Sometimes all we want is a simple, sleek ponytail or some gorgeous slicked-down baby hairs, but regular gel doesn’t always do the trick, or it doesn’t last all day.
It’s no fun and can turn a cute style into a frizzy style, which is not necessarily bad, but sometimes we’re looking for something new.
Thankfully, we weren’t the only ones with this dilemma, and someone created something to solve this problem and make us all happy. Edge control came through for us and saved our hair.
What is edge control for?
Edge control is explicitly used for slicking down the baby hairs at the front of your hairline. We can also use it to create sleek ponytails, but its primary purpose is to slick down baby hairs. It’s a lot thicker and more solid than a regular gel, which helps it tame your edges and flyaway hair.
Stylists use edge control with many protective styles like braids, twists, etc., to make them look super smooth. Some edge controls can tend to revert straight hair to curly so do some research on which one will be best for which hairstyle.
Not all edge controls are created equally.
Is edge control bad for your hair?
Edge control is not bad for your hair, but using it too much can cause unwanted outcomes. Our edges are not meant to be controlled all the time. They need to breathe and be left alone most of the time, and using edge control too much can cause product buildup, which can slow down hair growth.
Manipulating your edges daily can cause damage to the strands and the scalp resulting in hair loss. Use edge control when you need it, but keep in mind not to use it all of the time or use too much.
Can edge control be used on natural hair?
Edge control can be used on any hair. As mentioned above, it can revert some styles, so make sure to research which ones work best on natural hair.
Edge control is excellent for naturals who don’t want to heat style their hair but want a sleek look to their hair. This article is a great place to start to look for an edge control that’s right for the style you want.
How should I lay my edges for beginners?
If you are a beginner at laying your edges, starting on Youtube is a great tip as hundreds of videos will help you. Starting with edge control, of course, you want to use something smaller than a brush to lay them down.
An edge tool works perfectly, but you probably already have something in your house that you can use instead. Go into your cabinets and find yourself a clean toothbrush. Dip it gently into the edge control; you don’t need much at all.
A little goes a long way! After having the edge control on the toothbrush, gently swoop it on your baby hairs until you get the desired result.
Edge control is very thick, so make sure not to cake it on. If it’s not laying the way you want it to, don’t add more edge control.
Run some water onto the toothbrush, and brush your edges with and start over.
How do I use edge control?
You use edge control by swooping your baby hair down to lay across the top of your forehead at your hairline. Some people even go as far as to lay their sideburns down.
That’s optional, but edge control is used for slicking the hair down at the hairline.
How often should you use edge control?
Edge control should not be used all the time as a daily styler. It is not meant for that purpose at all. Keep your use of edge control to once a week or even less.
Our hair is resilient but not resilient enough for daily styling and edge laying.
I know laid edges are a cute style, but we should keep it to a minimum to avoid damage. Our edges are some of the most fragile parts of our hair.
Daily manipulation can cause them to thin and be permanently lost. Once a week, or even once a month, is the perfect amount of time to use edge control.
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The Best Edge Control Gels for 4c Hair
This post contains affiliate links which means that I make a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase with my link. Should you have additional products to add to this list, please feel free to add it in the comment section below.
If you find a discontinued product on this list, please do let me know so I can keep this post updated. I’d also like to inform you that brands change their product packaging from time to time, which means that the product picture in this post might look a bit different from the retailers website at the time you decide to make a purchase.
1. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control Gel
Product Promise: Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother helps keep hair moisturized, soft, and manageable; it Applies dry, not wet, so hair stays sleek when styling face-framing frizzies.
Customer Review: “This product is the truth! I have locs, and when a friend asked if I relaxed my edges. I knew then it’s the best edge slayer!”
2. Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
Product Promise: Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste smoothes and slicks down unruly edges while creating the most luxurious sheen to your hair. Use this super sculpting pomade to enhance, define, and hold your curls.
Customer Review: “I have the type of hair that will not lay down until I tried this product. I think this is the only thing that can hold my edges. As soon as I apply it, my edges lay, unlike other gels that make my edges curl up. It’s not a wet product so that it won’t revert your hair.”
3. The Mane Choice – Laid Back Effortlessly Hair Growth Stimulating Edge Control
Product Promise: This edge control keeps your hair edges straight while supporting natural hair growth & retention. Particularly indicated for curly and ethnic hair types, this gel helps to revive edges with a supreme hold and superior shine. You can now smooth your edges down with confidence and effortlessly.
Customer Review: “My hair is super naturally curly, and every edge control I use always made my edges curl. But this stuff makes my edges lay down all day! It does not frizz up at all. I will be buying more! I think I found my favorite edge control for natural hair.”
4. Aunt Jackie’s Tame My Edges Smoothing Gel
Product Promise: Finally, an edges gel with benefits for your hair! Flaxseed, nature’s super supplement, is widely used to prevent and combat thinning, shedding and breakage. Combined with Grapeseed Oil to help strengthen and improve hair health, this unique smoothing gel can help protect edges and the hairline from damage and thinning.
With a superior, yet soft hold, Tame My Edges leaves hair with a smooth, even finish, and helps keep wiry, unruly edges in check. Use it on all hair types and textures.
Customer Review: “I’ve tried so many different edge control products that its crazy. This Aunt Jackie’s edge control is AMAZING. Talk about laying my edges to the GOD’S. I’m really impressed. All my 4c ladies know how hard it is to find a product that will lay tightly coiled hair. Look no further this is it.”
5. Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Flexible Hold Edge Gel
Product Promise: For a soft yet manageable hold, this organic hair gel is perfect for styling and smoothing edges, ponytails, and braids. It consists of wholesome ingredients like aloe, honey, and ginger root to give your hair the nutrients it needs.
This edge gel is for all hair types and it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or flaky, so that you get a cleaner and smoother finish.
Customer Review: “A product that holds your hair in place and leaves the hair feeling soft I have used this product over 5 years.”
6. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
Product Promise: Shape and smooth your edges without breakage with this edge control infused with biotin and essential oils that support healthy edge growth while providing intense shine.
Customer Review: “Love this product. It made my edges look defined. A little goes a long way.“
7. Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold Gel
Product Promise: Made with natural argan oil, absorbs quickly with no oily residue, nourishes, and hydrates while providing a strong and pliable hold. Water-soluble and non-greasy. So whether you want to texturize with a natural finish, hold style without build-up, define curls, control frizz, or tame edges, Edge Booster will be your favorite styling solution.
Customer Review: “Edge Booster keeps my hair smooth and in place for 3 to 4 days without reapplying. My hair looks as if I have a relaxer and there is NO flaking.”
8. KISS Edge Fixer Glued Max Hold
Product Promise: Provides maximum and long lasting hold for all hair types while adding moisture and ultimate shine with absolutely no flaking. Formulated with biotin B7 to help enhance and strengthen your edges.
Customer Review: “This is the first hair gel that actually holds! I have thick hair. My front/side edges slick down easy, but my hair in the back, not so much. So I always end up with 2 different looking textures when I wear my hair up. This gel kept my hair slicked down for hours! I will be buying more.”
9. Crème of Nature Pure Honey Creme Moisture Infusion Edge Control
Product Promise: Infused with a blend of pure honey, certified natural coconut oil, and Shea Butter, Cream of Nature Pure Honey 24 Hour Hold Moisture Infusion Edge Control provides hold and control for sleek hairstyles.
Customer Review: “I have curly hair and have never been able to find an edge control that would last long. After an hour or so I would have little fly always and curls popping up along the edge of my hair. This is awesome though and lays my hair just fine! I will definitely be buying more!”
10. Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
Product Promise: Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel conditions and smoothens frizz and flyaways for shiny, sleek styles that last
Customer Review: “Smells amazing, perfect for controlling those baby hair edges around the face. You only need a little bit at a time. Perfect for kids.”
11. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges
Product Promise: African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges slicks stubborn edges, temporarily covers gray & fills in thinning areas. Better than a spray, this gel provides professional coverage without flakes or a greasy appearance.
Customer Review: “Does exactly what it says: smoothes edges, temporarily covers grays, and fills in thinning spots. If you have dark hair with gray sprouting and new growth at the edges–this is so perfect for it.”
12. EBIN NEW YORK 24-Hour Edge Tamer
Product Promise: Molds hair for a strong hold & provides a textured natural look.
Customer Review: “Hands down! The best edge control I have ever used and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and non greasy!”
13. EBIN NEW YORK 48-HOUR EDGE TAMER ULTRA SUPER HOLD CONTROL
Product Promise: Controls and holds down edges, while moisturizing and adding shine to the hair. This nutrient-rich formula makes hair stronger and gives superior hold without flaking.
Customer Review: “This is the best edge control I’ve found. I have 4C hair and holds my edges down all day long and you only have to apply a little. Great product and I highly recommend it”
14. Design Essentials Sleek MAX Edge Control
Product Promise: No flaking, no buildup- get maximum hold without worry about embarrassing flakes and icky buildup! Unlike several edge controllers on the market, Our unique formula will not flake or cause buildup, or turn white when applied to the hair. Also, sleek Max provides a hold that will last hours- not seconds-too help your style last all day.
Customer Review: “The best I’ve used EVER!!! holds your hair down and non greasy. I will be ordering this again. And I told my sister about it. Now she’s also using it and love it. You won’t be disappointed.”
15. SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam! Extra Hold Gel
Product Promise: Extra Hold Hair Gel: This hair gel features micro-emulsion technology for great extra hold, shine, and conditioning with up to 3X less breakage and with no wax, no flaking, and no drying alcohol!
Customer Review: “This was my first time using this jam I love it. I love the smell and I love how it lay your hair down, I like the shine it leaves on your hair.”
16. Diamond Edges Black Panther Strong Styling Gel
Product Promise: Superior edge and braid tamer for all types of hair.
Customer Review: “It holds down my 4c edges like no other edge control ever has. I have to thank my cousin for telling me about this product.”
17. She Is Bomb Collection Edge Control
Product Promise: She Is Bomb’s edge control for hair cream locks those little hairs in place, for smooth, picture-perfect results. The non-greasy formula repairs and moisturizes damaged hair with every use. The fast-drying edge control cream is non-flaking and long-lasting.
Customer Review: “Omg, it’s great. I have for real 4C natural hair, u would think I had a perm the way my edges lay down, and stay down…”
18. Flawless by Gabrielle Union – Repairing Edge Control
Product Promise: Enjoy a long-lasting hold without flaking or buildup with the help of Biotin and Passionfruit Seed Oil.
Customer Review: “Seriously, I am so thankful to have found this product. It has helped my follicles so much that my hair is growing in thicker like it used to!”
19. Arcani Coil Care Enthroned Edges
Product Promise: Water-based edge control for natural and relaxed hair types, no flakes, no residue, no greasy feeling!
Customer Review: “This product is truth! I definitely would like to test out more products by this line.”
20. ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel
Product Promise: Extra hold for all hair textures. Repair, restore, and revive. Great for smoothing edges, ponytails, updos, braids, twists, locs, and lace fronts.
Customer Review: “This is a miracle product for laying down resistant baby hairs!”
21. Magic Collection Edge Effect Professional Edge Control Gel
Product Promise: Formulated with coconut oil, vitamin E, hibiscus to treat your edges with respect
Customer Review: “Best edge gel on the market ESPECIALLY for natural hair. Mix it with a little styling foam and use an edge brush and magic all day long! I live in the south without a relaxer and it is a miracle worker!”
22. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Edge Gel
Product Promise: Keep edges and baby hairs laid in place for hours without leaving a hard cast. Experience great hold without flakes, greasiness, or white residue being left behind.
Customer Review: “Great item. Was nicely packaged and delivered quickly! Works really well with my 4C hair type.
23. MIZANI Styling Edge Taming Gel
Product Promise: Hairline and edge smoothing for long, lasting sleek styles. Frizz free control with a dry touch finish.
Customer Review: “Love this taming gel, it does flatten the curl in the front of my hair..I highly recommend this product”
24. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Stay & Lay Edge Gel
Product Promise: Lay your edges down with confident long-lasting hold that works even on thick hair, while nourishing your hair.
Customer Review: “This product works really well on my 4C strands (including grays). Must be applied to fresh hair or results will show build up.”
25. My Black is Beautiful Edge Slayer
Product Promise: The My Black is Beautiful Edge Slayer has a flake-free formula that leaves no residue behind.
Customer Review: “This is by far the only edge control that can lay and slay my edges. I will definitely buy this again!! It’s a must for natural hair!”
26. tgin Smooth & Hold Edge Control
Product Promise: Smooth, finished look: tgin smooth & hold edge control is infused with Nettle leaf & castor oil, this nutrient rich formula holds edges In place without building up and flaking. Perfect for creating sleek styles, polished ponytails, and tapered cuts.
Customer Review: “I love their products. Doesn’t flake. Has great hold and isn’t too hard.”
27. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment
Product Promise: Provides a touchable hold while nourishing edges.
Customer Review: “Works great just know it’s not edge control. It’s edge restore treatment. And it works. Give it 2 weeks and You’ll see your hair grow back where your edges are supposed to be.”
28. Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gels
Product Promise: Holds well, smoothes edges, non-greasy.
Customer Review: “Calling ALL 4C HAIR TYPES. BUY IT!! OH MY GOOD GOD THIS PRODUCT WORKS!! I have tried every popular edge gel/pomade out there and nothing will “slay” my edges— the rebelliousness of my ancestors will Not have it!! My edges say, “Lay down for who?!!!” to those other edge gels.”
29. As I Am Long and Luxe Groedge Edge Controller
Product Promise: Rejuvenates and Strengthens the Hairline To Promote Healthier Hair Length.
Customer Review: “Works better on dry hair (curly texture). Holds well for a while. Kind of reminds me of a thicker version of JAM.”
30. Silk Elements Strength n Silk Edge Gel
Product Promise: Non-flaking, lightweight formula, contains coconut and silk, sleeks down edges
Customer Review: “Love it! This is the only thing that I use on my edges. No flaking, no drying, long hold and sheen.! Love, love love.”
31. Dr. Miracle’s Style Edge Holding Gel
Product Promise: This super hold formula works excellent for braided, natural or weaved hair. Blended with jojoba oil to add shine and condition.
Customer Review: “Amazing product. First product that I’ve tried with such a great hold and it lasts all day.”
32. Murray’s Edgewax 100% Australian Beeswax
Product Promise: maximum control, no flaking, non-sticky feel & washes out easily.
Customer Review: “This is the best edgewax ever. It has a strong hold without being stiff. It moisturizes your hair instead of drying it out.”
33. Lotta Body Coconut Shea Oils Control Me Edge Gel
Product Promise: Coconut and shea oils deeply hydrate hair from the inside out, leaving hair soft and nourished with brilliant shine. Controls, holds, and smoothes edges. Perfect for sleek styles, ponytails, updos, and sculpting.
Customer Review: “Definitely worth the money! Us Kinky Curled Girls need something with some strength without the flaking. Love it!”
34. Lottabody Control Me Edge Gel, Black
Product Promise: Controls, holds and smoothes edges while covering grays and minimizing the appearance of thinning edges.
Customer Review: “Edge control last long and doesn’t leave residue.”
35. All Day Locks Braid Gel
Product Promise: Excellent for Braiding as well as smoothing edges.
Customer Review: “I loved this product. I braid with extensions and natural hair. This product held longer than with any other braiding product I have tried. I have already ordered more and will continue to do so.”
36. AVLON Keracare Edge Tamer
Product Promise: This super-holding gel can quickly tame any tapered area without the fear of sudden reversion, may be used on relaxed or natural hair
Customer Review: “Been using it for years. I love this edge control. I use it for braids as well. It provides an excellent hold.”
37. Luster’s Pink Shea Butter Coconut Oil Smooth & Hold Edge Gel
Product Promise: Great for smoothing short styles, tapered areas, hairline, nape, ponytails, and close waves.
Customer Review: “Works so well on my hair type. Being natural, this is one of the only edge control products that doesn’t make my edges curl up.”
38. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Control Hair Gel
Product Promise: Our new & improved Perfect Edges™ Hair Gel infused with Argan Oil controls & holds down edges, moisturizes & gives exotic shine to the hair. With no buildup or residue, this formula is perfect for creating sleek, smooth styles, ponytails, sculpting & styling the hair.
Customer Review: “Love this!!! I have a lot of hair that stands up throughout the day and this helps all my baby hair and hair stay in place. Great for working out.”
39. African Pride Dream Kids Smooth Edges
Product Promise: Regular use helps smooth frizz and edges, gently softens hair and boosts healthy shine, reduces dryness and breakage.
Customer Review: “Great product. It is lightweight and not messy. My daughter has little baby hairs that frizz up all over the place and this helps keep it in place. I like that it does not harden like other hair gels.”
40. Just for Me Curl Peace Smoothing Ponytail & Edge Control
Product Promise: Use to smooth ponytail bases AND lay edges for styling. Formulated with a gentle blend of ingredients, this product provide a light, touchable hold.
Customer Review: “Smooths edges without being too sticky or flaky. Smells good! I won’t buy any other edge control now- I’ve found my product.”
In Conclusion
With a variety of edge control gels on the market today, you will be hard-pressed not to find one or two gels that will tame your edges, regardless of your hair texture.
