When it comes to our edges, women of color do not mess around. We will lay (and slay) our baby hairs to the gods sometimes with nothing more than a toothbrush and a bit of gel just to ensure that every single hair stays in place.
But, your edges are only really as good as the edge control that you use. That’s why it’s important to invest in products that will take care of those delicate little hairs along your hairline and provide a long-lasting hold no matter if you’re rocking a snatched pony or some box braids. To help you out, we searched high and low to find the best texture-taming edge controls on the market.
Ahead, find our selection of top-rated edge control products to shop right now.
Baby Tress 3-in-1 Edge Styler Tool
Why tame your baby hairs with a toothbrush when you can use this innovative edge styler from Baby Tress. Available in a range of cool colorways, this three-in-one tool functions as a comb, brush, and pick so you can shape, swoop, and slick your edges to perfection.
Promising review from Nordstrom: Shanice says, “Happy to support a Black-owned startup and I love the design of this product. It feels solid in the hand. It works well. The silicone bristles are easy to clean and the protective cap keeps product residues out of my toiletry bag as well.”
Shop: Baby Tress 3-in-1 Edge Styler Tool, $15.00
Pattern Beauty Edge Control
If you’ve ever wondered how Tracee Ellis Ross achieves her signature cursive baby hairs, look no further than the Pattern Beauty Edge Control. This lightweight gel has a long-lasting hold and a serious glide to help you lay your edges and create those gorgeous swirls across your forward just like Ross! Best of all, it won’t flake or dry your hair out.
Promising review from Pattern Beauty: Lisa says, “This edge control is perfect for keeping my edges laid and best of all, it does not flake. The consistency allows me to apply it where I want without dripping through my fingers.”
Shop: Pattern Edge Control, $12.00
Kim Kimble Healthy Hair and Renew Edge Taming Pomade
Stylist-to-the-stars Kim Kimble has slayed the edges of stars like Nicki Minaj, Zendaya, and Beyonce and now she’s helping you do the same with her Edge Taming Pomade. Made with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, this pomade will sculpt and tame your edges while restoring hydration. It has a long-lasting hold and also adds shine as well as textures to your locks.
Promising review from Walmart: Dev says, “It’s perfect for adding piecey bits to your hair and it smells good but not overpowering.”
Shop: Kim Kimble Healthy Hair and Renew Edge Taming Pomade, $12.97
Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down Super Edge Control Hair Gel
Just as its name suggests, this edge control gel from Miss Jessie’s will keep your edges in check all day long. Formulated with coconut oil and argan oil, this gel ensures that your locks stay shiny and moisturized but without any greasy residue. You can use this product on your baby hairs but also to tame your flyaways too!
Promising review from Miss Jessie’s: Tae says, “ This product is the only product that holds down my edges without flaking or making me look overly glossed. Also, many products that promise to hold your edges down also dry and damage your hair —not so with this product. My edges hold but are still moisturized. We 4B girls are the step-children of hair products everyone sort of forgets about us. Glad to have found my holy grail for my edges.”
Shop: Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down Super Edge Control Hair Gel, $10.00
Flawless Repairing Edge Control
If you’re looking for an edge control that’s going to strengthen your strands, consider this gel from Gabrielle Union’s hair line, Flawless. Formulated with biotin to stimulate growth and creatine to rebuild your hair, this paraben-and silicone-free product provides a long-lasting hold without flaking or build-up. Perfect for every-day use, this edge control gel works for natural, color-treated, or relaxed hair.
Promising review from Amazon: One customer says, “I LOVE this product. I have frizzy curly hair with tons of baby hairs and this sets them perfectly without being greasy or too shiny. The scent is amazing but not overpowering. I’ve tried a few edge products and this is the best.”
Shop: Flawless Repairing Edge Control, $6.99
The Doux Swag Goo Edge Control
Unruly edges will be no match for this edge control from The Doux. With nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and castor to strengthen and hydrate your strands, you can count on this gel to provide a strong, all day hold for not only your baby hairs, but also your braids and waves.
Promising review from Target: Haley says, “This edge control is smooth and doesn’t flake. Gives a great hold on 4C kinky hair! A little bit goes a long way with this product!”
Shop: The Doux Swag Goo Edge Control, $12.99
Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
Get your edges under control with this sweet-scented paste from Curls. Made with certified organic blueberry extract, argan oil, mango, and shea butter, this product has a medium-strong hold that’s ideal for smoothing and defrizzing curls and edges.
Promising review from Sally Beauty: Neanie say, “ This is great for additional hold and definition for the hair framing my face. It’s flexible and undetectable, doesn’t look greasy or weigh my hair down. I also used it for curls that just won’t behave and it works well for that too.”
Shop: Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste, $9.99
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your go-to edge control product? Let us know in the comments below!