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“Tired of crunchy hair after using mousse? Learn how to banish stiffness with our expert tips in ‘How to Get Rid of Crunchy Hair from Mousse.’
Are you tired of dealing with crunchy hair from mousse? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this issue, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to get rid of crunchy hair and restore your locks to their natural softness.
In this article, I will share some tips and tricks for banishing crunchy hair for good.
Key Takeaways:
- Mousse contains alcohol and other ingredients that can dry out hair and make it crunchy. (Khalid, Madiha, and Mohammad Abdollahi. “Environmental Distribution of Personal Care Products and Their Effects on Human Health.” Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR vol. 20,1 (2021): 216-253. doi:10.22037/ijpr.2021.114891.15088)
- Prevention is key – use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing product before applying mousse to help protect your hair.
- If you do end up with crunchy hair, try using a wide-toothed comb, leave-in conditioner, or oil to help soften and moisturize your locks.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
How To Get Rid Of Crunchy Hair From Mousse
1. Use the Right Amount of Mousse:
The key to avoiding crunchy hair is to start with a small amount of mousse. Begin with a golf ball-sized dollop, and then adjust based on your hair’s length and thickness. You can always add more if needed, but using too much mousse initially can lead to stiffness.
2. Proper Application:
Apply mousse to damp, towel-dried hair for optimal absorption. Ensure even distribution by using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Avoid over-applying to any specific area, as this can create stiffness.
3. Dilute the Mousse:
To achieve a softer hold, consider diluting the mousse slightly with a bit of water in your hands before application. This thins out the product, making it easier to spread evenly throughout your hair and reducing the risk of stiffness.
4. Scrunch Your Hair:
After applying mousse, gently scrunch your hair with your hands. This scrunching motion encourages the mousse to work with your hair’s natural texture, enhancing curls or waves while preventing a crunchy feel.
5. Use a Diffuser:
When styling curly or wavy hair, a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer can be a game-changer. It disperses heat and product evenly, enhancing your hair’s natural texture without causing stiffness.
6. Comb Through Your Hair:
Use a wide-toothed comb to comb through your hair after applying mousse. This step helps distribute the product evenly and ensures there are no clumps or areas with too much product.
7. Avoid Overloading:
Resist the temptation to use excessive mousse. More is not always better, and overloading your hair can lead to a crunchy texture. Start conservatively, and only add more if you feel you need extra hold.
8. Opt for Light-Hold Mousse:
If you’re concerned about crunchiness, choose a mousse labeled as “light-hold” or “flexible-hold.” These formulations provide hold without the stiffness commonly associated with stronger-hold mousses.
Related: How To Use Mousse On 3a Hair
9. Choose the Right Mousse for Your Hair Type:
Tailor your mousse choice to your hair type. For example, if you have fine hair, opt for a lightweight, volumizing mousse. If you have curly hair, look for a mousse specifically designed to enhance and define your curls.
10. Scrunch Out the Crunch:
If you’ve already applied mousse and your hair feels crunchy when dry, you can try “scrunching out the crunch.” Gently scrunch your hair with your hands or a microfiber towel to break up the stiffness. Avoid combing or brushing at this stage to maintain your hair’s texture.
11. Apply a Hair Oil or Serum:
After scrunching out the crunch, apply a small amount of hair oil or serum to the ends of your hair. This adds shine and softness, counteracting any remaining stiffness.
12. Embrace Second-Day Hair:
Sometimes, mousse works best when applied the day after washing. Natural oils that accumulate can help soften the crunchiness. If time allows, experiment with this approach for a softer texture.
By following these detailed tips and adjusting your mousse application method to suit your hair type and style, you can achieve the desired hold and texture while keeping your hair soft and natural-looking, without the unwanted crunchiness.
Related: Why Is Mousse Better Than Curl Cream for Natural Hair
Why Does Mousse Leave Hair Crunchy
It Is Designed To Do That
It’s important to note that a little bit of crunch is normal and actually desired when using mousse. This is because mousse creates a “cast” around the hair to hold it in place and provide volume. However, if the crunch is excessive, it’s time to take action.
Alcohol Content
Some mousses contain high levels of alcohol, which can be drying to your hair. Alcohol is often used as a solvent in hair products, and while it can help to distribute the product evenly, it can also strip your hair of its natural oils. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and crunchy.
To avoid this, look for mousses that are alcohol-free or contain low levels of alcohol. You can also try using a leave-in conditioner before applying the mousse to help protect your hair from drying out.
Incorrect Application
Another reason why mousse might make your hair crunchy is that you’re not applying it correctly. If you apply too much mousse, or if you apply it to dry hair, it can leave your hair feeling stiff and crunchy.
To avoid this, start by applying a small amount of mousse to damp hair. Use a comb or your fingers to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair. Be sure to avoid applying too much product, as this can lead to crunchy hair.
To avoid crunchy hair, it’s important to apply mousse correctly. Start with a small amount of product, about the size of a golf ball, and evenly distribute it throughout damp hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure the product is evenly distributed. Avoid applying mousse to the roots as this can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
Excessive Use
One common mistake people make when using mousse is applying too much product. This can lead to product buildup and make the hair stiff and crunchy. Another mistake is not evenly distributing the mousse throughout the hair. This can cause some areas to be overly saturated with product while others are left dry and frizzy.
Using too much mousse can also make your hair feel crunchy. If you’re layering on multiple products, such as mousse, gel, and hairspray, this can lead to a buildup of product on your hair. This buildup can leave your hair feeling heavy, stiff, and crunchy.
To avoid this, try using less product overall. If you’re using multiple products, try using them sparingly or alternate between them on different days. This can help to prevent product buildup and keep your hair feeling soft and natural.
What Are Some Alternative Products To Mousse That Won’t Leave Hair Crunchy?
If you’re looking for alternative products to mousse that provide hold and styling benefits without leaving your hair crunchy, here are some options to consider:
Hair Serum: Hair serums are lightweight and provide shine and frizz control without the stiffness. They’re suitable for a natural, soft hold.
Hair Oil: Hair oils, such as argan or jojoba oil, can be used sparingly to tame frizz, add shine, and provide a touch of hold. Start with a small amount to avoid weighing down your hair.
Creams and Lotions: Styling creams and lotions are excellent alternatives to mousse. They provide flexible hold, enhance texture, and maintain softness.
Texturizing Sprays: Texturizing sprays add volume, texture, and hold without the crunch. They’re ideal for creating tousled, beachy waves or enhancing natural curls.
Leave-In Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can offer light hold while keeping your hair soft and manageable. It’s especially useful for those with dry or damaged hair.
Light-Hold Hairspray: Opt for a hairspray labeled as “light hold” to set your style without stiffness. These sprays provide control without sacrificing natural movement.
Curl Enhancing Creams: If you have curly hair, consider curl-enhancing creams that define and hydrate curls without making them crunchy.
Gels for Soft Hold: Some hair gels are formulated to provide a soft, touchable hold. Look for gels labeled as “soft hold” or “flexible hold.”
When Is The Best Time To Scrunch Out The Crunch In Hair?
The timing for scrunching out the crunch in your hair depends on your styling preferences and the product you’ve used. Here are some guidelines:
After Mousse Application: If you’ve applied mousse and you start to notice stiffness as your hair dries, it’s a good idea to scrunch out the crunch once your hair is completely dry. This prevents disrupting the styling process while still achieving the desired texture.
After Styling: If you’ve used a product that leaves your hair slightly stiff after styling, wait until your hair is fully dry and styled to your liking. Then, use your hands or a soft, microfiber towel to scrunch your hair gently to break up the stiffness.
Throughout the Day: If you’re using a product that becomes slightly crunchy after styling, you can periodically scrunch your hair throughout the day to maintain a softer texture. This is particularly helpful for styles that you want to keep looking natural and tousled.
Before Leaving the House: If you’ve applied a product in the morning and noticed crunchiness, but you’re heading out for the day, scrunching your hair lightly before leaving can help soften the texture without undoing your entire style.
Experiment: The best time to scrunch out the crunch can vary depending on your hair type, the specific product used, and your styling routine. Experiment with different timings to find what works best for you and achieves the desired level of softness.
Remember to scrunch gently to avoid creating frizz, and use your fingers or a soft towel to maintain the desired style and texture while removing any stiffness caused by styling products.
Final Summary
In conclusion, achieving soft and natural-looking hair after applying mousse is not only possible but also easily attainable with the right techniques.
By using the correct amount of mousse, applying it properly to damp hair, and following the recommended tips such as scrunching and dilution, you can enjoy the benefits of mousse without the unwanted crunchiness.
Additionally, experimenting with alternative hair products and knowing when to scrunch out the crunch can further enhance your styling experience, leaving you with soft, touchable, and beautifully styled hair.
Also Read:
My Curls Look Wet After Drying
Best Foaming Mousse For Braids And Natural Hair
To Summarize
