Using curly girl mousse is a key step in styling curls according to the Curly Girl Method. Here's how to incorporate it into your routine:
Steps for Using Curly Girl Mousse
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Wash and Condition: Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo (or co-wash) that's Curly Girl Method approved. Then, apply a conditioner or deep conditioner and rinse thoroughly.
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Apply Leave-In (Optional): After rinsing out your conditioner, squeeze out excess water from your hair. You can apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream at this stage for added moisture and definition, but this is optional and depends on your hair's needs.
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Apply the Mousse: This is the main event! There are several application techniques:
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Praying Hands: Apply a dollop of mousse between your palms and "pray" the product onto sections of your hair, smoothing it down from root to tip. This helps distribute the mousse evenly.
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Scrunching: Flip your head upside down. Cup your hands and gently scrunch the mousse into your hair, working from the ends towards the roots. This encourages curl formation and adds volume.
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Raking: Rake the mousse through your hair using your fingers, ensuring even distribution. This works well for looser curl patterns or if you want more definition.
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Plopping (Optional): After applying the mousse, you can "plop" your hair in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. This helps absorb excess water and encourage curl formation. Leave it plopped for 10-20 minutes, or even longer if you have time.
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Air Dry or Diffuse: Allow your hair to air dry completely for less frizz. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser on a low heat and low speed setting to dry your hair while maintaining curl definition. Be sure to hover the diffuser around your hair instead of constantly moving it to minimize frizz.
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Scrunch Out the Crunch (SOTC): Once your hair is completely dry, it may feel slightly crunchy from the mousse. This is normal! Gently scrunch your hair upwards to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls. You can use a small amount of oil on your hands to help with this process and minimize frizz.
Tips for Using Mousse
- Experiment with the Amount: Start with a small amount of mousse and add more as needed. Too much mousse can weigh down your hair or make it feel stiff.
- Choose the Right Mousse: Look for a mousse that is designed for curly hair and is free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols.
- Consider Your Hair Type: Finer hair types generally do well with mousse as it provides hold without weighing the hair down as much as gels. Coarser hair might require a stronger hold gel in combination with mousse, or on its own.
- Try a Mousse-Gel-Mousse (MGM) Technique: Layering mousse, gel, and then mousse again can provide excellent definition and hold for curls.
