Hair mousse
bsiro/iStock/GettyImages

In the sea of volumizing hair products at your local drugstore, many contain alcohols, preservatives and sulfates that can weigh hair down, cause dryness and leave a residue that builds up over time. Thankfully, natural mousse alternatives, like coconut oil and egg whites, are hiding in your kitchen pantry waiting to come

For a light hold and a bit of shiny, moisturized bounce this combination of natural oils is a quick fix. Mix together 1/4 cup shea butter with a 1/4 cup coconut oil and 10-20 drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil for a light scent.

Place the mixture in a medium glass bowl and whip the ingredients together with an electric mixer until they are light and fluffy, like a store-bought mousse. This process can take up to 10 minutes. If you have a stand mixer, let the machine do all the work for you.

Apply the mousse on slightly damp strands for a smoothing effect with a light hold. This mixture works best on natural curly or voluminous strands that need a little more control in humid climates. This product is also wonderful for dried out tresses that need a moisture boost.

You can store this mousse in a resealable container in a cool, dark place. It should last for about a month before you make a new batch.

Tips

Organic shea butter and extra virgin coconut oils are commonly available at health food stores.

If you want a stronger, more structured hold opt for a gelatin mixture. Simmer 1/2 cup of water in a pan. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin and mix until it is completely dissolved. Add about 10 drops of essential oil, such as rosemary or lavender, for a fresh scent. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow to cool completely and set for about an hour.

Apply this thick concoction to strands just like regular mousse, either on slightly damp strands or on dry hair you just finished styling. If you want an even stronger hold add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of gelatin to your mixture for a thicker, stronger mixture.

Store the mixture in the refrigerator and use within two weeks for the best results.

Tips

For smoother, healthier curls dry your damp hair completely with a diffuser, instead of a standard blow dryer, after you apply your homemade mousse product.

Whole eggs are a standby for homemade hair masks but the egg whites also double as a quick mousse. Blend together three egg whites, 1/2 cup aloe vera gel, a tablespoon of water and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Whip the ingredients together in the blender for about 30 seconds.

This mixture smooths out ultra-curly hair and tames any unwanted frizz. Apply on hair that is slightly damp and work through from the roots to the tips. Let your hair finish drying. Store the mousse in a sealable container in the fridge and use up within a couple of weeks.