Finding the products that help you uplift & unleash your natural curl pattern is crucial to nailing your wash day. But with so many to choose from, which options are right for your hair? When it comes to having the perfect product lineup, you’ll want to consider whether you’re after hydration, hold or (most likely) both.
Two main contenders in every curlies’ styling repertoire are curl mousse & curl cream. If you’re revamping your hair care habits, you may be wondering which product is right for your curl pattern & texture or even, “Can I use curl cream & mousse together?”
Fortunately, we’ve broken it down for you. In this guide, we compare curl mousse & curl cream by highlighting what makes curl mousse unique from other styles, the benefits of using curl cream & the key ingredients to look for in these formulas to deliver luscious, long-lasting results.
What Makes Curl Mousse Unique for Curl Styling
So you want a little definition but like products that are light & flexible—what styling product should you use?
For flexible hold & endless volume, curl mousse is your next BFF. Mousse makes it easy to amp up the volume of every kind of natural curl, especially if you have fine curly hair.
Application is a piece of cake since you can use hair mousse on both dry & damp hair, & easily work it into your strands. If you’re after weightless volume, apply a product like the PATTERN Curl Mousse to your roots for an extra lift.
Instead, if you want a lighter hold than a heartier gel, you can apply mousse throughout the entire length of your curls for flexible definition. Ideal for everything from effortless breezy finger curls to long-lasting protective styles, styling mousse can help you maintain soft, smooth strands that maintain volume like it’s their job.
What Sets Curl Cream Apart for Styling Curly Hair
For vibrant & hydrated tresses, reach for a nourishing curl-defining cream. As a favorite step in many curlies’ styling standards, this styling product helps lock in moisture in addition to locking in curl definition throughout the day.
No matter whether you have waves, coils or something in between, a curl cream, such as the PATTERN Styling Cream, offers deep hydration & lightweight hold. It is the perfect base before layering other defining products or a one-&-done wash-&-go essential.
Its moisturizing ingredients also create a protective layer around each follicle, helping your strands feel shiny & strong no matter the season.
Key Ingredients in Curl Mousse & Curl Cream
It’s no secret that all curl products aren’t created equal. So, it’s important to find the best curl cream & mousse formulas with ingredients that invigorate your curls & nourish them from within.
When it comes to curl mousse, look for ingredients that will provide the touchable hold you’re after without weighing down your tresses. The PATTERN Curl Mousse is packed with natural ingredients like Castor Oil & Marshmallow Root, which provides lightweight volume while defining the shape of each curl & coil. This rich & luscious formula helps your curls maintain their moisture & celebrate your natural texture—all without parabens or silicones.
On the other hand, curl creams, like the PATTERN Styling Cream, offer thicker, oil-rich formulas with hydrating ingredients like Cacao Oil, Sweet Almond Oil & Shea Butter. These ingredients’ natural moisturizing properties penetrate deep into each hair follicle to add softness & shine.
Layering Products: How To Incorporate Curl Mousse & Curl Cream Into Your Curl Care Routine
After comparing the benefits of these two powerhouse products, you may find yourself wondering, “Should I use curl cream & mousse together?”
While they can transform your tresses individually, when used together, these two products offer unbeatable hydration, flexible hold & show-stopping shine—& what curly wouldn’t want that?
Applying a thick & oil-rich product like curl cream to damp hair helps your curls hydrate from within & retain moisture. Then, adding mousse to the party can elevate the loops & twists of your natural curl pattern. When layering creams & mousse keep in mind the LOC, LCO & LCOG methods. If using the Moisture Milk as a complement to Leave-In Conditioner, you may want to layer that before the Curl Mousse. Try layering the Styling Cream after the Curl Mousse if using it as an alternative for gel. In general, thinner products often layer better under thicker formulas. However, it’s always best to play & discover what is best for your unique texture & needs.
How much should you use when layering mousse & curl cream? That depends on your hair type:
- Length – When you have tresses that trail down your back, you’ll likely need more product than your friend rocking a short bob.
- Porosity – If you have low-porosity hair, use a bit more product. If you have high-porosity hair, use a bit less.
- Density & thickness – If you have a thicker or denser hair texture, take your time adding your hydrating curl cream—taking care to glide the product from root to tip—before adding mousse or other products.
Understanding the ins & outs of your strands can help you take advantage of combining curl defining products to craft a style that’ll turn heads until your next wash day.
Find the Perfect Match for Your Curls with PATTERN
Between the deep moisture of a rich curl cream & the weightless volume provided by your fave Curl Mousse, you’re well on your way to nourished, vibrant & defined curls.
From finger coils to a wash-&-go look, & intricate braids to chic twisted locs, these two products give you the definition & moisture to support & strengthen your style. Whether you’re comparing curl mousse & cream or you’ve decided to add both to your curl care routine, PATTERN’s got you covered.
We love all textures, from waves to coils & every loop in between. That’s why you’ll find our formulas are packed with the ingredients you never knew your hair type wanted. For jaw-dropping curls, explore our line of curly hair styling products & love your curly crown.
Sources:
Healthline. What Type of Hair Porosity Do You Have? https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-porosity
