On Saweetie's "Pretty Bitch Freestyle," she raps, "I'm the Birkin bae, keep my baby hairs laid." We can confidently confirm, that is true. Baby hairs are relatively new to the cultural lexicon, but for Black women, they've long been both the finishing touch and main event. Online, there's been much debate about what actually constitutes baby hair and what's just being masqueraded as such (if you don't have them, you don't have them). But when done correctly, laid edges can elevate any style.
While some can get away with using a regular gel or pomade with a toothbrush, it's most easily executed with tools tailored to achieving sleek swoops. That being said, not all edge tamers are created equal. Some don't have a strong enough hold, while others leave a crusty cast. On top of that, it's always important to make sure your edge control keeps your hair in place without drying it out. It's a seriously delicate balance, but it should always be top of mind when styling your baby hairs because snatched edges aren't just a hyperbole—they are a thing and should be actively avoided. Keep reading for the edge control products that will take your baby hair styling to the next level.
Edge Control
Tracee Ellis Ross's hair is always on point and that's reason alone to buy into Pattern's gentler approach to edge control. While this may not be the first choice for those with 4C hair, it does a stellar job at providing long-lasting hold to looser textures and a little goes a long way. A standout on the formula lineup is castor oil, a hero ingredient for hair growth that will help your edges thrive over time. Plus, it pairs perfectly with their edge tool.
Edge Tamer
This is a gem that you can easily find in your local beauty supply store. 1st Touch Down's Edge Tamer has a wax-like formula that's easy to work with and a fruity scent that's not overpowering. In the texture department, this rests in the sweet spot between strong and smooth, so you can count on it for a lasting hold with no residue left behind.
Edge Booster
This checks all of the same boxes as 1st Touch Down's edge control but you can count on a more gentle hold, making it ideal for looser textures. You can have your pick from a rainbow variety of different scents, but across the board, the formula is alcohol-free so it won't dry your hair out.
Edge Control
If your edges are thinning—a very common problem, by the way—this Black-owned brand's edge tamer can create a fuller finish. On one side of Luxe Life's Yin Yang Edge Control, there's a clear coconut oil-based gel and on the other side, there's a tinted, castor oil-based tamer. The tint can give the appearance of a fuller hairline, while the castor oil can help replenish sparse strands. The packaging and product design make this a cut above the rest, but the multipurpose element is what has sent this soaring to the top of our wishlist.
Sleek Max Edge Control
Fruity scent? Check. Smooth texture? Check. Strong hold? Check. Design Essentials is an OG in the Black-owned hair care category, so it's not uncommon for you to see it in heavy rotation at Black salons. But it's there for a reason—their Sleek Max Edge Control is a secret weapon for smooth edges and slick buns.
Gorilla Snot Hair Gel
Not to be confused with Gorilla Glue, which totally shouldn't be used in your hair, Gorilla Snot will literally and figuratively hold down your edges. The hold is unparalleled, but when handling Gorilla Snot, be careful: as its name suggests, the texture is glue-like and can get very sticky. But it's a small price to pay for the sleek finish and long-lasting results on even the coarsest textures.
Smooth & Hold Edge Control
Nettle leaf and castor oil are the main characters on the Tgin Smooth & Hold Edge Control ingredient list. The flake-free formula uses good-for-you ingredients to leave your edges laid. If you usually follow up your baby hair routine by wrapping your hair with a scarf, this creates a hold strong enough to skip a step in your A.M. routine, which is a win all on its own.