Among all of the debated topics when it comes to natural hair, good edge control appears to stir up the most controversy. Edges refer to the small strands of hair that are around the "edges" of your hairline.
Edges are also called "baby hair" or "baby hairs". Some people choose to lay their edges flat, whereas others simply let them fly about without much care.
The term "my edges were snatched" has been used to describe everything from shocking moments to cute hairstyles. "You have no edges" or "your mom has no edges" could be used as insults!
Regardless of your opinion on the subject, however, there's no denying that finding the best edge controls for natural hair can be difficult.
If you decide to try smoothing your edges, your hairstyle will have a sleek and sophisticated appearance that will definitely turn heads. It works especially well for the likes of frohawks, twas, bantu knots, and protective styles (ex., buns, updos, etc.).
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To really pull off the appropriate look, you need to find a good edge-control product for your hair. Luckily, we've done the hard work for you and created a comprehensive list of the best edge control products for natural hair.
The Best Edge Control Products for Natural Hair
According to anecdotal evidence, many of the edge control products on the market just don't seem to work very well. To help you avoid making the wrong choice, we've created a list of the best edge control products for natural hair.
1. Eco Styling Gel with Olive Oil (All Hair Types)
Eco Styling Gel with olive oil is a multipurpose hair gel that will give you great hold. Based on anecdotal evidence, this styling gel doesn't usually cause flakes. Plus, it's an alcohol-free product.
2. Natural Honey And Shea Edge Tamer by Design Essentials
This product is fantastic for anyone with tightly curled hair or an overall coiled hair type. According to Design Essentials, this product works best for those with 3A-4C hair textures.
The product formula includes avocado and almond oil. It offers plenty of shine, reliable hold, and all of your flyaways will be a thing of the past.
The Design Essentials® Natural Honey & Shea Edge Tamer is a specially formulated non-greasy hair gel infused with honey and shea butter for a brilliant shine without any build-up residue. With the addition of almond and avocado oils, this tamer delivers a long-lasting firm hold, securely laying down the hairline and taming flyaways without flaking, stickiness, or residue. Suitable for all hair textures, it restores moisture and health from the inside out, delivering a polished finish to any style.
3. Creme Of Nature Perfect Edges
The argan oil edging product from Creme of Nature, Perfect Edges from Morocco, provides long-lasting edge control. We've seen this product work for ladies with both natural hair and relaxed hair.
4. Treasured Temple Amla Oil-Infused Styling Edge Tamer
This is a very light pomade styling gel that will work on multiple hair types. It's made with amla oil from the Indian gooseberry.
Many women also use amla oil for hair growth, to prevent hair loss, and mitigate rapidly graying hair. If your edges are frail or thinning, the Treasured Temple Amla Legend might be a good option.
5. Coconut Edge Glaze with Shea Butter by Eden BodyWorks
This lightweight product is able to provide a firm hold that still remains manageable enough for styling. The formula's blend of shea butter and coconut oil allows it to work without leading to dry or frizzy hair.
6. Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste by Curls
This is another great option that offers shine and a frizz-free experience. There are a few different variations available, including blueberry and passion fruit.
Both options have the added bonus of smelling wonderful! The water-based organic product formulation doesn't contain sulfates, silicons, or parabens.
7. Avlon The Science of Haircare, Keracare Edge Tamer
This edge tamer is completely colorless, and there's no worry of flaking or greasiness. The hold will stand up throughout the course of the day without fail. The Keracare Edge Tamer was formulated to work on natural and relaxed hair.
8. Dr. Miracle's Edge Holding Gel with Jojoba Oil
This product, which is infused with wheat protein and jojoba oil, is a strong edge control edge. According to Dr. Miracle, it works well on natural, relaxed, and braided hair. They also recommend it for ladies with hair extensions or crochet braids.
In this video, Carmen from My Natural Sistas provides a tutorial on styling your edges and sideburns. Carmen uses a toothbrush and IC Fantasia edge control gel. The IC Fantasia styling gel is a very effective, high-potency edge tamer for ladies with natural hair.
What Edge Control Does Not Contain Alcohol?
Eco Styling Gel with olive oil is great for styling naturally curly hair and consistently holds throughout the day. Plus, it's an alcohol-free edge control gel!
What Can I Use Instead of Edge Control?
Hair butter is a great alternative to gel because it helps your hair stay put without drying out or looking too stiff. You can find an alcohol-free, all-natural option like Flora and Curl's Flower Garden Hair Butter.
How Can I Control My Edges Naturally?
When you want to keep your edges in place but don't feel like reaching for the Gorilla Snot, you can try these all-natural methods. You can use Jamaican black castor oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and many more all-natural products!
What Edge Control Is Best for 4C Hair?
Eco Styling Gel with olive oil is a versatile hair gel that provides an excellent hold for most curly styles, including 4C hair types. It also doesn't usually cause flakes and is an alcohol-free product.
We also really like Blueberry Bliss Curl Control, Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges, Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Control Edge, Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control, Curl's Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste, Nature Edge Control, and Shea Control Edge Glaze.
What Is the Difference Between Edge Control and Styling Gel?
Edge control is a product specifically designed to slick down and control the edges of the hair, which are the baby hairs and the hairline. Styling gel, on the other hand, is a more versatile product that can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from slicked-back looks to more voluminous styles.
Is Styling Gel the Same as Edge Control?
While styling gel and edge control may seem similar at first glance, they aren't the same. Styling gel is a versatile hair product that's used to create a wide range of hairstyles, from slicked-back looks to voluminous curls. On the other hand, edge control is specifically formulated to smooth and hold down the hair around the edges of the hairline.
Is Edge Control Better Than Gel?
Whether edge control is better than gel really depends on what you're trying to achieve with your hairstyle. If you're looking to smooth and define your edges, then edge control might be the better choice. However, if you're trying to create a more voluminous or textured hairstyle, then you might want to pick styling gel.
Can You Use Edge Control for Braids?
Edge control can definitely be used for braids. No matter what type of braids you're rocking, it's important to keep your edges looking neat and polished. That's where edge control comes in. Applying a small amount of edge control to your hairline can help to smooth down any flyaways or frizz, creating a clean, streamlined look that complements your braids.
Can You Use Edge Control on Eyebrows?
While edge control is typically used on the hair around the edges of the hairline, it can also be used to shape and define eyebrows. Applying a small amount of edge control to a clean spoolie brush and then brushing it through your eyebrows can help to tame any unruly hairs and create a more polished, put-together look.
Can You Use Edge Control on Babies?
Using edge control on babies is not recommended, as their skin and hair are delicate and sensitive. While it can be tempting to style your baby's hair, it's important to remember that their scalp is still developing and their hair is much thinner and more fragile than adult hair.
Can I Use Vaseline as Edge Control?
While Vaseline can be used as a makeshift edge control, it's not the ideal product for the job. Vaseline is a petroleum-based product that's designed to moisturize and protect the skin, but it is not formulated specifically for hair styling. Using Vaseline on your hairline can make your hair look greasy and it can also clog your pores, causing breakouts.
Why Does Edge Control Turn White?
When edge control is not absorbed properly, it can dry out and leave behind a white, powdery residue on the hairline. To avoid this issue, apply edge control sparingly and work it into the hair thoroughly. If you do notice white residue on your hair, you can usually brush it away with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers.
Why Does My Edge Control Melt?
Sometimes edge control can melt or lose its hold when exposed to heat or humidity. This is because many edge control products are water-based, which can cause them to break down when exposed to moisture. To avoid this issue, it's important to choose an edge control product that is specifically designed to resist heat and humidity.
Why Doesn't Edge Control Work for Me?
If you're having trouble getting edge control to work for you, one possibility is that you're using the wrong type of product for your hair type or the look you're trying to achieve. Also, if you're applying too much product or not working it into your hair thoroughly, it may not be able to hold your edges in place effectively.
Is Edge Control Bad for Your Edges?
When used properly, edge control should not be bad for your edges. In fact, many edge control products contain nourishing ingredients like castor oil or argan oil, which can help to strengthen and protect the hair around the edges. However, if you're using edge control excessively or if it has harsh chemicals, it can potentially damage your hair and scalp.
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With that, you should have a better understanding of which edge controls are actually worth your while. You might be surprised to find that there are so many good edge tamers on the market, but you have to remember that there are a lot of different types of hair out there!
Not all edge controls are the same, but there's likely at least one or two among the list above that should work well for your needs.
