When you’re looking for a styling product that delivers volume, body, and shine without weighing your hair down, Aveda’s Phomollient Styling Foam might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Whether you’ve got fine, thin hair that desperately needs volume or curly hair that’s looking for some control, this product seems to tick all the right boxes.
I’ve been using it for a while now, and I can honestly say it has transformed the way my hair looks and feels, whether I’m going for a natural style or something more voluminous.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my real-world experience with Aveda Phomollient, diving into how it works, its benefits, and how it compares to other styling products on the market.
If you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth the investment, this review will give you an honest, detailed rundown based on actual use.
What Is Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam?
Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam is a lightweight mousse designed to add body, volume, and shine to fine to medium hair.
Its star ingredient, organic honey, works to condition the hair while giving it a light to medium hold. What I really love about it is the way it offers volume without the heaviness that many mousses and styling foams tend to have.
This foam doesn’t just sit on top of the hair, it actually helps lift and define it, making it look fuller, shinier, and healthier. It’s a great choice if you want a product that’s not only effective but also nurturing for your hair.
My Experience with Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam
I’ve been on the lookout for a product that could give my fine, flat hair a boost. I’ve tried so many volumizing products before, but many of them either left my hair feeling sticky or crunchy.
The first time I tried Aveda Phomollient, I was genuinely surprised by how light it felt in my hair. It wasn’t sticky, didn’t leave any residue, and—best of all—it didn’t make my hair feel crunchy.
That’s a big deal for me, since many volumizing mousses can leave hair stiff or weighed down.
I applied a small amount to damp hair and blew it dry as usual. Right away, I noticed more volume at the roots and fullness in the rest of my hair. What I loved the most was that the product didn’t weigh my hair down.
It felt soft and airy, with a touch of shine, and it held the shape without feeling heavy. Even after a few hours, my hair didn’t lose its bounce, and there was no crunchiness or stiff texture—just smooth, voluminous hair.
Pros & Cons of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam
Pros:
- Lightweight Volume and Fullness: One of the biggest selling points for me is that this foam delivers volume without adding weight. A lot of products that promise fullness tend to leave hair feeling heavy or sticky, but Aveda’s Phomollient doesn’t do that. My hair feels light, bouncy, and full of life, which is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
- Soft, Touchable Hair: Another major win for me was that my hair didn’t feel crunchy or stiff, as I mentioned earlier. It’s soft and touchable, which is rare for a styling product that promises volume. If you’ve used products that made your hair feel hard or stuck in place, you’ll appreciate this difference.
- Long-Lasting Hold and Control: While the hold is light to medium, it’s enough to keep my style in place throughout the day. It gives just the right amount of control, whether I’m letting my hair air dry or using a blow-dryer. I’ve noticed that even in humidity or after a long day, my hair maintains its volume without getting flat or limp.
- Organic Honey and Nutrients: The fact that this product uses organic honey and other natural ingredients is a huge plus. I’m always looking for products that nourish my hair while also styling it, and this mousse does both. Honey is great for hydration and adds a nice shine to the hair without making it greasy or heavy.
- Great for Fine and Medium Hair: If you have fine or medium hair like me, you know how hard it can be to find products that add volume without leaving your hair feeling weighed down. Phomollient is the perfect solution for giving your hair a fuller, thicker appearance while still keeping it light and manageable.
Cons:
- The Scent: This is a subjective con, but it’s something I’ve noticed. Aveda products typically have a herbal, earthy scent, which some people love and others might find a bit strong. It’s not unpleasant by any means, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances or prefer something more neutral, this could be a turn-off. Fortunately, the scent doesn’t linger too long after styling, so it’s not a major issue for me.
- Can Be Too Much for Thick Hair: If you have thicker hair, you may find that you need more than just a couple of pumps of this product to achieve the same results. While it works great for fine to medium hair, you might have to adjust the amount depending on your hair thickness. Some users with thicker hair have reported needing additional products or more pumps to get the same lift.
- Price Point: Aveda products are generally on the pricier side, and this one is no exception. While I think the product is worth the investment for the quality it provides, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. If you’re used to drugstore products, this could be a bit of a stretch financially, though I’d say it’s worth every penny for the results.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Skin Body Hair Identifier Spray
How to Get the Most Out of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam
If you’re looking to maximize the benefits of this styling foam, here are a few tips that have worked for me:
- Use It on Damp Hair: For the best results, apply Aveda Phomollient to damp hair. I’ve found that this helps the foam distribute more evenly throughout the hair and ensures that the product works as it should. Using it on dry hair may lead to uneven application or less volume.
- Don’t Overuse It: A little goes a long way. Start with one or two pumps, and only add more if necessary. Too much product can weigh your hair down and cause it to look greasy, especially if you have finer hair like I do. It’s better to start with a small amount and build up if needed.
- Use a Blow Dryer for Maximum Volume: While you can let your hair air dry, I’ve found that using a blow dryer with a round brush helps enhance the volume and fullness of my hair. The heat helps set the product and gives you a more structured, voluminous look.
- Pair It with Other Aveda Products: If you’re really looking to elevate your hair care routine, consider pairing Phomollient with other Aveda products. For example, I’ve used their Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner, and together with Phomollient, they give my hair even more shine, softness, and hydration. Using complementary products can boost the overall effectiveness.
- Use It for a Natural, Everyday Look: If you want a quick, natural style, apply this foam to your damp hair, scrunch it, and let it air dry. The foam enhances my natural texture and helps define my waves without frizz, so I can walk out the door with minimal effort.
Aveda Phomollient Vs. Other Styling Foams?
Aveda Phomollient stands out in a crowded market of styling products, but how does it compare to other popular foam and mousse brands? Let’s look at a few other options and see how they stack up.
- Aveda Phomollient Vs. Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
Oribe’s Grandiose Mousse is a luxury option that’s well-loved for its ability to add volume and texture. However, it’s a more expensive option than Aveda, and I personally found that Aveda Phomollient provides similar volume and fullness at a fraction of the cost. While Oribe has a more luxurious feel and scent, Aveda delivers high-quality results without the high price tag.
- Aveda Phomollient Vs. Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse
Living Proof’s Full Thickening Mousse is another popular product for adding volume to fine hair. While it’s also effective, Aveda Phomollient has a more natural formula, especially with its inclusion of organic honey. Living Proof’s mousse is slightly more heavy-duty in terms of hold, but for a lighter, more natural feel, Aveda wins.
- Aveda Phomollient Vs. Ouai Volume Foam
Ouai’s Volume Foam is known for adding fullness and bounce to fine hair, similar to Aveda Phomollient. However, Ouai’s foam is a bit thicker, which may be too heavy for those with fine hair. Aveda Phomollient is more lightweight, making it a better option if you’re looking for volume without feeling weighed down.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Tabitha Brown Hair Products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to use Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam?
Apply the foam to damp hair, using one to two pumps depending on your hair length. Distribute evenly through your hair, and style as usual. For maximum volume, blow-dry your hair.
Can you use Aveda Phomollient on dry hair?
It’s best to use this foam on damp hair, but you can apply a small amount to dry hair to add texture or refresh your style.
What does Phomollient do?
Phomollient adds volume, body, and shine to fine to medium hair, providing light to medium hold without making hair feel crunchy or stiff.
Can I use styling foam on dry hair?
While styling foam is typically used on damp hair, you can apply it to dry hair for texture and volume. Just be sure not to overuse it to avoid a greasy or heavy look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a product that adds weightless volume, enhances shine, and leaves your hair feeling soft and touchable, Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam is definitely worth considering. Its natural ingredients and lightweight formula make it ideal for fine to medium hair, and it provides a reliable hold without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the results justify the investment—especially if you’re after a product that delivers long-lasting volume and smooth, healthy hair. Whether you want to define natural waves, add fullness with a blow dryer, or simply add a touch of shine, Phomollient has got you covered.
