GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

We Tested 10 Edge Control Products for Black Hairstyles

Find out which edge-smoothing formulas get the thumbs-up for taming those kinky hairline wispies
The Score: 8

This lightweight styling wax keeps softer hair textures sleek all day, but fails to do the same for thick, coarse hair types without creating buildup. It's conveniently sized, so you can apply it regularly without having to use a brush. Ingredients like beeswax and olive oil nourish hair, but synthetic waxes in the formula mean long-term usage (without treating in-between) can cause damage.

The score: 8/8.5

Although Perfect Edges keeps edges smooth and shiny, the gel doesn't quite live up in holding power for natural and kinky curl hair textures. It can revert natural hair textures back to a curly (but still shiny!) state by the end of the day. But I did love the scent alone (sweet, but not too perfume-y). It keeps frizzy edges at bay on both natural and relaxed styles without hardening or flaking. But once you've used up a good portion of the product, the formula inside the container turns into a filmy white goo that makes it a bit less appealing.

The Score: 8.5/9

Dr. Miracle's clear edge gel works best on softer, natural hair types, and it's got the softest hold you can imagine that lasts for days. The faintly sweet scent could pass for "unscented" and unlike most edge control formulas, the ingredients in Dr. Miracle's gel (honey, jojoba oil, wheat protein) promote hair growth and condition. Still, you'll find plenty of indecipherable ingredients on the label and you may need to use a scarf to lay those edges down.

Photo 6/10
Mizani Edge Taming Gel, $14
The Score: 9

This edge-taming formula is one of the best of the bunch. It's free of mineral oil and petrolatum, it's infused with anti-breakage ceramides, vitamin E and natural oils, and it's not water-based, so it won't alter natural hair textures. It isn't greasy, it has a faint scent and, best of all, it doesn't flake or get crunchy on any hair type. The downside: It's pricey and the formula, although transparent, can leave a white residue when it dries. To prevent this, use sparingly and remove excess build-up between applications.

The Score: 9/9.5

On the outside, this product seems like just another edge product. No fancy packaging here. The clear formula is infused with honey and shea butter adds sheen and softness, but not without slapping a thick layer don't-mess-with-me frizz control. This glue-like gel formula gives structured hold that doesn't budge, particularly on natural hair (curly girls with 3A to 4C hair types). Although it's water-based, the consistency doesn't revert your hair into a curly, frizzy mess. The kicker: It smells like a candy store.

In the world of hair styling, edge control is something most of my fair, flaxen-haired friends have never heard of, but it's an essential step for kinky-curly, bound-to-be-frizzy, African-American hair maintenance. Those stray wispies along the hairline aren't meant to roam free, as in some sepia-toned Alicia Keys video. If there's anything our favorite naturalistas have taught us, it's that going natural isn't just about going with the 'fro, and taming those frazzled edges at your hairline takes a lot more artillery than a little shine serum and hairspray. Controlling your edges can be a lifelong project ... a mission, if you will. But there's a whole category of products designed to make this mission: possible.

We've selected some of the best edge control products for everything from natural black hairstyles to relaxed hair and pressed looks. Because choosing edge control products is personal -- the formula needs to target your specific hair type without altering the state of your hair -- we found a full range of edge control products for different hair types and textures. Whether you've got chemically relaxed hair or a full-blown 'fro, try one of these edge smoothing products for black hairstyles.
BY TIFFANIE PETETT | MAR 17, 2014 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.