Credit: Getty
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Give your hair a new lease of life by incorporating a hair foam into your wash routine…
When you think of hair mousse, what comes up? For me, it’s slicking back my hair into a wet-look ponytail or desperately scrunching hold into my crispy curls at school. In short: it’s not a product I remember fondly and definitely not something I’ve had in my hair routine for the past 15+ years.
But with over 223 million searches for #hairvolume on TikTok, it’s apparent that many of us are looking for a bit more oomph when it comes to our hair. Luckily for us, hair mousse has had a makeover. Say hello to hair foams, the 2023 reiteration of the noughties hair mousse.
So what’s the difference? Hair foams are not simply hair mousses, repackaged and re-marketed with a new spin. They’re lightweight, offer hold and definition, can protect your hair from heat styling, and create volume and bounce. And the best news? There’s zero crispy residue left behind.
“A great voluminous and full blow-dry never goes out of fashion,” says hair stylist Sam McKnight. “It’s elevating in more ways than one, the ultimate mood booster. It exudes hair health and can make us feel powerful and full of confidence.”
How to use a hair foam
Hair foams are more versatile and lightweight than hair mousses, meaning there are many different ways to use them. Generally speaking, they work best on damp hair (but some can also be used on dry hair to refresh second-day looks). Shake the formula well before dispensing 2-3 pumps, depending on your hair length and thickness. Start at the roots for major volume and lift, before smoothing through the ends for added body. Blow-dry for a bouncy blowout finish or let air dry for natural-looking body and movement.
Intrigued by hair foams? Shop the 9 formulas we really rate below…
Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam
A must for curly hair types, this multitasking foam adds body, volume and shine while activating curl patterns in textured and wavy hair.
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Blow Dry Foam
For fuller, thicker and perfectly smoothed hair, Sam McKnight’s styling foam is the best. Use on damp hair before blowdrying for sky high volume and touchably soft texture.
Shop Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Blow Dry Foam at Cult Beauty, £32
Ouai Air Dry Foam
If you like to air-dry your hair, this is a great product for giving a little more texture and shape. It’s perfect for achieving a wavy, beachy look without a hint of crunch.
Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
Use this lightweight foam to help craft your perfect bouncy blowdry from root to tip. It adds texture, boosts volume and define curls in both wet or dry hair – plus, you can use it as a root refresher between washes.
Shop Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam at Cult Beauty, £26
R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam
Perfect for thicker hair types in need of hold, this styling foam adds density to the roots allowing you to effortlessly achieve sky high volume.
Shop R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam at Selfridges, £26
JVN Embody Volumizing Foam
Packed with nourishing proteins and vitamins, this aerosol-free foam delivers nutrient-rich haircare leaving you with healthier-looking locks. The lightweight formula provides all day frizz-control and full-bodied bounce.
Vegamour GRO Hair Foam for Thinning Hair
Formulated with revitalising ingredients that work to promote hair density, this lightweight foam provides instant texture and body at the root while also helping to boost the appearance of hair thickness and reduce the signs of shedding.
Shop Vegamour GRO Hair Foam for Thinning Hair at Sephora, £58
Hershesons Zhoosh Foam
The most versatile of the line-up, Zhoosh achieves that can’t-put-your-finger-on-it oomph that is usually only attained in-salon. It has a dry powder-foam technology that gives effortless volume without thickeners, so there’s no stickiness or crunch.
Unite Expanda Volume
This spray-on foam formula is ideal for adding lift at the root and hold through the lengths for a picture-perfect blow-dry, every time.
Main image: Getty
undefined
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.