Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

What is the Difference Between Hair Mousse and Hair Spray

The key difference between hair mousse and hair spray is that hair mousse adds volume and texture to the hair while hair spray provides hold and keeps hairstyles in place.

Hair mousse and hair spray are both popular styling products used to achieve different hairstyling effects. Hair mousse is a foam-like product that adds volume and texture to the hair, while hair spray is a liquid or aerosol spray that provides hold and keeps hairstyles in place.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Hair Mousse  
3. What is Hair Spray
4. Hair Mousse vs. Hair Spray in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Hair Mousse vs Hair Spray

What is Hair Mousse?

Hair Mousse is a hairstyling product for extra volume and shine. Hair mousse, a foamy product, is lighter than gels and creams. It gives your hair more volume, makes it shinier, and helps define your curls without making them stiff. It also tames frizz and keeps your hair in place for a long time. By using the right amount, you can add extra volume to your roots and make your hair look fuller.

Figure 1: Hair Mousse

If you have curly hair and want to make it more defined, using mousse can help. But if your hair is already curly or wavy, you don’t need to use a lot of products as it can weigh your hair down and make it look clumpy. Apply a small amount of mousse on damp hair, focusing on the middle to the ends. Avoid scrunching your hair too much. If you want more volume, apply it to your roots.

If you have straight hair and want to curl it, you can use mousse before using a curling tool. Blow-dry your hair, then comb in the mousse. This ensures that the product is evenly distributed and gives your hair more depth.

What is Hair Spray?

Hair spray is a solution sprayed onto a person’s hair to keep it in place. Hairspray contains special ingredients that help hold your hairstyle in place for a long time. It not only provides a strong hold but also adds volume to your hair. There are two types of hairsprays: aerosol and non-aerosol. Aerosol hairsprays are sprayed all over and give more even coverage. Non-aerosol hairsprays are applied using a pump and provide a more targeted spray. Non-aerosol hairsprays also have more water and less alcohol compared to aerosol hairsprays.

Hairsprays are created using polymers that basically form an invisible hairnet when you spray it on your hair. It coats your strands in a lightweight film and connects individual hair fibers wherever they happen to touch. The hairspray then dries out the intersections, and the polymers bond and hold your hair in place. Unlike the previously used stiff hairsprays, the ones used today have come a long way and provide soft, beautiful hair with plenty of natural movement.

Figure 2: Hair Spray

For the hairspray to work effectively, you should know how to use it. Most people assume that you should use hairspray close to your roots to get the desirable results. However, spraying it too close to the roots might saturate your hair and make it appear greasy. So, hold the bottle at least 15 centimeters away from your head while spraying for a better hold.

What is the Difference Between Hair Mousse and Hair Spray?

Hair mousse adds volume, enhances curls, and provides hold, whereas hair spray is used to provide hold and keep hairstyles in place. Thus, this is the key difference between hair mousse and hair spray. While hair mousse has a foam-like texture, hair spray is available in liquid or aerosol spray form. Moreover, hair mousse is applied to damp hair before styling, but hair spray is applied to dry, styled hair. While hair mousse adds texture and body to the hair, hair spray does not significantly alter the hair’s texture. Furthermore, hair mousse allows for flexibility and natural movement of the hair, while hair spray can create a more rigid, long-lasting hold.

Below is a summary of the difference between hair mousse and hair spray in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Hair Mousse vs Hair Spray

The key difference between hair mousse and hair spray is that hair mousse adds volume and texture to the hair while hair spray provides hold and keeps hairstyles in place. In addition, hair mousse is applied to damp hair before styling, but hair spray is applied to dry, styled hair.

Reference:

1. “What is Hair Mousse?” Nexxus.
2. “Hair Spray 101.” Pantene.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hair mousse 02” By Benff – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Hair Spray – Barber” (CC0) via Pixabay