Latest news with #curlyhair
Vogue
3 days ago
- General
- Vogue
The Best Mousse for Curly Hair Adds Bounce Back Into Limp Strands
When defining curl pattern and taming frizz, the best mousse for curly hair isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a textured hair care essential. So often, curly and coily hair is misunderstood, with products either weighing it down or drying it out. On the other hand, mousse is light as air (dare we say, whipped, even) and packed with just enough hold; it walks the fine line between structure and bounce, letting curls live their best, most voluminous lives. And unlike heavier gels or creams, a good mousse enhances natural texture without crunchiness. It adds body, combats humidity, and keeps curls soft and touchable. 'Styling mousse is one of those products that can amplify any curl formation and hair routine,' says celebrity hair stylist and creative director of Virtue Labs, Adir Abergel. 'Mousse gives hair instant definition, hold, and moisture.' Abergel adds, 'Finding the right product is all about what works best for your curls. Don't be afraid to experiment a little!' Vogue's Favorite Mousse for Curly Hair In This Story Below, discover the best mousses for every curl type—high-performing formulas that deliver results, from affordable to prestige price points (and yes, even frizzy, dry hair can achieve bouncy curls with the right styling products). Best for Frizz: Shea Moisture Curl Mousse SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse $12 $11 AMAZON Why We Love It : Featherlight yet impressively effective, this coconut and hibiscus-infused mousse delivers frizz control, shine, and definition in one effortless step. Powered by a blend of nourishing ingredients—coconut oil for deep moisture, silk protein for a smooth finish, and neem oil to to increase anti frizz results—this leaves curls soft, bouncy, and delicately scented. Plus it's free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens. : Featherlight yet impressively effective, this coconut and hibiscus-infused mousse delivers frizz control, shine, and definition in one effortless step. Powered by a blend of nourishing ingredients—coconut oil for deep moisture, silk protein for a smooth finish, and neem oil to to increase anti frizz results—this leaves curls soft, bouncy, and delicately scented. Plus it's free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Key Ingredients : Water, shea butter, panthenol, coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract, silk powder, glycerin, rapeseed seed oil : Water, shea butter, panthenol, coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract, silk powder, glycerin, rapeseed seed oil Best For : Fighting frizz on most curl pattern types. : Fighting frizz on most curl pattern types. Size: 7.5 fl oz Best for Protective Styles: Pattern Beauty Curl Mousse Why We Love It: Tracee Ellis Ross's beauty brand specializes in curls and coils, to emphasize the beauty of natural hair—her mousse is packed with naturally-derived ingredients—marshmallow root smooths and detangle, while castor oil locks in moisture and shine. Plus, the added bonus of biotin strengthens strands to prevent against future breakage. 'If you want a few extra days out of your twist-out, then the Pattern Curl Mousse needs to be in your arsenal,' celebrity stylist Naeemah LaFond previously told Vogue. Plus, per Tardo, it also helps add major shine, with super soft-to-touch lengths. Vogue's senior beauty commerce writer Kiana Murden routinely reaches for this mousse to refresh braids and protective styles on wash day. Tracee Ellis Ross's beauty brand specializes in curls and coils, to emphasize the beauty of natural hair—her mousse is packed with naturally-derived ingredients—marshmallow root smooths and detangle, while castor oil locks in moisture and shine. Plus, the added bonus of biotin strengthens strands to prevent against future breakage. 'If you want a few extra days out of your twist-out, then the Pattern Curl Mousse needs to be in your arsenal,' celebrity stylist Naeemah LaFond previously told Vogue. Plus, per Tardo, it also helps add major shine, with super soft-to-touch lengths. Vogue's senior beauty commerce writer Kiana Murden routinely reaches for this mousse to refresh braids and protective styles on wash day. Key Ingredients: Marshmallow root, castor oil, biotin Marshmallow root, castor oil, biotin Best For: Textures 3A–4C looking for definition, softness, and versatile styling options. Textures 3A–4C looking for definition, softness, and versatile styling options. Size: 8 fl oz Best for Multipurpose Styling: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam $16 $14 AMAZON Why We Love It : Another Black-owned and -operated brand, The Doux's moisturizing mousse delivers salon-level results with a nourishing, treatment-first approach to curl definition. Silk amino acids help strengthen strands and boost elasticity, keeping curls resilient and full of bounce. Aloe vera juice offers deep hydration and cuticle-smoothing benefits to tame frizz and enhance shine. At the same time, vitamin E provides antioxidant protection to support overall hair health. Bonus: it's extremely versatile. Whether you're defining your natural curl pattern or smoothing edges for sleek, heat-styled looks, this flake-free formula rises to the occasion—no crunch, no compromise. : Another Black-owned and -operated brand, The Doux's moisturizing mousse delivers salon-level results with a nourishing, treatment-first approach to curl definition. Silk amino acids help strengthen strands and boost elasticity, keeping curls resilient and full of bounce. Aloe vera juice offers deep hydration and cuticle-smoothing benefits to tame frizz and enhance shine. At the same time, vitamin E provides antioxidant protection to support overall hair health. Bonus: it's extremely versatile. Whether you're defining your natural curl pattern or smoothing edges for sleek, heat-styled looks, this flake-free formula rises to the occasion—no crunch, no compromise. Key Ingredients : Silk amino acids, aloe leaf juice, vitamin E : Silk amino acids, aloe leaf juice, vitamin E Best For : Defining curls to coils, or locking out humidity from heat styled sleek looks. : Defining curls to coils, or locking out humidity from heat styled sleek looks. Size: 7 fl oz Best for Sensitive Scalps: Rizos Curls Defining Mousse Why We Love It : This dermatologist-tested formula is made with 96% naturally derived ingredients for maximum hydration (without weighing hair down)—making it effective and safe for even the most sensitive of scalpss. 'It doesn't make the hair greasy, but it gives it a shiny and light feeling,' celebrity hair stylist Alex Thao previously told Vogue. The formula includes cactus flower extract for vitamin-rich nourishment, maracuja oil for frizz-fighting softness, and red algae for anti-oxidant protection. Plus, it's also vegan, cruelty-free, and climate neutral certified. : This dermatologist-tested formula is made with 96% naturally derived ingredients for maximum hydration (without weighing hair down)—making it effective and safe for even the most sensitive of scalpss. 'It doesn't make the hair greasy, but it gives it a shiny and light feeling,' celebrity hair stylist Alex Thao previously told Vogue. The formula includes cactus flower extract for vitamin-rich nourishment, maracuja oil for frizz-fighting softness, and red algae for anti-oxidant protection. Plus, it's also vegan, cruelty-free, and climate neutral certified. Key Ingredients : Cactus flower extract, maracuja oil, red algae, coconut water, flaxseed, chia extract, and aloe vera : Cactus flower extract, maracuja oil, red algae, coconut water, flaxseed, chia extract, and aloe vera Best For: Vitamin-rich hair hydration, for 2A-4C pattern types Vitamin-rich hair hydration, for 2A-4C pattern types Size: 6.8 fl oz Best for Shine: Davines Oi Soufflé Hair Mousse Davines OI Soufflé Hair Mousse $47 NORDSTROM Why We Love It : New to the mousse category as a whole (and properly caring for her wavy hair, in general), Vogue's beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo turns to Davines mousse for added shine and a silky feel. 'Before the product even starts working its impossible not to notice how lovely it smells—resinous notes of amber blend with musk and pine for something mature yet delectablem,' says Ciarlo. 'The formula itself is super lightweight, never weighing down my bob. The blend of amino acids add shine, while the addition of roucou oil combats frizz. It's a leave-in conditioner, mousse, and hair perfume all in one.' Plus, did we mention it also protects up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit? : New to the mousse category as a whole (and properly caring for her wavy hair, in general), Vogue's beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo turns to Davines mousse for added shine and a silky feel. 'Before the product even starts working its impossible not to notice how lovely it smells—resinous notes of amber blend with musk and pine for something mature yet delectablem,' says Ciarlo. 'The formula itself is super lightweight, never weighing down my bob. The blend of amino acids add shine, while the addition of roucou oil combats frizz. It's a leave-in conditioner, mousse, and hair perfume all in one.' Plus, did we mention it also protects up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit? Key Ingredients: Roucou oil, chicory root extract, plant-based amino acids Roucou oil, chicory root extract, plant-based amino acids Best For : Adding shine and definition to wavy hair types : Adding shine and definition to wavy hair types Size: 4.23 oz Best for Setting Rollers: Motions Versatile Foam Styling Lotion Motions Versatile Foam Styling Lotion $25 AMAZON Why We Love It : Known for her love of vintage, Vogue's senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba is also instantly recognizable for her golden age Hollywood starlet hair. 'This product is amazing for when I'm trying to make my hair curly because it smooths it out, but also, it's the perfect foam to put on a teasing brush to give you a tight slick pony,' she says. 'Plus, it smells like a piña colada!' Needless to say, Motions's mousse can do it all: setting styles, wraps, roller sets, and wash-and-gos. : Known for her love of vintage, Vogue's senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba is also instantly recognizable for her golden age Hollywood starlet hair. 'This product is amazing for when I'm trying to make my hair curly because it smooths it out, but also, it's the perfect foam to put on a teasing brush to give you a tight slick pony,' she says. 'Plus, it smells like a piña colada!' Needless to say, Motions's mousse can do it all: setting styles, wraps, roller sets, and wash-and-gos. Key Ingredients : Shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil : Shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil Best For : Setting various looks—from heat styles to wash-and-gos. : Setting various looks—from heat styles to wash-and-gos. Size: 8.5 fl oz Best Dry or Wet Styling: Briogeo Miracle Styling Foam Why We Love It : 'Our foam is a lightweight, airier form of mousse that has a higher water content and can be used on wet hair to help amplify body and volume and provide a greater longevity of hold to the desired style,' Briogeo founder Nancy Twine previously told Vogue. 'This product is the first wet-styling, volumizing, style-extending, heat-protection product we've ever created.' Nourishing yet lightweight ingredients such as plum oil and yuzu extract keep hair moisturized—never dry nor crunchy. Plus, if you opt for a silky blowout instead, the formula delivers heat protection up to 450° degrees Fahrenheit. : 'Our foam is a lightweight, airier form of mousse that has a higher water content and can be used on wet hair to help amplify body and volume and provide a greater longevity of hold to the desired style,' Briogeo founder Nancy Twine previously told Vogue. 'This product is the first wet-styling, volumizing, style-extending, heat-protection product we've ever created.' Nourishing yet lightweight ingredients such as plum oil and yuzu extract keep hair moisturized—never dry nor crunchy. Plus, if you opt for a silky blowout instead, the formula delivers heat protection up to 450° degrees Fahrenheit. Key Ingredients : Glycerin, yuzu extract, plum oil, squalane, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, sunflower seed oil, panthenol : Glycerin, yuzu extract, plum oil, squalane, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, sunflower seed oil, panthenol Best For : Amplifying natural curl patterns or providing heat protection on heat styled lengths/ : Amplifying natural curl patterns or providing heat protection on heat styled lengths/ Size: 5 fl oz Best for Humidity: Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse Why We Love It : Living in a warm climate or preparing to jet off to a tropical location? To ensure your curls win the battle against style-disrupting humidity, you'll need a product to combat unwanted external moisture. Enter Oribe's curl-shaping mousse—the formula blends naturally-derived proteins and amino acids to seal the hair's cuticle with hydrating ingredients and lock out frizz-causing humidity. Speaking of sun-soaked days, this mousse also provides UV protection thanks to a blend of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extract. Of course, it also leaves curls with gentle hold and definition—as a mousse should. : Living in a warm climate or preparing to jet off to a tropical location? To ensure your curls win the battle against style-disrupting humidity, you'll need a product to combat unwanted external moisture. Enter Oribe's curl-shaping mousse—the formula blends naturally-derived proteins and amino acids to seal the hair's cuticle with hydrating ingredients and lock out frizz-causing humidity. Speaking of sun-soaked days, this mousse also provides UV protection thanks to a blend of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extract. Of course, it also leaves curls with gentle hold and definition—as a mousse should. Key Ingredients : Watermelon extract, lychee extract, edelweiss flower extract, hydrolyzed amaranth protein, sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat amino acids : Watermelon extract, lychee extract, edelweiss flower extract, hydrolyzed amaranth protein, sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat amino acids Best For : Humidity resistant curl hold, thats keratin and color safe. : Humidity resistant curl hold, thats keratin and color safe. Size: 5.7 oz Best Reparative: Virtue Curl-Defining Whip Why We Love It : Like all Virtue products, the brand's patented keratin is the star ingredient to fill in damaged hair, bolstering each strand with its reparative properties. Of Virtue's lineup, Abergel says his favorite mousse is Virtue's Curl-Defining Whip 'because it combines a hydrating cream with a souffle-like texture that spreads easily through the hair, and it gives just the right amount of hold while still keeping curls soft, frizz free and hydrated.' He explains that it includes the brand's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60 ku, 'which not only repares damaged cuticles and refills microscopic cracks in hair, but also protects against humidity, heat, and environmental damage,' adding that it also helps to add density to fine hair. Meanwhile, Boabab oil, rich in vitamins and omega-3 oils, floods hair with much needed moisturize, while shea butter doubles down on hydration and chia seed extract protects against oxidative stress and environmental pollutants. : Like all Virtue products, the brand's patented keratin is the star ingredient to fill in damaged hair, bolstering each strand with its reparative properties. Of Virtue's lineup, Abergel says his favorite mousse is Virtue's Curl-Defining Whip 'because it combines a hydrating cream with a souffle-like texture that spreads easily through the hair, and it gives just the right amount of hold while still keeping curls soft, frizz free and hydrated.' He explains that it includes the brand's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60 ku, 'which not only repares damaged cuticles and refills microscopic cracks in hair, but also protects against humidity, heat, and environmental damage,' adding that it also helps to add density to fine hair. Meanwhile, Boabab oil, rich in vitamins and omega-3 oils, floods hair with much needed moisturize, while shea butter doubles down on hydration and chia seed extract protects against oxidative stress and environmental pollutants. Key Ingredients : Alpha keratin 60ku, baobab oil, linseed extract, shea butter, chia seed Extract : Alpha keratin 60ku, baobab oil, linseed extract, shea butter, chia seed Extract Best For : Dry or damaged hair types : Dry or damaged hair types Size: 5.5 oz Best for Waves: Ouai Air Dry Foam Ouai Air Dry Foam $28 AMAZON Why We Love It : Looking for hair styling with no tools required? Whether you have naturally wavy hair, or want to preserve a tousled look post beach day, Ouai's Air Dry Foam is a gold standard for an undone yet refined air-dried look. Kale extract (rich in vitamins A, C, and K) provide nutritious hydration, improving overall follicle strength. Meanwhile, panthenol seals each strand's cuticle, preventing frizz and split ends—which also just so happens to cut down drying time. (That's right, among being unsightly, frizz also hangs onto moisture, making dry time longer!) : Looking for hair styling with no tools required? Whether you have naturally wavy hair, or want to preserve a tousled look post beach day, Ouai's Air Dry Foam is a gold standard for an undone yet refined air-dried look. Kale extract (rich in vitamins A, C, and K) provide nutritious hydration, improving overall follicle strength. Meanwhile, panthenol seals each strand's cuticle, preventing frizz and split ends—which also just so happens to cut down drying time. (That's right, among being unsightly, frizz also hangs onto moisture, making dry time longer!) Key Ingredients : Kale protein blend, panthenol, primrose oil, argan oil, hydrolized pea protein, and glycerin : Kale protein blend, panthenol, primrose oil, argan oil, hydrolized pea protein, and glycerin Best For : Air-dried waves, with a frizz-free finish. : Air-dried waves, with a frizz-free finish. Size: 5.4 oz Best for Volume: Ouidad Vitalcurl Mousse Why We Love It : Dry, stretched-out curls? Ouidad's volumizing mousse brings back much-needed bounce (in curl math, not to be confused with girl math, moisture equals natural volume). How? All thanks to a blend of omegas 3, 6, and 9, which target dry, limp strands and restore hair's lipid barrier for a plumped, voluminous curl pattern. Plus, chia seed boasts antioxidant and conditioning properties. Japanese camellia and sunflower oil improve overall hair manageability by reducing frizz. : Dry, stretched-out curls? Ouidad's volumizing mousse brings back much-needed bounce (in curl math, not to be confused with girl math, moisture equals natural volume). How? All thanks to a blend of omegas 3, 6, and 9, which target dry, limp strands and restore hair's lipid barrier for a plumped, voluminous curl pattern. Plus, chia seed boasts antioxidant and conditioning properties. Japanese camellia and sunflower oil improve overall hair manageability by reducing frizz. Key Ingredients : Corn starch, canola oil, chia seed oil, tsubaki seed oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, soybean oil : Corn starch, canola oil, chia seed oil, tsubaki seed oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, soybean oil Best For : Adding volume to all curl types—from fine to thick hair. : Adding volume to all curl types—from fine to thick hair. Size: 5.7 oz Everything You Need To Know
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
How I learned to love my curly hair after years of abusing it
Curly hair is more than just a hairstyle. It is a choice you have to keep making - or at least it is for me. I spent years abusing my juicy thick curls with 200°C heat in an effort to fit in with the it's when I became pregnant with my daughter that I started to question why I was straightening my hair.I wanted to be a role model to her and instil in her a sense of pride about her hair and her heritage - but my journey to hair enlightenment has not been without its challenges. For many black people and those of mixed heritage, curly hair is a symbol of identity, culture and even acceptance. Social psychologist Dr Johanna Lukate points out that there is a "social tax" on curls, leading to "internalised and even generational trauma" for it's not just black people who feel the need to disguise their natural hair."There is a dominant beauty idea that basically everyone is held against... so it makes sense that if the dominant beauty ideal favours long straight hair [that] this applies to everyone, irrespective of whether you have brown, blonde or black hair," said Dr experienced hairdressers who really understand curls is an issue for many people, particularly in smaller cities and towns across the own journey of curly hair rediscovery is tangled up in my African-Italian up in south Wales, I remember my kind of hair being described as bushy, frizzy and "wild" - like something that had to be tamed. At the age of 14, I begged my mum to take me to the hairdresser and fork out £90 to have my hair chemically relaxed and pressed. I loved how silky and light it led to 15 years of straightening and heat styling my hair into loose back, I think I just wanted to fit in with my friends. I was envious of their glossy straight hair and the way it could be carelessly during my postgraduate journalism degree, I recall an incident with a white friend being told by a course leader to go home to straighten her hair because she could not read the news with "hair like that".These experiences in my formative years shaped the way I thought of my hair and my understanding of the value placed on smooth textures. 'I didn't think I was pretty' Hair advocate and host of the Texture Talks podcast, Paige Lewin, said hair straightening was considered "almost a rite of passage" for many black teens."It was the best thing I could do to not just be popular but also to be pretty. I didn't think I was pretty without it," said social media influencer said her hair gradually became more fragile as a result and started breaking off. That in turn led to her becoming "addicted" to weaves and the long hairstyles that could be achieved with extensions. "[I started] thinking, 'oh this hair down my back feels nice!' - and the compliments were tenfold, just like the compliments I got when I was 14 and got that relaxer." Dr Lukate said afro hair had historically been ill-represented in the west and had links to slavery and colonialism, when connotations of "otherness" were used to distinguish between races to subjugate black time, she said, this led to black women being encouraged to change themselves to fit societal expectations - often by people within the black community. Paige, who is of Jamaican heritage, said her mum would refer to her hair as being like "Brillo pads"."There were many times where, if you had your afro out or your hair out, you'd be told to go fix up your headpiece," she recalled."The hair could be really healthy, really well looked after but it's not straightened and that was the sentiment."I had a similar experience to Paige, with my brothers poking fun at me when I first retired my hair straighteners. "It's basically parents already internalising for themselves that natural curly hair is not acceptable, it's not beautiful, it's not attractive. It's not seen as professional... and then passing that on to their children," said Dr Lukate."There is a tax to wearing curly hair in a way that is seen as beautiful again by society. "I think it's not just about having curly hair but there's certain ways of wearing your curly hair that are seen as more beautiful than others." The British Beauty Council claims black and other ethnically diverse people spend, on average, 25% more on health and beauty products can be very expensive - especially if you require multiple steps to wash and style your hair like I do. My hair routine now takes about an hour and involves numerous specialists shampoos, gels, cremes and oils to make the hair 'pop'.High-street hair brand Umberto Giannini recently used the hashtag #NoCurlTax in a social media campaign in recognition of what it called the "unfair" cost of curl-specific products, saying "having curly hair shouldn't cost more".Finding an adequately trained hairdresser who can properly cut curls - as well as being able to afford their prices - was also an issue for Paige and many of the women Dr Lukate spoke to."Why is it acceptable in the 21st Century that I would have to travel from Bristol or Nottingham all the way to the capital city for one hair appointment? That's where the [curl] tax has hit me and hit my pockets hard," said Paige. Curly hair specialist hairdresser Jade Pointon, from Cardiff, said it started with education."Many [hairdressers] have not been trained by the right teachers," she said."When you are trained at Level 2 you should be able to have done a variety of haircuts on different textures, but people are being passed at exams and qualified without actually cutting or styling curly hair."It starts at the top with the trainers. If they don't know what they're doing then they are going to avoid encouraging future stylists to get the curly and afro models in the chair."I think we have enough barriers in our way, not being able to find someone to cut your hair is just another example of what [black] people face." Erin Fahiya, 22, from Barry in south Wales, said had never felt pressure to straighten her hair and said that was in part because of the community she had found online."You start to think, why not embrace it? Why hide it? For me it was empowering and reassuring to see people that looked like me - black people embracing their natural textures and celebrating that."I think we need to take the focus away from straight hair and see our hair through a different lens to really see how beautiful and versatile curls are."For me that's important and linked to my heritage and it's important to see that on social media."Erin's message of self-love and empowerment is what I hope to take forward and share with my own daughter.I hope that she too will be proud of her hair and her roots.
Vogue
22-05-2025
- General
- Vogue
The Best Curly Hair Shampoos to Give your Natural Texture TLC
Textured hair can't lather up without any care or thought behind product choices, and the best curly hair shampoos, are the equivalent of washing your face to ensure a clean canvas for the skin-care products that follow to do their magic. Specifically formulated to define curl patterns, fight frizz, and soften strands, these shampoos will help you hit the reset button with intention—and set the stage for your multi-step curly or wavy hair routine. 'A high-quality curly hair shampoo is designed to cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils,' says pro hair stylist and Pattern Beauty educator, Ebony Bomani, explaining that first and foremost curly hair types are thirsty for moisture, so your shampoo choice should be ultra hydrating to meet the cravings of your curls. Vogue's Favorite Curly Hair Shampoos In This Story Fellow pro hair stylist Ruslan Nureev adds that hair history can also impact whether curls are in need of some extra tender, love, and care. 'Consider if your hair is virgin, color-treated, or chemically altered. Otherwise, when talking about simply embracing your natural texture, I recommend prioritizing clean, high-quality ingredients that take cleanse thoroughly without stripping the hair,' Nureev tells Vogue, reminding us to avoid silicones and artificial fillers as harsh ingredients can manipulate natural curl pattern over time.
