As summer creeps closer and days get longer, you may find yourself moving more and sweating more, too! That’s where a solid edge control comes in handy. When heat rises, your edges can be the first to rebel if your edge control isn’t vetted.
Sure, it might seem like a small thing, but a good edge control is a game-changer for keeping your baby hairs slicked back and holding down unruly flyaways.
Let’s be real: spending ages perfecting your hair only to have your edges act up the moment you step outside can be stressful. That’s why 21Ninety has done the work for you and rounded up the best edge control. Now you can spend less time worrying about the hold of your baby hairs and more time enjoying those summertime vibes.
How Does Edge Control Differ from Gel?
Although both are alcohol based, in comparison to a gel, edge controls are thicker and less malleable. Edge control is also usually is a bit more drying making it less ideal for use all over your hair. They typically resemble pomades and provide a stronger hold to your hairline helping resist sweat and humidity,
- Best Shine: ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel
- Best Hold: Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold
- Best No-Flake Edge Control: KISS COLORS & CARE Maximum Hold Edge Fixer
- Best Heat Resistant Edge Control: BASK & LATHER Edge Control Hair Gel
- Best Smoothing Edge Control: Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Hold It Styling Gel 8 Oz.
- Best 4C Edge Control: Pattern Beauty Edge Control Duo
- Best Long Lasting Edge Control: EBIN 24hr Edge Tamer Mega Hair Gel
Best Shine
ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel
While you might be worried about the hold of your baby hairs and using drying products to ensure that, the integrity of your hair is just as important. The ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel is made with shine in mind with ingredients like Olive Oil, sweet almond oil and Wheat Protein to strengthen and protect your hairline.
Best Hold
Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold
Edge Booster is notorious for being the strongest holding edge control, so much so, it replicates the same apperance and endurance as a Got2B Gel. This edge control is a water-based Pomade made with natural argan oil which absorbs quickly with no oily look, so while this might not be priortizing shine or the the nourishment of your hair, it will last and it will hold.
Best No-Flake Edge Control
KISS COLORS & CARE Maximum Hold Edge Fixer
While getting your baby hairs hold to last is one challenge, the second comes with the flaky white residue that appears once your baby hairs dry. The quick solution to that is finding a edge control that is water based or filled with oils that don’t sacrifice your hold.
Best Heat Resistant Edge Control
BASK & LATHER Edge Control Hair Gel
This edge control is almost inescapable. From the longwear tests at the gym to people showing themselves wearing this product in a sauna on Tiktok, the heat and humidity doesn’t stand a chance against it.
Best Smoothing Edge Control
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Hold It Styling Gel 8 Oz.
For those who are on the hunt for strong hold but value a no crunch look, Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Hold It Styling Gel is for you.
Best 4C Edge Control
Pattern Beauty Edge Control Duo
If you have 4C hair, you know how hard it is to hold down your hair and keep it down in general. Pattern Beauty has made an edge control with type 4 curls and coils in mind. It’s the perfect product for a strong hold.
Best Long Lasting Edge Control
EBIN 24hr Edge Tamer Mega Hair Gel
It’s one thing to feel like your edges are puffing up from the heat and humidity. It’s another for your edges to unravel due to your control’s hold just not being long lasting. EBIN 24hr Edge Tamer Mega Hair Gel is known to have your edges laid for over 24 hours.
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