15 Best Edge Control Products to Style Your Baby Hairs (2024)

Puffy edges, wild flyaways and frizzy baby hairs are the resolute enemies of any sleek hairstyle. Whether you’re looking to pull off a laid ponytail, fresh braids or silk press, the last thing you want is for the hair around the perimeter of your head not to cooperate with the style. That’s where our list of the best edge control comes in.

Similar to gel, but in most cases a thicker consistency that resembles a pomade, edge control is known to help keep edges, or the shorter hairs nearest to your forehead, tame and flat so as to not disturb an otherwise neat style. However, it should be noted that all edge controls are not created equal. "Some edge controls can leave a film or a white cast behind if you apply too much," says Kim Kimble, founder of the Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear.

In an effort to save you from the heartache caused by products that produce flaking, white residue or otherwise revert your hair, we’ve rounded up a definitive list of tried and true products (several of these options can be found on Amazon), many of which have been vetted by consumer reviews.

After you’re done scrolling through these hair products and land on your favorites for your specific hair type or hair needs, don’t hesitate to explore a few new hairstyles to get ready for summer.

If you're looking for a soft hold, Edge Fixer will do the trick. Reviewers love that it keeps hairs in place, while still allowing it to feel soft to touch. But, some noted that it may leave some residue. One Amazon reviewer described it as "the best edge control I’ve ever used," adding that "the gel is smooth and snatches all my baby hairs, plus it smells great." It comes in six scents: strawberry acai, peach, cherry, coconut, orange and pineapple.

Priced at just under $7, Edge Tamer is great for laying down hairs or creating sleek braids and twists. Reviewers say that the product isn't sticky or greasy and has just the right amount of hold. "The hold is strong without feeling stiff or crunchy, and my hair stays in place all day long," an Amazon reviewer said. Others mentioned that a white cast can be produced.

Made without silicones, parabens, formaldahydes or phthalates, Tracee Ellis Ross's brand, Pattern Beauty, sells an edge control that touts the ability to protect curls from breakage while providing long-lasting hold and extra shine. Reviewers love that a little goes a long way and the hold lasts. "OMG this is glue to your hair, which is good because it serves its purpose. Perfect to style your edges. Kinda smells like roses but not too strong," an Amazon reviewer said.

With a gel-like consistency, Edge Booster has been hailed as a go-to product for maximum hold. Over 13,000 Amazon reviewers have raved about its ability to keep hair in place without drying it out, though some noted that they did see some residue. "This is the best gel I have ever used," one reviewer noted. My 4C hair is NOT MOVING. It's been three days. I even got part of it wet in the bath and NO reversion."

This may technically be a styling gel, but for finer hair textures it holds just as well as thicker edge controls. Reviewers note that it provides hold without making hair hard and it smells great. "I was really impressed with this defining gel. It is not thick and sticky," an Amazon reviewer noted. "It's loose and doesn't feel like you're putting a gel in your hair at all but it has an amazing hold." Another reviewer with thicker hair reported that their hair would frizz and lift when they used the gel.

Maintaining flyaways with straight hair can be a challenge, but reviewers swear by this wax stick to keep hairs in place without reverting it. To apply, rub the product into your hands then place onto hair instead of applying the wax directly to hair. Reviewers also say it is great for wigs and blending hair with weave styles. "This is a wax I always buy. I use it when I have pressed/flat ironed hair to keep the flyaways down. I wanted something without water so it wouldn't revert my hair, so this is it." Though, be careful not to apply too much as some reviewers reported the product may become greasy.

A soft hold and divine scent are what reviewers love most about this edge control. Several commented that the paste-like product keeps their hair in place when styled and washes out easily without pulling it out, though they also noted it doesn't last all day. "It doesn't turn white and clumpy. Perfect hold and can comb out without a mess," an Amazon reviewer noted.

With over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it's no wonder that this braid gel delivers. Reviewers rave that the gel keeps braids looking neat and reduces stray hairs and frizz. "It is super thick and keeps my 4a/b hair down all day as an edge control. It's even better at holding my braids and keeping them neat," one reviewer noted. Some reviewers did report experiencing flaking after use.

Anyone with a sensitive scalp will appreciate this edge control that moisturizes and provides soft hold and shine. It also has a subtle vanilla scent that reviewers love. "My hair really likes this brand. Don't have to use a lot and I had absolutely no reaction to the ingredients. I had laid flat edges, no flyaway hairs," an Amazon reviewer said. Due to the soft hold, some reviewers noted that they had to reapply and the product did not last all day.

Though some reviewers have described it as sticky, this hair gel is great at holding hair in place and maintaining both locs and braided styles. "After using a full jar of this I’ve bought another one. This product is effective at keeping fine hairs in place; I have far less frizz than I used to and my styles last longer," an Amazon reviewer said of the product.

Perfect for laying down hairs and keeping them soft to touch, this styling gel infused with olive oil has a strong hold that works on multiple hair types. Reviewers also love that the product is lightweight. "Held my hair very well on a hot, humid day, and my hair looked shiny and feels so soft after use! Not sticky or crunchy at all," an Amazon reviewer said. Though some reviewers said the product can produce a cast.

Reviewers rave that this hair paste keeps hair in place with long-lasting hold. They noted that it does not dry out hair and works on both coarse and fine hair textures, but may leave residue. "I could never lay down my edges because nothing would hold them down," an Amazon reviewer said. "But I have 3c hair that doesn’t like to lay down, but when I tell you this did the job, it did the job! This made my edges so smooth and shiny, for only 8 dollars!?!?"

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.

It's important to “reach for softer edge controls that have a less strong hold for braids and locs,"Kimble told Good Housekeeping. If you want to preserve baby hairs with a silk press, she recommends "products without water or ones that don’t have too much moisture as it will revert the hair back to its natural state.”