<p>Puffy edges, wild flyaways and frizzy baby hairs are the resolute enemies of any <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g24270258/hairstyles-for-black-girls/” target=”_blank”>sleek hairstyle</a>. Whether you’re looking to pull off <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/tips/g1717/celebrity-hairstyles-ponytail/” target=”_blank”>a laid ponytail</a>, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g25322399/braided-updos/” target=”_blank”>fresh braids</a> or silk press, the last thing you want is for the hair around the perimeter of your head not to cooperate with the style. That’s where our list of the <strong>best edge control</strong> comes in. </p><p><a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/g33809765/best-gel-for-curly-hair/” target=”_blank”>Similar to gel</a>, but in most cases a thicker consistency that resembles a pomade, edge control is known to help keep edges, or the shorter hairs nearest to your forehead, tame and flat so as to not disturb an otherwise neat style. However, it should be noted that all edge controls are not created equal. “Some edge controls can leave a film or a white cast behind if you apply too much,” says Kim Kimble, founder of the <a href=”https://www.thewigcompany.com/pages/kim-kimble-home” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear</a>. </p><p>In an effort to save you from the heartache caused by products that produce flaking, white residue or otherwise revert your hair, we’ve rounded up a definitive list of tried and true products (several of these options can be <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/money/g31191230/best-beauty-products-on-amazon/” target=”_blank”>found on Amazon</a>), many of which have been vetted by consumer reviews. <br></p><p>After you’re done scrolling through these <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g28799272/best-hair-products/” target=”_blank”>hair products</a> and land on your favorites for <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a32733411/curl-hair-types/” target=”_blank”>your specific hair type</a> or hair needs, don’t hesitate to explore a few <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g4419/summer-hairstyles/” target=”_blank”>new hairstyles</a> to get ready for summer.</p>”/>
Pros
- Large jar
- Not greasy
Cons
- Some reviewers noticed a white cast
Priced at just under $7, Edge Tamer is great for laying down hairs or creating sleek braids and twists. Reviewers say that the product isn’t sticky or greasy and has just the right amount of hold. “The hold is strong without feeling stiff or crunchy, and my hair stays in place all day long,” an Amazon reviewer said. Others mentioned that a white cast can be produced.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not many reviews
Made without silicones, parabens, formaldahydes or phthalates, Tracee Ellis Ross’s brand, Pattern Beauty, sells an edge control that touts the ability to protect curls from breakage while providing long-lasting hold and extra shine. Reviewers love that a little goes a long way and the hold lasts. “OMG this is glue to your hair, which is good because it serves its purpose. Perfect to style your edges. Kinda smells like roses but not too strong,” an Amazon reviewer said.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Not drying
Cons
- May leave residue
With a gel-like consistency, Edge Booster has been hailed as a go-to product for maximum hold. Over 13,000 Amazon reviewers have raved about its ability to keep hair in place without drying it out, though some noted that they did see some residue. “This is the best gel I have ever used,” one reviewer noted. My 4C hair is NOT MOVING. It’s been three days. I even got part of it wet in the bath and NO reversion.”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great scent
Cons
- May not work for thick hair
This may technically be a styling gel, but for finer hair textures it holds just as well as thicker edge controls. Reviewers note that it provides hold without making hair hard and it smells great. “I was really impressed with this defining gel. It is not thick and sticky,” an Amazon reviewer noted. “It’s loose and doesn’t feel like you’re putting a gel in your hair at all but it has an amazing hold.” Another reviewer with thicker hair reported that their hair would frizz and lift when they used the gel.
Pros
- Won’t revert hair
- Works on wigs
Cons
- Can become greasy
Maintaining flyaways with straight hair can be a challenge, but reviewers swear by this wax stick to keep hairs in place without reverting it. To apply, rub the product into your hands then place onto hair instead of applying the wax directly to hair. Reviewers also say it is great for wigs and blending hair with weave styles. “This is a wax I always buy. I use it when I have pressed/flat ironed hair to keep the flyaways down. I wanted something without water so it wouldn’t revert my hair, so this is it.” Though, be careful not to apply too much as some reviewers reported the product may become greasy.
Pros
- Unscented
- Not sticky
Cons
- Some reviewers wanted more hold
For an option that won’t weigh your hair down, Aveda’s control paste is a winner. It can be applied to damp or dry hair and will provide a good hold without a thick or sticky texture. Though because it is lightweight, some reviewers noted that they had to reapply to get the right amount of hold.
“I swear this control paste left my edges looking better than if I did have a perm,” an Amazon reviewer said. “This control paste laid them down, added sheen without looking greasy and keep them in place all day long without applying more.”
Pros
- Matte finish
- Washes out easily
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn’t hold down 4C hair
Reviewers rave that this edge control wax can be reapplied multiple times without producing greasy buildup or flaking. They also love that the formula produces a matte finish and works on multiple hair types.
“I’ve bought quite a few different edge control products but they could never tame my baby hair. This one works great. Lasts me all day and I live in Florida, so I sweat a lot. Feels light and non-greasy. Washes away very easily,” an Amazon reviewer said.
Pros
- Smells great
- Soft hold
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as other options
A soft hold and divine scent are what reviewers love most about this edge control. Several commented that the paste-like product keeps their hair in place when styled and washes out easily without pulling it out, though they also noted it doesn’t last all day. “It doesn’t turn white and clumpy. Perfect hold and can comb out without a mess,” an Amazon reviewer noted.
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Some reviewers reported flaking
With over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s no wonder that this braid gel delivers. Reviewers rave that the gel keeps braids looking neat and reduces stray hairs and frizz. “It is super thick and keeps my 4a/b hair down all day as an edge control. It’s even better at holding my braids and keeping them neat,” one reviewer noted. Some reviewers did report experiencing flaking after use.
Pros
- Soft hold
- Doesn’t flake
Cons
- Some reviewers wanted more hold
Anyone with a sensitive scalp will appreciate this edge control that moisturizes and provides soft hold and shine. It also has a subtle vanilla scent that reviewers love. “My hair really likes this brand. Don’t have to use a lot and I had absolutely no reaction to the ingredients. I had laid flat edges, no flyaway hairs,” an Amazon reviewer said. Due to the soft hold, some reviewers noted that they had to reapply and the product did not last all day.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Doesn’t make hair stiff
Cons
- Small container
Mielle Organics’ Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil went viral last year, with fans saying it helped encourage faster hair growth. We also featured in the oil in our roundup of best hair growth oils, in which Jeannette Graf, M.D., a dermatologist, noted that it features “30 different oils and nutrients that can promote hair growth.”
The brand’s edge control is formulated with rosemary, castor and peppermint oil. Reviewers tout it for encouraging edge growth and providing hold without making hair stiff. “I especially love that it’s infused with biotin, which is why I ordered it. I use on my edges and noticed that my edges are filling in nicely,” an Amazon reviewer said.
13
Best For Locs
Strength of Nature Global LLC African Pride Black Castor Miracle Frizz Control Hair Gel
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Great hold
Cons
- Some find it sticky
Though some reviewers have described it as sticky, this hair gel is great at holding hair in place and maintaining both locs and braided styles. “After using a full jar of this I’ve bought another one. This product is effective at keeping fine hairs in place; I have far less frizz than I used to and my styles last longer,” an Amazon reviewer said of the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong hold
Cons
- May produce a cast
Perfect for laying down hairs and keeping them soft to touch, this styling gel infused with olive oil has a strong hold that works on multiple hair types. Reviewers also love that the product is lightweight. “Held my hair very well on a hot, humid day, and my hair looked shiny and feels so soft after use! Not sticky or crunchy at all,” an Amazon reviewer said. Though some reviewers said the product can produce a cast.
Pros
- Works well with thick hair
- Strong hold
Cons
- May leave residue
Reviewers rave that this hair paste keeps hair in place with long-lasting hold. They noted that it does not dry out hair and works on both coarse and fine hair textures, but may leave residue. “I could never lay down my edges because nothing would hold them down,” an Amazon reviewer said. “But I have 3c hair that doesn’t like to lay down, but when I tell you this did the job, it did the job! This made my edges so smooth and shiny, for only 8 dollars!?!?”
How we chose the best edge control products
GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins scoured the internet to find the most liked and reviewed edge control products, according to consumers. To round up the best, she relied on a combination of research, personal experience with products and expert insights from Kimble.
What to look for when shopping for edge control
It’s important to “reach for softer edge controls that have a less strong hold for braids and locs,”Kimble told Good Housekeeping. If you want to preserve baby hairs with a silk press, she recommends “products without water or ones that don’t have too much moisture as it will revert the hair back to its natural state.”
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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