These 15 Edge Control Products Are Hairstylist-Approved (and Editor Loved) (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer is filled with gooseberry (amla) oil, an ingredient prized in Indian haircare regimens for its ability to soothe scalp inflammation, regulate oil production, hydrate, and protect the hair shaft. This lightweight pomade helps smooth down baby hairs with a moderate hold, while also adding a dose of hydration.

Who It’s For

The Cantu line is a staple in many natural hair regimens thanks to its drugstore availability, friendly price point, and effectiveness. We love the Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel for its hydrating effects, courtesy of shea butter (packed with vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids) and glycerin (a humectant that draws moisture to the hair and scalp). Edges feel conditioned and properly held in place thanks, and we like that this formula doesn’t contain parabens–synthetic preservatives that have been linked to cancer and infertility. One drawback: Some reviewers said the product is prone to flaking.

Who It’s For

Ok, this one doesn’t have the most glamorous name, but it’s a budget-friendly go-to for many naturalistas out there. It’s a thick, non-sticky, and flake-free gel with an unbelievably strong hold that can sculpt edges into nearly any shape. One thing we don’t love is that it contains methylisothiazolinone, a preservative with a high irritation risk, so if you have sensitive skin you might want to avoid this product.

Who It’s For

The Creme of Nature Perfect Edges Extra Hold is another drugstore favorite, but what sets it apart from the rest is the many awards it has won from beauty publications. This aptly named gel provides a strong hold for stray strands and imparts shine and nourishment. Its hydrating power comes from hydrolyzed wheat protein (known to strengthen the hair shaft and provide moisture), keratin amino acids (a form of keratin that can penetrate the hair shaft, strengthening strands from within), and an array of moisturizing oils including argan oil, which helps add shine and support elasticity.

Who It’s For

If you prefer to do your beauty shopping at the local drugstore, you’ll likely be able to find this award-winning formula on the shelves. The price is budget-friendly, too.

Active Ingredients: Argan oil | Hold: Extra firm | Size: 2.25 oz

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother is a clear and incredibly soft gel that almost feels whipped. The sweet-smelling formula is packed with honey extract (a natural moisturizer that tames static), aloe leaf juice (a hydrator that soothes the scalp), and rosemary leaf extract (a growth booster). Combined, the ingredients smooth edges and can even seal split ends between trims. Note that some reviewers didn’t think this product offered a reliable, long-lasting hold.

Who It’s For

Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste is a vibrant blue gel that can tame those free-spirited edges with the best of them, but it can also add definition and hold to curls of all kinds. A little of this nourishing, sheen-enhancing paste goes a long way, and it stays put all day without flaking. The blend of mango butter, shea butter, and argan oil provides nourishment and hydration for curly and textured hair, giving a luxurious sheen to your go-to style. We just wish more of it came in the container.

Who It’s For

If you like to experiment with up and down hairstyles, this multi-use gel–which sculpts curls and holds edges–is a must.

Active Ingredients: Organic blueberry extract, argan oil | Hold: Medium | Size: 4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Design Essentials Sleek Max Edge Control is a clear gel that helps to zap static and slick down baby hairs with ease. It provides a strong hold, even for the most textured hair, and combines castor oil (a natural hydrator and strengthener) and moisturizing glycerin for long-lasting results. However, some reviewers did notice a white residue and flaking after wearing the product all day.

Who It’s For

Dr. Miracle’s Edge Holding Gel tames stray strands while minimizing static, laying down edges effectively and without flakiness. The gel provides a strong hold while delivering shine and hydration with help from honey, aloe leaf juice, hydrolyzed wheat protein, jojoba seed oil (a natural moisturizer), and more. It’s no wonder why this gel is found in natural hair bathroom cabinets around the country. It’s worth mentioning that some reviewers didn’t like the texture, noting that it had a sticky finish.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for an edge control gel that is non-sticky and free of mineral oil (a byproduct of petroleum that may be carcinogenic), the Mizani Edge Taming Gel is for you. It's loaded with a blend of castor oil, jojoba, sunflower seed oil (a natural hydrator and shine enhancer), and vitamin E, and it helps to hydrate, strengthen, and create a protective shield without buildup or caking.

Who It’s For

Sometimes you can’t beat the classics. The Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel is one of the most popular edge control gels around due to its strong hold and hydrating abilities. It's formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, water, and olive oil (a natural emollient packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats). Even the most stubborn flyaways can be slicked down and defined without flaking. However, some reviewers remarked that their hair felt unpleasantly crunchy after applying the product.

Who It’s For

The Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze keeps your hairline in order by flattening down flyaways without tackiness or flakes. The clear pomade also provides lightweight moisture and is made with coconut oil and coconut milk, aloe leaf juice, and shea butter (which we love since these products can dry out hair). It has a high-shine finish (hence the name “glaze”) but reviewers say the edge hold doesn’t last as long as they would like.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for support, growth, and hair retention while you style, the Mane Choice Growth Stimulating Edge Control is our go-to. Its transparent violet gel is loaded with nourishing ingredients that help to stimulate the scalp and strengthen strands, including castor seed and avocado oil, biotin (AKA vitamin B7, a nutrient that supports hair strength and growth), vitamin E, horsetail (a plant extract that improves the elasticity of the hair fiber and helps regulate the hair growth cycle), and lavender leaf extract (another natural growth booster).The formula is light enough to be used daily, but reviewers say the styling effects aren’t always long-lasting.

Who It’s For

Smoothing down your edges doesn’t mean you can’t nourish your hair and scalp at the same time. The Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Edge Gel soothes and hydrates with ingredients like honey, aloe leaf juice, lavender flower wax, ginger (an anti-inflammatory scalp protector), and castor oil. One criticism from reviewers is that this product can leave hair feeling crunchy though.

Who It’s For

This pliable paste has a creamy texture and a light-medium hold (OGX rates it a two out of five, with five being the strongest hold). The formula has castor oil and glycerin for hydration, along with some more unique ingredients like sandalwood (which may aid hair growth) and aspen bark (an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient). Be aware though that this paste might be too heavy for those with finer hair.

Who It’s For

Designed to add texture and structure to the hair while providing a light hold, this paste is best for those looking for a more natural finish.

Active Ingredients: Aspen bark extract, sandalwood | Hold: Medium | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Many edge control products rely on chemical ingredients, so it’s refreshing to find a formula that relies on natural hair boosters instead. Palmer’s trusty edge control gel is loaded with hydrating, antioxidant-rich olive oil, of course, but this vibrantly green gel also features castor oil, aloe leaf juice, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to moisturize and strengthen strands.

The formula provides a strong hold without any stiffness and is free from parabens (preservatives that have been linked to breast cancer), sulfates (detergents that can cause irritation), and phthalates (a common beauty product stabilizer linked to a plethora of health issues, including infertility).

Who It’s For

If you prefer your hair products come without some of the more questionable cosmetics chemicals, this product will put your mind at ease.

Active Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, vitamin E, botanical scalp complex, Jamaican black castor oil | Hold: Strong | Size: 2.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

FAQ

• Are edge control products different than gel?

  Edge control products are similar to a gel, however, they are specifically formulated to tame the small hairs around your hairline. They're usually thicker than a typical styling gel.

• Can you use an edge control product every day?

  In short, no. “A good product should last you a couple of days,” says Michelle O'Connor. “The hair around your edges is more fragile and prone to breakage, so don’t apply too much product and don’t wash them too often.” It's best to protect them overnight if you want to extend your style.

• How can I protect my edges at night?

  “The key is to protect your hair against friction or pulling while you sleep,” explains O’Connor, adding that you can preserve your edges overnight by wearing a satin or silk scarf or bonnet. “Or, opt for a fiction-free pillow case like Grace & Company’s Pure Satin Pillowcase.”

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