Edge Control for Your Natural Hair

A good edge control for natural hair is not always easy to find. Some products will have your edges looking smooth, but will bounce back to its curliest state in a moment’s notice. That can be beyond frustrating.

And even worse: some edge control products can leave your hair dry and flaky with thinning roots. Now that’s really frustrating!

Managing your edges can be a process that leaves you feeling defeated whether you’ve got a head full of curls or a coarse afro. But with a little patience, a spritz of water, a dab of

, the right styling gel and a satin head scarf, you too can have smooth edges.

Whether you’re wearing your hair natural or relaxed, one thing is sure: having well-kept edges is a must. It’s actually an essential step in the hair styling process for African-American women if you want to wear your hair in a sleek updo such as a bun or even smooth out your edges when braiding.

After all, who wants lots of flyaways or puffy edges?

How to Apply Edge Control

If you’re ready to have smooth edges, you’ve got to pay close attention to how you use your edge control products. While some women just put a few dollops on their fingertips and smooth across the edges, this is not always the most efficient method.

If you want your edge control for natural hair to work well, you’ve got to use more than the edge control product. Tools of the trade include a

and/or regular boar , an oil of your choice, a satin head scarf, and your favorite alcohol-free edge control product.

Edge Control for Hair Growth

Fact: your edges are fragile, and they need a lot of tender loving care. Although many women with African-American hair textures will rely on edge control styling gels because they add a slick look to a lot of different hairstyles, but daily use of these products can lead to hair breakage along the edge of your scalp and even at the nape.

If you’re ready to help your edges grow really healthy and strong, using certain products and styling techniques instead of a traditional styling gel will be helpful:

The Best Edge Control Products for Thick Hair

For women with thick hair looking for an effective edge tamer, there are plenty of products available at a number of price points. Just remember that when using an edge control for natural hair that it has moisturizing ingredients it will allow your hair the opportunity to grow.

is firm-hold edge control gel. This moisturizing edge tamer is great to use for women with all hair textures–from curls to coils.

Using honey and shea butter to add nourishment to your edges will also add shine to your mane.

Hands down

is one of the most cost-effective and popular edge tamers on the market. Made from 100 percent pure olive oil, this styling gel will give your hair a deep condition and UV protection while controlling the curliest curls and slicking down the coarsest coils.

Eco Styler Gel is for not only African-American women with natural hair but also those with chemically-treated coifs.

Also popular among women with natural hair,

is free of mineral oil and petroleum. Instead, this edge tamer contains ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin E and natural oils that won’t break your hair.

This product is a bit pricy, but a little goes a long way. As a matter of fact, the less you use, the less residue will be present in your hair!

The Best Edge Control for Straight Hair

For women with naturally straight hair, edge control is merely nothing more than a light styling gel that will hold down flyaway hair. The best products for this hair type are below.

says it is for all hair types but customer reviews prove otherwise. Many have maintained that it worked best for women with straight hair, who needed to smooth out their hair and just a bit of shine.

is a product that adds volume. This gel that works while you blow-dry your hair.

If you use your blow dryer at a medium heat setting, this product will work with the heat to create a silky finish that is free from flyways.

No matter your hair texture, if you need a good edge control for natural hair, one thing is sure: it must contain moisturizing ingredients so that your edges will not only appear tamed but also healthy.

For the ladies whose hair is not considered naturally thick or naturally straight, 

 might be the product for you. Devacurl Light Defining Gel will control fly-away curls and keep your edges down.

Use when your hair is wet, this product will control curls as it dries.

The Best Edge Control Products for Relaxed Hair

For women with relaxed hair, keeping your edges down is still important. While some of the styling products mentioned under the section for thicker hair will work well for women with chemically treated hair, some specific brands will provide your hair with lots of protection as well!

Black hair that is relaxed also needs to be moisturized, and it’s important not to leave too much residue from products.

Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer

This is a lightweight pomade that works really well on relaxed hair. The main ingredient  in

is Indian AMLA oil, which is necessary if you are looking forward to your edges growing.

Avlon Keracare Edge Tamer

This

has a medium hold that can be used throughout the day and provides a lasting hold and is flake-free. Used for women with relaxed hair, it leaves a silky-smooth finish to most styles.

Dark & Lovely Anti-Reversion Edge Sleeker

When Dark & Lovely developed their

, they had women with relaxed and straightened hair in mind. It comes in a mascara-style container, this product will keep frizzy hair and flyaways to a minimum.

As a matter of fact, it offers a moisturizing agent and at least eight hours of control. This is perfect for sticking in your purse and touching up sleek chignons and faux hawks!