Curly hair requires special care and regardless of your curl type, you probably have several products to maintain your look. Two of the most popular curly hair products are gel and mousse, but there can be a lot of confusion about the differences between the two and which is better for curly hair.
To help you pick the right product, we’ll explain what hair mousse and gel are along with the pros, cons and differences of each option. Plus, we’ll answer a few common questions about these products, including if you can use gel and mousse together and tips for how to do exactly that.
If you want more product recs for your unique hair type, texture, concerns and goals — check out our shampoo + conditioner guide or our hair quiz for personalized recommendations!
What is hair mousse? and what does it do for curly hair?
Hair mousse is a lightweight and airy product that comes pressurized in a can or bottle and is dispersed as foam. In fact, the term “mousse” is actually French for foam. Mousse adds light hold and volume that results in a natural look.
It typically works most effectively on wet hair, but can also be used on dry hair when you need to touch up or don’t have time for a wash. Mousse is ideal for natural, loose voluminous styles with light definition.
Hair mousse pros
- Adds light hold without weighing hair down - perfect for thin hair
- May increase volume and bounce for loose waves and curls
- Can help tame frizz
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
Hair mousse cons
- Only provides light hold, which may not work for short, curly hairstyles
- May not work in mid to high humidity climates
- Lacks moisture and can dry out fine hair
- Doesn’t add a noticeable definition for tight curls
What is hair gel? and how does it help curl hair?
Hair gel is a styling product used to add strong hold and definition so your curls maintain their pattern throughout the day. It usually comes in a jar or tube in the form of a thick, jelly-like substance that can be clear or colored.
It’s easy to spread over your hair and dries quickly to lock in your hairstyle. Hair gel is great for creating a sleek, defined hairstyle that requires strong hold or even a lighter style that you want to last longer without constant maintenance.
Hair gel pros
- Can provide strong, long-lasting hold and definition
- Fights frizz and tames flyaways, even in strong humidity
- Layers well with other styling products including creams and oils
- Versatile styling options — you can scrunch for loose definition or finger coil for tight curls
Hair gel cons
- Can be overly heavy and weigh hair down
- May contain harsh chemicals like alcohol that weaken the hair shaft
- Can leave your hair feeling sticky, crunchy or brittle if you do not scrunch after drying
Differences between using hair mousse and gel for curls
The main difference between a hair mousse vs. gel is the definition and hold each product offers. A mousse offers light definition for loose, bouncy curls — but the hold may not last long. By comparison, a gel offers strong definition and long-lasting hold which is great for sleek styles.
What about curl cream?
Curl cream adds moisture and light definition—perfect for waves and curls that need hydration without the crunch. The result is often softer, smoother hair. The main downside with creams is that they often offer less frizz control so you’ll likely want to pair this type of product with a gel for a stronger hold. Curl cream, mousse, and gel all define curls, but they each bring something different to the party.
| Trait | Mousse | Gel | Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| What It Is | Lightweight foam styler with airy texture | Thick styling product that creates hold and definition | Rich, conditioning formula that adds moisture and smoothness |
| Pros | • Adds volume • Great for soft, bouncy curls • Doesn’t weigh hair down |
• Maximum hold • Long-lasting definition • Helps with frizz control |
• Hydrating • Enhances softness • Tames frizz without crunch |
| Cons | • Less hold • Can dry out curls if used too often |
• Can feel crunchy or stiff • May flake if overused |
• Can be too heavy for fine hair • May weigh down looser curl patterns |
| Best For | Fine or wavy curls that need volume and movement | Curly to coily textures that want defined, long-lasting curl shape | Thick, dry, or coarse curls that crave moisture and frizz control |
| Key Difference | Lightest texture and best for boosting volume | Strongest hold and curl definition | Most moisturizing; best for soft, hydrated curls with minimal crunch |
Is gel or mousse better for curly and wavy hair?
One product isn’t always better than the other, whether you should use a mousse or a gel depends on the curly hairstyle you’re going for. If you’re going for a natural, loose, and airy look — a mousse is the ideal product.
If you’re going for a sleek, defined style — opt for the gel. Just be sure to also consider the maintenance you’re willing to deal with. Mousse offers less hold, so choosing it over a gel means you might need some touch ups throughout the day.
Can I use mousse and gel together?
You can use a mousse and gel together, and experimenting with both products can be a great way to create a unique style or at the least, see which option you prefer. If you choose to use both products, you should always start with the mousse before the gel.
This is because mousse is lighter than gel so it’s best to layer lighter products before heavier formulas. Gel can act like hairspray in that it locks in all the products that came before it so it’s often the last product you want to apply to your curls before drying.
Keep in mind that the more products you add to your hair, the more likely you are to weigh down your strands. If you have thin or fine hair, you may need to experiment with different product combinations to make sure you get the desired look you’re going for.
Get the perks of a mousse and a gel in a single product
For those blessed with natural curls, the journey to finding the “perfect” styling product can often feel like a never-ending quest. We want defined curls without the dreaded crunchiness or heaviness that traditional gels or mousses can leave behind.
Instead of choosing between a mousse or gel, get the best of both worlds with our Curl Foaming Gel. With a lightweight consistency to distribute evenly on your waves, curls and coils, it offers the frizz control and definition of gel, with the crunch-free finish of a mousse. Our Curl Foaming Gel can reduce frizz by 84% and can increase curl retention by 29%!*
To style your curls with the Curl Foaming Gel, simply dispense a small amount into your palms and distribute evenly through damp hair, gently scrunching the ends to enhance curl definition.
Whether you choose to air dry or diffuse, our Curl Foaming Gel can leave your curls looking and feeling their best. Plus, it can work great for refreshing curls and waves on second and third-day hair, to help maintain your curls and waves with less effort!
How to add the Curly Foaming Gel to your routine
Adding mousse or gel to your curl routine doesn’t mean you have to end up with crunchy or stiff curls — not with the right steps (and products). Our Curl collection is made to hydrate, define, and hold your curls without weighing them down or drying them out. Here's how to layer in our Curl Foaming Gel and make the most of your routine.
1. Cleanse gently
Start with Curl Shampoo to cleanse without stripping your natural oils. It’s sulfate-free and made to boost definition right from the wash.
2. Condition like you mean it
Follow with Curl Conditioner to hydrate, detangle, and prep your curls for styling. Rinse thoroughly or leave a bit in for extra moisture.
3. Apply your gel
On soaking wet hair, rake through Curl Foaming Gel from roots to ends. It gives the hold of a gel with the bounce of a mousse—minus the crunch. For more volume, scrunch it in at the roots.
4. Let it set
Air-dry or diffuse. If you notice a light cast once your curls are dry, gently scrunch it out with your hands or a bit of lightweight oil to reveal soft, defined curls.
5. BONUS: Mask when needed
Once a week (or whenever your curls feel dry or dull), use the Curl Defining Mask. It gives deeper hydration and helps curls stay defined and soft longer. Do this step in place of your conditioner that day.
Looking for more curl products? Shop the collection!
Learning how to choose the right products for curly hair can be overwhelming — but with the help of the right ingredients and methods, anything is possible.
If you want more product recs for your unique hair type, texture, concerns and goals — check out our shampoo + conditioner guide or our hair quiz for personalized recommendations!
Need help choosing the right products for your curly hair? Check out our in-depth curly hair product guide that includes specific recommendations for each type. Or head to our Curl Collection for more options that are great for waves, coils and kinks of all kinds!
*proven results in a third-party testing lab Our Curl Foaming Gel is formulated with jojoba oil and our proprietary Sunflower Curl™ Complex, which can help to deeply nourish and lock in moisture for curls that are hydrated, light and defined. It’s also paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan and has no harmful sulfates.
