9 Best Edge Control Products That Actually Keep Every Hair in Place
We found the best edge control products for all hair types.
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Taming my puffy edges, wild flyaways, and frizzy baby hairs feels like the ultimate task in the heat of summer. While I'm trying to achieve a sleek style, the humidity is actively working against me. That's why I rely on a good edge control to keep my hair in place.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Edge Fixer Maximum Hold
- Best for braids: AllDay Locks Braid Gel Extreme Hold
- Best for 4c hair: Gummy Fonex Hair Styling Wax ULTRA HOLD
- Best without residue: Goiple Edge Control Wax
All edge controls are not created equal. Depending on your hair texture and the style you're going for, you may need more hold, a formula that doesn't contain water, or even a lightweight texture. "Some edge controls can leave a film or a white cast behind if you apply too much," says Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist and founder of the Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear. In an effort help you determine the products that won't revert your hair and will keep baby hairs perfectly styled, I've rounded up a definitive list of the best edge controls you'll want to keep on hand year-round.
Best Deal
Pros
- Comes in multiple scents
- Soft hold
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can leave residue
With a smooth, non-greasy texture and soft hold, Edge Fixer excels at keeping hairs in place, while still allowing them to feel soft to touch. It comes in six scents: strawberry acai, peach, cherry, coconut, orange, and pineapple. I personally love the sweet strawberry scent and use it to keep my baby hairs flat and sleek all summer long. It can create residue if you use too much, so a little goes a long way.
Pros
- Strengthens hair
- Doesn't make hair stiff
Cons
- Small container
One of my personal favorites, this Mielle Organics' edge control is formulated with biotin, rosemary, castor, and peppermint oils. (We also feature the brand's hair 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.") It's been touted for strengthening hair and providing hold without making hair stiff.
Pros
- Unscented
- Not sticky
Cons
- Not as much hold as other products
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. However, because it is lightweight, some reviewers noted that they had to reapply to get the right amount of hold.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May leave ashy residue
Made without silicones, parabens, formaldahydes, or phthalates, Tracee Ellis Ross's brand, Pattern Beauty, sells an edge control that provides long-lasting hold and extra shine. It includes ingredients like camellia sinensis leaf extract and aloe leaf juice which help to hydrate hair and protect curls from breakage, per the brand. Note that some consumer reviewers found that an ashy residue was left after multiple applications.
Pros
- Won't revert hair
- Works on wigs and silk presses
Cons
- Can become greasy
Maintaining flyaways with straight hair can be a challenge, but this wax stick keeps hairs in place without reverting them, which is great when you have a silk press. To apply, rub the product into your hands then place onto hair instead of applying the stick directly to hair. It can also be used on wigs or for blending hair with weave styles. But, be careful not to apply too much as some reviewers reported the product may become greasy.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Washes out easily
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn't hold down 4C hair
Greasy buildup and flaking won't be an issue with this wax that can be reapplied multiple times without leaving residue. The formula produces a matte finish and works on multiple hair types.
Pros
- Long-lasting hold
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- May flake
Keep braids looking neat with this gel that is great at taming stray hairs and managing frizz. It has a thick consistency that makes it particularly useful for gripping and smoothing hair. Note that some consumer reviews did experience flaking after use.
Pros
- Soft hold
- Doesn't flake
Cons
- May not hold up all day long
Anyone with a sensitive scalp will appreciate this edge control that moisturizes with hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe, and nettle. It provides soft hold and shine, and also has a pleasant, subtle vanilla scent. Due to the soft hold, it may be necessary to reapply throughout the day.
Pros
- Works well with coarse hair
- Strong hold
Cons
- May leave residue
A paste that keeps hair in place with long-lasting hold, this product from Gummy will not dry out hair and works on both coarse and fine hair textures. Some consumer reviews did note that it can leave a residue.
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
Selecting the best edge control comes down to your hair needs and styling preference.
✔️ For braids and locs, “reach for softer edge controls that have a less strong hold for braids and locs," Kimble told Good Housekeeping.
✔️ For a silk press, you'll want to preserve your baby hairs by using "products without water or ones that don’t have too much moisture as it will revert the hair back to its natural state," she says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Cameron Jenkins has a wealth of experience writing about beauty and hair care. She researched and wrote this story with expert insight from Kimble as well as her own personal experience trying a variety edge control products over 15 years.
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