Slicked edges and baby hairs have long been a staple of afro and textured hairstyles. Whether you love wearing wigs, weaves or go au-natural, in order to finish a look and give it a little je ne sais quoi, for coily hair wearers, a slicked edge is a must.
Goopy, sticky and shiny edge-control gels can be found in abundance in drugstores and afro-hair shops but when buying an edge-control product the question remains: How do you choose one that’s right for you?
Be it gel formulas and edge-laying options for those embracing their coils or, for those of us who love the ability to jump between chic, low buns, with slicked edges to fashion-forward canerows with laid edges to match, the product options out there are seemingly endless.
So, what’s the solution? I find that a great place to start is often right at the root, with your texture and porosity. Depending on how thick your hair is—that is strand-wise rather than length—the texture of the edge control and level of hold you need will vary, as will the formula base. Have finer coils? Then a lightweight water-based gel is your best buy. As with oil-based gels and waxes, the kinker and thicker the better.
If like me you know that managing to maintain perfectly slicked edges that last all day in the face of heat, humidity, and the everyday bustle relies heavily on the smooth application of an edge gel, but are struggling to pick just one, fear not. Below I’ve listed some of my favorite edge control products for the sleekest finish.
Two years on from its initial launch and black British brand Ruka still remains the word on many beauty lovers’ lips. Their mongongo oil-infused edge control is a gummy, no water reversion in sight option that is perfect for regular wear. Thanks to its skincare-forward formula, it allows for equal parts chic and protected edges.
Although an unconventional choice, for anyone who has sighed deeply when faced with reverted coils thanks to the high water content of your edge control, this is wax is sure to be your new BFF. Plus, this is a favorite for smoothing down lace wig parting for lovers of ‘do it all’ hair options.
Maybe you know Mielle from their collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion or more likely due to their now (sold out constantly) rosemary oil. Point of reference aside, their edge option leans on their prized rosemary infusion to create a gel worth moving to the top of the styling pile.
Famed for their natural ingredients and innovative formulation, a lot the Carol’s Daughter product range is highly regarded, including this edge control made with aloe and honey. Not quite gummy oil-based, but not fully slippery water-based, it allows for occasional edge styling to be available to even the more sensitive of hairlines.
Pattern, the brainchild of the internet’s favorite auntie/actress/hair-trepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross, aims to provide options for all hair types. My favorite products include this lightweight edge gel which is made from a formulation of sea moss and chia.
Got 2B’s Glued spray has no doubt become a queen amongst men in the hair styling department. I first tried this whlist on holiday in Ghana and was instantly wowed by its staying power and the easy-to-use wand. In order to describe it best, I often recommend it as the ‘beloved can minus the metal’. It really is just that powerful.
Swoop and swish your edges to perfection with the help of this sturdy yet precise, edge control brush. It has a double-sided head, boar bristles for smoothing, fine tooth for defining, and a sharp tail end for parting, making it the Swiss Army Knife of combs.
Your edge control is only as good as the scarf or band that you set it with, so luckily Kitsch’s satin hair bonnet has the laying part both literally and styling-wise, in hand.
One of the worse feelings post-styling is removing your scarf to find that the product has dried and now your perfectly crafted edges are more of an oilly mess. Well, a cool shot blast from your favorite blowdryer is sure to put an end to this edge-styling dilemma.
