Photo: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Curling your straight hair can add both softness and sex appeal. The problem is, not all hair is created equal and pin straight locks are often difficult to curl. This is where the advent of mousse comes into play. Mousse is a styling product that can give your hair volume, while helping it hold curls. Mousse can be used on either wet or dry hair and is readily available at most beauty and drug stores. If you seek stylish curls, but don't have adequate holding power on your own, give mousse a try.
1.
Apply a golf-ball sized dollop of mousse to your mane. Flip your head over and work mousse into your roots if you are looking for volume. Dry hair tends to become more voluminous when you apply mousse to the roots. Run your hands through your ends for curl holding power if you plan on using a curling iron. Apply the mousse to your entire mane if you intend to use curlers to style your 'do. It is your choice as to whether you want your hair to receive the mousse when it is dry or wet; however, keep in mind that mousse tends to work better on hair that is 50 to 60 percent dry. Therefore, if your hair is extremely difficult to keep curly, apply the mousse to hair when it is damp.
2.
Give your hair time to dry. If you used mousse that is formulated to work with blow dyers, then go ahead and use one on your mane. If your mousse isn't for use with heat, allow your tresses to air dry. If not, the mouse will become hard and sticky and make you look like a hot mess. If desired, wash your hair at night, apply the mousse and let the mousse work its magic on your hair while you sleep. When you wake up, your hair will be ready for styling.
3.
Curl your coif. If you want extra curl, wrap your hair in curlers when your hair is still damp. Allow them to stay in as long as you can -- even overnight -- and remove them in the morning. You will gain a head full of bouncy curls. To just add a bit of soft curl to the ends, use your curling iron once your hair and the mousse are completely dry. Either separate the curls with your fingers or leave them as is. The mousse will help to lock in the curl the entire day.
In the mousse industry, you pretty much get what you pay for. That is, expect a higher quality product and receive better results when you buy a relatively expensive product.
Read the directions -- some bottles of mousse require shaking; whereas others do not. Not following the directions can affect the effectiveness of the product.
