The best edge control for 4C hair is one that tames rebellious edges, doesn’t leave a white residue, and ensures a sleek finish. As someone with 4C hair, I understand the struggle of finding the right products, especially ones that ensure moisture retention, define edges, and detangle. In this guide, I will dive into six of the best edge controls in the market. Hover over the table below and click on your preferred section.
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Ebin Edge Control
The 24-hour edge tamer by Ebin New York is one of the best edge controls for curly and kinky hair. I have used it before for my edges, and I must say that the results were spectacular; it lasted for a pretty long time and had a shiny finish. However, my only issue with this gel is that it left a bit of white residue, but I soon learned that a little goes a long way. Here’s how to use Ebin Edge Control: Apply a small amount of the gel onto your fingertips or a small hairbrush and apply it onto your edges.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Has no build-up
- Has a shiny finish
- Has a pleasant smell
Cons
- Comes in a small package
- Might leave a white residue
She is Bomb Edge control (Editor’s pick)
She is Bomb’s fast-drying edge control lays 4C hair edges for days!! It is considered one of the best edge controls because it is long-lasting, nongreasy, and smells pleasant. Furthermore, it does not leave a white residue. Here’s how to use She Is Bomb Edge control: apply a small amount of water to your edges and then apply a small amount of the edge control using a thin hairbrush, toothbrush, or finger. Using too much of the edge control might leave a white residue; thus, a small amount goes a long way.
Pros
- This product ensures that your edges stay in place all-day
- Relatively affordable
- Great smell
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- If not applied with water, this product might leave a white residue
- Some individuals state that this product can cause hair frizz and cause hair to curl up
Edge Booster Edge Control
Style Factor’s Edge Booster is another great water-soluble edge control for 4C hair. The product has argan oil as a major ingredient and has quite a thick consistency. Moreover, edge Booster Edge Control lasts all day and provides a long-lasting hold on natural hair. How to use: this edge control needs a little spray of water and brushing edges using a hairbrush or fingers. But again, a little goes a long way.
Pros
- The product does not leave any oily residue
- It provides a stronghold
- It hydrates and nourishes the hair
- Smells great – the product has a variety of senses that one can choose from; I personally always choose the blueberry and strawberry sense
Cons
- One of the significant downsides of this gel is that it does not work well on longer hair. Thus, one cannot use it on the entire head
- If not applied with water, it might leave a white residue
- It can sometimes become mucky
Gummy Edge Control
Gummy Professional’s Styling Wax Extra Hold is a great edge control for natural hair. The product provides extra hold on 4C hair and lays it down all day. This edge-control gel can also be used for braiding protective hairstyles, such as tribal braids and jumbo knotless braids. Besides acting as an edge control, the product also acts as a strengthening hair product that strengthens hair strands, nourishes them, and provides a stronger hold. How to use: a little goes a long way to clean your edges using this product; apply a small amount of water, then use a hairbrush to lay down the edges.
Pros
- The product is alcohol and paraben-free
- Great strawberry scent
- Provides all-day edge hold
Cons
- It might lose its hold in hotter temperatures.
- If not applied with water, this product might leave a white residue.
Mielle Edge Control
Mielle Edge Control is great for all hair types. Mielle edge control is used for strengthening hair and providing an extra hold. The edge control provides an extra hold on for 4C edges and provides extra sleek and flawless edges. Besides, it smoothens and stimulates hair because it contains a blend of essential oil oils that deal with flyways and damaged hair. This edge control is particularly effective for 4C and 3A hairs. It can be used in the grading process.
Pros
- Mielle products are known for supporting hair growth because of ingredients such as biotin.
- Not only does it hold edges in place, but it also promotes their growth
- Rosemary mint smell
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Provides extra hold on 4c hair
- Does not leave any residue
Cons
- The size of the product is quite small, but a little goes a long way.
- The gel has a thick consistency, making it quite hard to scoop and apply on the edges.
ORS Olive Oil Edge Control
ORS olive oil edge control is another one of my personal favorites for 4C hair. This product is unscented and provides extra hold on 4C hair without leaving any grease or causing flaking. Also, it provides extra hold all day long, and it’s not too heavy. How to use this gel: scoop a small amount, and lay down your edges, using either my fingertips or a toothbrush.
Pros
- The product has moisturizing properties.
- Alcohol and paraben-free
- Doesn’t flake
- Inexpensive
- It is not too greasy
- No build-up
Cons
- The product has quite a thick consistency, making it hard to scoop up and lay edges.
- This gel might not work effectively in hot regions or during summer.
Conclusion
Therefore, in my opinion, due to its long-lasting effects, affordability, and slick finish, I consider She Is Bomb Edge Control to be the best edge control gel for 4C hair. Other products that you should consider include Ebin Edge Control and ORS Olive Oil Edge Control. Most of the products mentioned are paraben and alcohol-free and provide an extra firm hold. Besides, some of these gels provide extra properties that provide extra benefits to the hair, such as strengthening it and promoting its growth.