Mousse vs Gel: Difference and Comparison

Hair is a significant physical feature of the human body, which is easily changeable.

Hairstyling and haircutting are the aspects of personalised grooming that can be maintained. Changing a person’s outlook is what hairstyling does.

Everyone has a unique face shape and size, so the hairstyle chosen should be by it to complement one’s personality.

Although it depends upon personal tastes.

There are several ways to cut and style hair. But the result varies according to the colour and texture of the hair. Two such products used widely for styling hair are Mousse and Gel.

They can be applied after the hair is dried by blow-dry or natural method after the hair wash or can also be applied on wet hair.

Both hair styling products also differ from each other. They give different results and have distinct chemical contents.

Key Takeaways

1. Mousse is a hair styling product that adds volume and holds without stiffness, whereas gel is a hair styling product that provides a stronghold and definition with a wet look.
2. Mousse is lightweight and suitable for all hair types, whereas gel can be heavy and suitable for only certain hair types and styles.
3. Mousse is easier to apply and reapply throughout the day, whereas gel can become flaky and difficult to restyle.

Mousse vs Gel

Mousse is a foamy hair styling product that comes in an aerosol can or pump bottle; it is a lightweight product applied to damp hair to add volume and texture and hold to the hair. The gel is a thick, sticky hair styling product that provides a stronghold and definition.

Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Mousse	Gel
Texture	Hair mousse has a foam-like texture.	Whereas hair gel has a jelly-like texture and is very sticky.
Hold	It gives a clump-free hold that is not so long-lasting.	Some gels give a soft hold, while others give a stiff hold.
Result	It is used in hairstyling to make the hair extra voluminous and give a nice shine to it.	It used to give the hair a stronghold.
Packaging	It comes in an aerosol spraying can.	It comes in a plastic jar or tube.
Hair type	It is fit for both long and short hair types.	It is only suitable for short hair.

What is Mousse?

A hair mousse is a hairstyling foam that is made by mixing alcohol or similar types of compounds with water that contains other active ingredients.

It has a foamy texture and comes in an aerosol spraying can.

The basic ingredients that the mousse contains are combined with some chemicals, oils and polymers that provide the hair with a smooth texture.

Oils have a moisturizing effect which helps the hair appear shinier. Polymers stick to the hair strands, giving a volumizing effect.

These smoothing agents also work as frizz control and hold the hair in its place. Some chemicals are added to the mousse to give the hair a fragrance or colour.

Mousse is a versatile hair styling product with every hair length.

It provides the hair with a soft hold and helps tame the frizz. Its extra volume feature is a cherry on the cake for those who are always worried about hair thinning and fall.

Moreover, it also gives the hair a nice shine, scent or colour (in case a colouring mousse is used). It goes down well with fine, wavy, curly or even permed hair.

Even after a list of good features, it may not work for everyone. The soft hold of mousse is useless to people with short hair.

It can only provide the hair with a volumizing effect while it cannot hold the hair for a long time.

What is Gel?

Hair gel is a hair styling product with water as the main ingredient.

The gel has a jelly-like texture because the compounds are dispersed in a colloidal liquid form. It has a sticky consistency.

The hair gel contains polymers which help maintain curl or keep the hair in place by forming a film. Also, emulsifiers are present for the components that are insoluble in water.

Hair-thickening chemicals such as carbomers and preservatives, and fragrances are present. Some additives give a light amount of moisture, shine and UV protection to the hair.

Gel has the unique feature of providing the hair with a very good and long-lasting hold.

It is so good at doing this that hair stays in its place for a very long time with the required amount of product applied. There are different gels for providing light, medium or strong hold.

Light hold controls frizz, while stronghold makes the hair stiff. The gel also gives a slight shine to the hair.

Hair gel can only complement certain hairstyles and types. As it hardens after application, hair feels stiff. After drying, it can also produce white fragments in hair when combed.

It does not go well with long hair. It can only provide a nice hold to short hair. But when applied to long hair, it looks stiff and clumped up.

Main Differences Between Mousse and Gel

1. Mousse is used to make the hair extra voluminous and shiny, whereas, Gel is used to give the hair a stronghold.
2. Mousse is foam-like, while the gel is sticky.
3. The gel gives a strong and long-lasting hold, but the mousse cannot hold the hair longer.
4. Mousse is packaged in an aerosol can, whereas the gel comes in a plastic jar or tube.
5. Mousse goes well with every hair length, while the gel only fits short hair.

References

1. https://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(18)30429-7/pdf

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023