Fellow coily haired people with fine strands and a weak scalp will know this: the edges must always stay out, regardless of the style. Too much tension on the most delicate of hairs will result in damage that will take months, sometimes years, multiple topical solutions, and monthly steroid injections to repair.
So, I'm now on a quest to figure out how to keep my edges perfectly laid. When looking to edge control gels, as someone who loves killing two birds with one stone, I looked into products with ingredients that would also work to nurture and nourish my hair: ceramides, aloe, and vitamin E, for example. With high hopes and an edge brush and comb combo in tow, I did my research and tested what seemed like every single edge control, each over the course of a day. I kept an eye out for buildup, white flakes, gliding ability and, of course, any flyaways that break free. With all of that in mind, these are three that proved to be best at taming my untruly hairs. Now, the next step for me is figuring out the masterful physical technique behind the perfect baby hair swoops and squiggles.
Fenty Beauty Thickening Edge Control
Fenty Beauty
SIze: 3.4 oz
With Fenty Beauty's thickening edge control gel, the first thing I took note of is the packaging. Yes, it's the most precious pink possible, but more importantly, the lid pops open and doesn't need to screwed off. While this might seem minor, it goes a long way in terms of speed, keeping the product fresh, and easily putting the product away. The gel is formulated with Replenicore-5's amino acids, proteins, and antioxidants for split-end repair. I've experienced edge control gels that are too thick and too hard, that really need to be pulled through the strands, and have little to no gliding power. This product is the furthest thing from that—with this, I found taming my edges (an art form that I'm personally trying to master) to be a quick and easy process. One thing to note, though: For this, a little goes a long way. And, if you use a little bit too much, you might experience noticeable build up, but nothing that can't be rubbed in and smoothed out, which I did have to a bit throughout the day and night.
Pattern Beauty Edge Control
Pattern Beauty
Size: 4 oz
The Pattern Beauty edge control gel definitely has the thickest, toughest consistency of the bunch—but this doesn't take away from it's gliding and swooping abilities. Beyond the strong, sleek, and flake-free hold that it provides, this will remain in my rotation because of the haircare benefits. Beeswax and mango seed butter work to strengthen and condition hair and prevent breakage while also serving the purpose of keeping baby hairs in place. I was particularly impressed by how many of my unruly little hairs remained laid at the end of a long day—especially impressed considering I'm someone who loves to touch their face and hair a lot. One more important note: the product doesn't try down or settle too quickly, leaving enough time to truly play with your baby hairs until they look just right.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel
Amazon
Size: 3.5 oz
Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel had the most jelly-like consistency of all of the products I tried—and, to me, this is very much a good thing. When I applied this, I was immediately surprised by how light and smooth the product was, and how easy it was to brush and comb through. The light-weight consistency didn't take away from its holding powers which I was a little worried about. My edges not only remained laid all day, but had a noticeable shine to them. The shine could likely be attributed to the glycerin and coconut oil in the formula. At the end of the day, they still remained laid against arguably the biggest test of all: the removal of a tiny little sweater with a very tight neckline.
