The 16 Best Edge Control Products to Try in 2021, According to the Experts (2024)

The new normal of nonstop Zoom meetings has placed an increased emphasis on above-the-neck glam, artful baby hairs included. That’s where the best edge control products—used gently, since the fine hairs are super fragile—come into play.

“When shopping for a good edge control, you want to look for something that has good hold and nourishing ingredients,” says Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist for the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Zendaya. “You don’t want anything that is going to clog your pores because you want your hair to be able to breathe. You want something that doesn’t flake and has a nice shine to it.” (The pro, of course, kept all this in mind when she created her own edge tamer.)

Here, seven hair pros weigh in on their 16 favorite baby hair products for all textured hair types to help you find the best edge control products for any style—be it a natural formula with extra hold or a mousse that delivers your sculptural dreams.

Kim Kimble Healthy Hair Repair and Renew Edge Taming Pomade

This edge tamer is stacked with high-quality, nourishing ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, which restores damaged strands and tames flyaways for a sculpted look.

Pattern Edge Control

For celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey, who counts Solange, Alicia Keys, and Justine Skye as clients, Pattern’s Edge Control does the trick when he needs to slay and slick down baby hairs. “It’s great for all textures and it’s soft, yet holds well with no buildup,” he says.

Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste

Celebrity barber and stylist Nigella Miller, who works with Kerby Jean-Raymond and Chloe x Halle, considers this a favorite because: “It smells so good! It does the job and moisturizes your edges with an organic twist for a day-to-day soft-laying effect on your edges. It’s also a female, Black-owned hair-care brand that’s designed for all curl patterns.”

KeraCare Styling Wax Stick

“My first go-to is my longtime styling assistant Miss KeraCare Wax Stick!” says Le’Ana McKnight, hairstylist to Ari Lennox. McKnight appreciates its longevity (she’s personally had hers for two years, even with daily use) and “Push Pop” design. “It’s my all-time favorite for when I do silk press on (3C–4C hair types). This wax has medium hold and is [a] no water based wax stick that melts on contact and lays those edges perfectly,” she says.

Vonté Edge Effects

This edge control is a favorite of hairstylist Rachel Lee Brady (Kat Graham’s go-to stylist) because it will lay down any texture while also nourishing strands, thanks to Brazil nut oil, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, keeping hair from breaking off.

Baby Tress Edge Styler

“When sculpting, smoothing, or setting the hairline, I use many different products that consist of styling foams, pomades, putty creams, liquid gels, and hold sprays. It’s best to choose the product base on your style preference, considering the current state of the hair, and lifestyle,” says Mickiela Smith, hairstylist and founder of MMSmith.co. She loves to couple her styler of choice with an edge tamer brush to help sculpt the hairs into desired shapes.

The Hair Diagram Bold Hold Lace Gelly

Kahh Spence, stylist to Victoria Monét, Kelly Rowland, and Ella Mai, among others, says this is his favorite baby-hair product right now. “It serves as both an edge control and styling agent for your baby hair,” he explains. “It’s super lightweight, but has a hold that lasts throughout the day, which is precisely what’s needed. Also, it’s Black-owned, and I love to support Black-owned businesses as much as possible!”

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold

McKnight considers this to be her second-favorite edge control product. “The edge control is perfect for natural hair girls who don’t like the use of heats, but love the idea of a flawless finish,” she says. “This heavy-duty gel edge control is clear and leaves the hair feeling soft and moisturized. But don’t worry, this oil based gel won’t leave any residue behind. Great for those who want to add some baby hairs or for the perfect sleek back ponytail ’fro. Not only does the edge control bring your hairstyle together, but the wear can last for at least 72 hours, and that’s with you tying your hair up at night, which is great.”

Schwarzkopf Göt2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel

“I love this gel because it dries extremely fast and gives me a maximum hold which allows you to have fun with swirls and loops across your forehead that can last all day long,” Miller says. “It’s also very easy to wipe away due to it being an extreme hold, and easy to refresh your edges the following day.”

Oway Frozen Glaze

Smith appreciates this product for its “great control and shine.” She adds that it “only requires very little product, and serves as a heat protector, if you’re one to change your styles often.”

Chatto Loc Jam

“It’s hard to find an all-natural and superstrong edge control gel,” Brady says. “Chatto Loc Jam is the best I’ve found with no parabens or silicones, or really anything that we wouldn’t eat!”

Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold Water-Based Pomade

Miller loves this product for its array of scents, but also because it gives her “a medium hold for my 4C texture,” she says. “This line has so many sizes as well, that fit perfectly in your purse. They also have more options if you’re looking for strong or light hold, with a pomade-like texture.”

Oway Quick Glue

This firm hold gel “is very conditioning to the hair, while flexible,” Smith says. “This and the Frozen Glaze contain strengthening protein for the hair fiber, are easy to use without reverting the hair while elongating. These two can also be ‘co*cktailed!’”

Creme of Nature Argan Oil From Morocco Style & Shine Foaming Mousse

“I love using setting foams to create soft edges that stay laid,” says Brady, and this is one of her favorites. The argan oil keeps hair nourished, and the foam gives hair a lightweight, nonsticky feel.

Murray’s Edgewax

McKnight’s final go-to is this edgewax. “This three-in-one edge control can be used for multiple hairstyles. It’s great for getting those perfect Nipsey Hussle braids by applying the wax on the parting while braiding. It’s perfect for laying down flyways when applying in box braids,” she says. “Last but not least, it’s perfect for laying down those edges for us girls who yearn for smooth, sleek finish. This product works great on hair type 3C–4C hair. If you have 4B–4C hair, for best results I suggest getting the extra hold.”

Ampro Shine ’n Jam Magic Fingers Edge Magic for Braiders

“I love this jam because it’s a perfect edge styler but mainly used for braiding and locs styles,” Miller says. “I love using it for an effortless soft baby-hair moment. It’s extremely hydrating, which is great for my edges on a daily basis to up keep effortless baby hairs. It’s also formulated by a Black hairstylist here in Brooklyn, so you know it’s spot-on.