How To Style Your Hair with Mousse

We've all seen them-people with too much product in their hair. I have a friend with a word for this malady--"Mousse on the loose." If you'd like to avoid becoming a mousse on the loose yourself, here are some tips on how to style your hair with mousse:

1. Experiment with products. Don't try only one mousse. The number of mousse formulations out there is mind-boggling, for every type of hair from chemically treated to normal. Try a few different brands out. There are even mousses free of animal ingredients that have not been tested on animals, if animal rights are of concern to you.
2. Ask people you see whose hair you like what product they use. They will be flattered--after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery--and probably happy to share the information. This works best with people whose hair resembles yours in texture and volume.
   
3. If you use mousse at the base of your hair near your scalp, it will add lift and volume. This can help with hair that is either very fine or thinning.
4. To use mousse:
   • Dispense a small amount into one hand and then distribute between your two hands.
   • Apply to your hair and style.
   • Blow dry your hair for maximum hold.
5. If you want to maximize the volume of medium to longer length hair, gently blot your hair dry with a towel. Apply mousse at the base of your hair near your scalp. Lean forward with your head hanging down. Starting from your roots, brush your hair outward while using a blow dryer to apply heat.
6. For short hair, again apply mousse at the base of your hair near your scalp and brush from front to back. Blow dry to create maximum lift and hold.
7. You can also use mousse to help hold layers or a flip into place. Put mousse into the section of the hair you are working with. Bend the hair over a brush by holding part of the hair in the brush to secure it and then twisting the brush. Use the blow dryer to help direct the hair in the direction you want and also to maximize hold.
8. Mix it up. Try mousse on your roots and a gel spritzer on the ends or mousse you entire head when it's wet to create a sleek, more "wet" look. In other words, remember it's all about fun!