There must be a point in your life where you found yourself in front of the mirror wondering whether you should use hair spray or hair mousse. Based on your preferences, you can decide to opt for either the hair spray or hair mousse. 

As much as you style your hair using the hair mousse, you can preserve the hairstyle using the hair spray.

Which one will you go for?

What Is Hair Mousse?

Hair mousse is a light styling foam that can be applied on damp or slightly damp hair before styling.

It can be used in cases where:

• More volume is needed at the roots

• Hair should appear fuller

• More curls should be defined

• Soft hold

• Body and movement

• Blow drying/styling should be made easier

The advantage of mousse is that it is very useful especially for fine or flat hair as it makes it look lifted without making it too stiff like other products offering strong hold.

In case of curly/wavy hair, it helps in defining the natural curl structure while not making the hair too stiff.

An easy example would be to blow-dry fine hair using mousse. Applying mousse to the roots and lengths of hair and blow-drying while lifting the roots through the brush gives you more body after drying.

What Is Hair Spray?

Hair spray is a finishing style product. It is normally used after styling the hair.

Its primary function is to ensure that the hair stays put.

Hair spray may be helpful in:

• Securing curls

• Ensuring an up-do stays in place

• Taming fly-aways

• Providing volume

• Giving a stronger finish

• Ensuring that a hairstyle lasts

The strength of various hair sprays may vary. A light spray will ensure that the hair is still movable whereas a heavier spray will ensure that the hair is held in place for hours.

For instance, if the hair is curled using a curling iron, then the hair may be sprayed to hold the curls.

Hair Spray vs Hair Mousse Which One Should You Choose?

The easiest way to decide is to look at the result you want.

So, if your main concern is volume and shape, mousse usually makes more sense.

If your hairstyle is already finished and you simply want it to stay in place, hair spray is usually the better option.

Hair Mousse for Volume and Fine Hair

Fine hair can easily lack volume, especially when you use thick hair styling products.

And that is where the use of mousse may prove useful.

Simply apply a small amount of mousse onto your damp hair concentrating on the roots and those parts that you need to gain more volume. Next, dry your hair with a blow dryer lifting the roots.

You won’t require too much mousse.

As a matter of fact, applying too much of mousse to your hair will leave your hair feeling sticky and heavy. 

You can start with a small amount of mousse and increase the dosage whenever necessary.

Hair Spray for Long-Lasting Hairstyles

The use of hair sprays is more justified if hold is your main objective.

Suppose you spend time doing curls for a wedding, party, or any other event. In that case, you are unlikely to want the curls to fall flat within an hour.

The right type of hair spray will ensure that this does not happen.

In day-to-day life, you may only require a flexible-hold spray. But in fancy hairstyles, you may require something of high hold.

However, do not use too much in one place. Overuse of hair spray can make the hair stiff and sticky.

Therefore, keep some space between your hair and the can while applying it evenly on your hair.

Can You Use Hair Mousse and Hair Spray Together?

Yes.

Sometimes you do not need to pick only one.

That is when the distinction between hair spray and hair mousse comes more into play.

One could use hair mousse while styling and then finish with the hair spray.

Here is an example:

• Take your damp hair.

• Apply some mousse.

• Use it to shape your hair, particularly the roots.

• Style your hair through blow-drying.

• Create your curls, waves, or shapes.

• Finally, apply the hair spray.

Mousse will help you to make the shape and add volume.

Hair spray will help you to preserve the shape that you've made.

Which Is Better for Curly Hair?

For an individual with curly hair, it is important for him to utilize the products that help in defining the curls while at the same time avoiding stiffness in the process.

Mousse will prove to be an excellent option in terms of creating soft curls together with added volume.

This will need to be applied on wet hair, rubbed through the hair and then scrunched.

It would be preferable if the hair is left to dry naturally or if a diffuser needs to be used.

Hair spray also proves to be effective when additional hold is required.

The most important thing is to choose a product based on the look one requires.

When one desires soft and bouncy curls, he can begin with the mousse.

When additional hold is required, a little amount of hair spray could be utilized.

Which Is Better for Straight Hair?

How to achieve straight hair will be based on what your aim is in terms of styling.

In case you have light hair that normally appears to be flat, you should apply mousse and then proceed to dry it using a blow dryer.

However, when one wants to keep a certain hairstyle despite having voluminous hair, hair spray can be used.

For example, if someone is styling his/her hair into a sleek ponytail, the hair can be treated with styling gel while hair spray can be applied to the styled hair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A styling product that is good cannot give desired results if used improperly.

Applying too much of the product

Too much of the product does not necessarily lead to good styling.

Use a little at first. More can always be added.

Applying mousse improperly

Mousse works well when applied evenly. Applying too much mousse to one part of the hair will not work well.

Applying hair spray too close to the hair

Applying hair spray in one spot will stiffen only that portion while the others will not have been sprayed.

An even application will produce better results.

Considering hold over hair type

Think about your hair before choosing your product.

Fine hair needs lightweight volumizing.

Thick hair needs more control.

Curly hair needs definition and moisture-appropriate styling.

Your hair product needs to match what you want to achieve.

Hair Spray vs Hair Mousse for Different Hairstyles

This is a very fast way to make your choice.

When beach waves are needed, using mousse may be an excellent option as it will add both volume and texture.

In case you need a long-lasting curl, you may style your hair with the help of mousse and then finish with hair spray.

If you need a neat ponytail, you may use hair spray to get rid of any flyaways when you finish styling your hair.

For blow-drying voluminous hair, you may apply mousse before blow-drying and hair spray for styling.

An updo would be more suitable for hair spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hair mousse better than hair spray?

Both the products are not better by default. Mousse is usually better in providing volume and body to the hair and creating shapes, whereas hair spray is better in fixing the styled hair.

Can I use mousse daily?

Yes, you can use it if it works good on your hair. Take an appropriate amount of it and take care of your hair hygiene.

Can I use hair spray without mousse?

Sure, hair spray functions independently if your primary target is to fix or style hair.

Can mousse make my hair crunchy?

It will if you apply excess quantity of it or use the one which provides better fixation of hair.

Should you use mousse on wet or dry hair?

Most hair mousses are supposed to be used on wet hair, but it is always a good idea to read the directions first, as each formulation can have its own set of directions.

Does hair spray get applied before or after styling?

Most hair sprays are applied after styling, when you are done with styling and wish to keep your hair styled. However, there are sprays which can be applied before applying heat tools.

Simple Solution

When deciding between hair spray and hair mousse, consider the task that each product should accomplish.

Mousse should be used if you seek:

• Volume

• Body

• Definition of curls

• Shape

• Soft touch

Hair spray should be used if you need:

• Holding power

• Control

• Long-lasting curls

• Taming flyaways

Complete hairstyle that will stay put

And if you want both volume and holding power, you may use them in combination.

You will begin by using mousse to create the hairstyle. Then you will finish with hair spray to hold it.

Not always the best solution is the most powerful one. The best solution is the one that will provide you with the results that you want without overloading your hair.

In case of doubt, it is better to start from a small amount of any product and see how your hair reacts.