery texture effectively tames frizz and those pesky flyaway baby hairs, ensuring your braids stay sleek and polished. Additionally, it imparts a healthy sheen to your braids, revitalizing their appearance, even if it’s been weeks or months since installation.
This mousse strikes a balance between offering a firm hold on your braids and maintaining a touchable quality—precisely what you need to combat potential frizz and dullness that can develop over time.
Pros:
- Features a unique oil-to-foam format
- Provides a flexible yet firm hold on braids
- Contains nourishing argan oil that adds a healthy sheen
- Effectively moisturizes dry and damaged hair
- Eliminates frizz and flyaways
- Possesses a fresh and pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering
Cons:
- Excessive product use can potentially result in a greasy feeling.
tgin Rose Water Defining Mousse
The tgin mousse proves to be a valuable asset in the battle against frizz, elevating the polished appearance of your protective braided style.
This mousse’s formula incorporates rose water and acai berries, two potent ingredients that contribute to a healthier scalp environment, ultimately supporting overall hair growth. Rose water, abundant in antioxidants and various vitamins, offers a multitude of benefits for the hair. It effectively combats frizz, reduces excess oiliness, and fosters hair growth, all of which contribute to healthier and more manageable hair.
When combined with acai berries, the rose water in this mousse delivers ample moisture without weighing down your hair. Additionally, this product boasts being free from sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, lanolin, and artificial coloring—avoiding these harsh chemicals can be instrumental in maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t lead to build-up
- Effectively controls frizz on braids
- Natural ingredients promote hair health
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Enhances the shine of your braids
- Easy application process
Cons:
- The scent may not be appealing to some users.
SheaMoisture Mousse With Tea Tree and Borage Seed Oil
The SheaMoisture mousse stands out as a versatile and effective hair styling product, offering numerous benefits, particularly for those with braids.
This mousse excels in taming frizzy braids, helping you achieve a smooth and polished appearance—a coveted quality for braided styles.
For those mindful of product ingredients, this mousse does not disappoint. It’s formulated without parabens, which are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. Paraben-free products are generally considered better for hair health, reducing the risk of irritation and potential long-term negative effects.
Instead, the mousse is enriched with tea tree oil, borage seed oil, and aloe vera. Tea tree oil, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, soothes the scalp and fosters a healthy environment for hair growth. Borage seed oil contains essential fatty acids that nourish both the hair and scalp, promoting overall hair health. Aloe vera contributes moisture and hydration, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and manageable.
Upon application, the mousse leaves a seamless finish, avoiding any sticky or crunchy texture. It comes in a convenient pump dispenser, making it easy to apply. To control flyaways on your braids, simply pump a small amount into your hands and work it through the braids, starting from the roots to the ends.
Pros:
- Effectively tames frizz and flyaways
- Provides a soft and flexible hold
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients
- Paraben-free formula
- Offers a light and non-greasy feel
- Suitable for both dry and wet application
Cons:
- The effectiveness of this mousse may diminish in humid weather conditions throughout the day, necessitating reapplication.
How to use mousse to maintain braids?
As the days or weeks pass following the installation of your braids, you may begin to notice some frizz, particularly near the crown of your head. Additionally, your braids might lose their shine and appear somewhat lackluster.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to address these concerns—utilizing a light and foamy mousse. The application of mousse is straightforward and essentially self-explanatory.
Mousses typically come in an aerosol can, dispensing the product in a thick, foamy texture reminiscent of whipped cream. You have two primary options for application: you can either take some mousse into your hand and begin distributing it from the roots, or you can opt for a more generous approach and spray the foam directly onto your scalp.
For those experiencing itching on the scalp due to prolonged braids, the latter method is advisable, especially when dealing with tightly woven cornrows.
As you glide and pat the mousse across your scalp and roots, gently work it down the length of the braids, ensuring even distribution throughout the hair. Take care in how you handle your braids, as you want to avoid being too rough and potentially causing tiny curls to protrude from the locks.
Once the product has melded seamlessly into the hair, and no white, foamy residue remains visible, carefully secure your braids into a bun or low ponytail for a polished finish.
To ensure that your braids maintain a flawless appearance, consider wearing a silk scarf over your head. This step helps prevent any kinks from popping out of the braids, particularly around the scalp area. While it’s not mandatory, it serves as an excellent extra measure for maintaining the pristine look of your braids.
Allow your hair to sit for 1-2 hours or until the mousse completely dries down. During this time, the mousse will work its magic, enhancing the overall look of your braids.
Once you’ve completed this waiting period, carefully release your hair from the bun and gently remove the silk scarf. You’ll be greeted by the sight of fresh, wet-looking braids that exude sleekness and shine, appearing as though they were just freshly installed. It’s a simple yet effective way to revitalize your braids and keep them looking their best.
How often to apply mousse to braids?
Understanding the appropriate frequency for applying mousse is essential to maintain the sleek and polished appearance of your braids while also preserving the health of your hair.
First Time:
When you initially braid your hair and apply mousse, ensure thorough coverage of your braids with the product. Mousse plays a pivotal role in securing your braids in place and providing them with a pleasing texture. However, exercise caution not to overdo it, as excessive mousse application can leave your hair feeling sticky and heavy.
Apply When Needed:
After the initial application, you may find it necessary to use mousse as needed. The frequency of mousse application depends on your hair type and daily activities. Individuals with hair prone to frizz may benefit from a light application of mousse in the morning to maintain a polished appearance.
Active Days:
On days when you are highly active or experience significant sweating, your braids may require extra attention. Mousse can be your ally in taming frizz and ensuring your braids maintain a tidy appearance, even after a workout or a busy day.
At Night:
It is not advisable to leave mousse in your braids while you sleep. Instead, utilize a satin bonnet to protect your braids during the night. This simple step will help your braids retain their shape and appear fresh when you wake up.
Don’t Use Too Much:
It is crucial to exercise restraint and avoid excessive mousse use on a daily basis. Overusing mousse can make your hair appear greasy and weigh down your braids, diminishing their charm. If you notice an excess of mousse in your hair, it’s time to wash it and start anew.
Watch Your Braids:
Stay attentive to the condition of your braids throughout the day. If you observe your braids losing their shape or appearing disheveled, consider it a signal that a small amount of mousse can breathe life back into them, enhancing their appearance.
Storing and traveling with mousse products
Let’s discuss how to properly store and travel with your mousse products to ensure your hair always looks its best.
Storing Mousse at Home:
When your mousse is not in use, treat it like a precious treasure that requires safekeeping. Ensure that the cap or lid is tightly closed to prevent air from entering the container. Exposure to air can lead to the mousse drying out or losing its effectiveness.
Choose a suitable location in your room, such as a drawer or shelf, where you can store your mousse. It’s crucial to avoid storing it in areas that are excessively hot or exposed to direct sunlight, such as near a window, as this can adversely affect its performance. Proper storage safeguards your mousse, keeping it fresh and ready for your next braiding adventure.
Traveling with Mousse:
If you’re embarking on a fun trip or vacation and want to bring your mousse along, the process is quite straightforward.
Firstly, check the size of your mousse bottle to ensure it complies with airline travel regulations if you’re flying. Many mousse products offer smaller, travel-sized bottles that adhere to these regulations, allowing you to carry them in your carry-on luggage.
To prevent any potential messy mishaps, place the mousse bottle in a resealable plastic bag or a small toiletry bag. This step ensures that even if the bottle were to leak or spill during travel, it won’t affect the contents of your luggage.
If you’re traveling by car, take care to position your mousse in a secure spot where it won’t tip over or spill during the journey. By following these precautions, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about your mousse causing any inconveniences.
You might want to read also: Dry Oil For Hair: 4 Benefits And Best Way to Use
To sum up
Styling is a significant aspect of maintaining impeccably neat and well-kept braids, and mousse emerges as arguably the best product choice. It accomplishes this without adding unnecessary weight to your hair or causing the dreaded product build-up.
Mousse assumes a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of your braids. It achieves this by keeping them securely in place, imparting volume, and efficiently taming frizz and flyaways, resulting in a polished and immaculate appearance for your braids.
Furthermore, the right mousse has the power to elevate your braids, rendering them thicker, more defined, and inherently stylish throughout the day. It’s important to remember that selecting a mousse tailored to specific weather conditions can significantly impact the outcome of your braided hairstyle.
Mousse is incredibly versatile and can adapt to various weather-related challenges, ensuring that your braided hairstyle maintains its beauty and impeccable condition, regardless of the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature.
Discovering the perfect mousse for your braids opens the door to unleashing your creativity and reveling in the transformative effects it bestows upon your hairstyles.
If you’ve been pondering the question of what constitutes the best mousse for braids, I hope this review serves as a valuable resource in helping you select a brand that aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.
