Picture this: You are on a night out, you believe you look the best you could with your makeup and well-styled hair. However, what can you ruin your dream time are a few strands of unruly hair from your hairline.
Agree or not, baby hair may be difficult to tame, but it can be your style companion. A lot of celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Rihanna have shown us how to look our best with our baby hair.
4c hairs have their fair share of problems and they require a lot of maintenance to look good. What compounds the problem is the struggle to find the perfect edge control. However, worry no more, we are here to help.
Comparing 10 Best Edge Control for 4c Hair 2023
When it comes to edge controls, there are a plethora of features to consider. Is it natural, is it good for my hair, does it fit my budget, are some of the questions that pop up?
Whenever you are going for a beauty product there is a bit of a give and take. One feature has to be compromised for another. For example, in edge controls, those whole provide a good hold are difficult to rinse off. Moreover, the products which have a good nitrifying profile leaving a white residue that looks bad.
Below is our list of best edge controls for 4c hair. We have tried to give most features due to consideration and have come up with a list which promises to cater to a lot of points. So, let’s delay no more and dive right into it.
Edge Control | Main Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
Castor Oil, Kernel Oil | ||
Glyceryl Cocoate, Castor oil | ||
Beeswax | ||
Water, Tea Tree Leaf Oil | ||
Blueberry extract, Argan oil | ||
Argan oil | ||
Aloe, Castor Oil | ||
Amino Acids, Rosemary leaf oil | ||
Castor oil | ||
Aloe, Honey, Nettle Extract |
1. Ebin Edge Control – A Tamer for All Types of Hair
Ebin New York Edge Control is a pomade-based tamer that has a lot to offer. Unlike gels, this does not produce any flakes in your hair. What I like about this edge control is that it does not dry out to harden your hair. This means you can restyle whenever you want.
One of the best things about this tamer is the fact that it is paraben and sulfate-free. This makes it hair and skin-friendly. The substances work as preservatives, but also tend to damage and irritate the scalp. The products containing these substances can cause serious discomfort to people with sensitive skin. However, with the Ebin’s Edge controller you can tick this off from your concern list.
Ebin New York Edge Tamer provides a firm hold, however, it is not as good as gels or hair sprays. However, its mild nature will ensure that your scalp and hair are not at risk of damage.
Contrary to what the company claims, this tamer does not last for 24 hours. It will provide a firm hold for 8 hours at the top which is good but does not fit well with the company’s claim.
- Pleasant fragrance
- Rinsing is easy
- Only a minute amount provides a good hold
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Smells nice
- Does not last 24 hours as company claims
2. She Is Bomb Edge Control – Best Edge Control for Natural Hair
The composition of this controller includes castor oil which has good nourishing value for hair. It nourishes the hair follicle and ensures strong growth. Moreover, it prevents water loss from your scalp which prevents itching and many other discomforts. This is a blessing for type 4c hairs which are naturally dry.
Essentially, this is one of the most efficient edge controllers that I have come across. It will slick your edges down to ensure they blend with your hairstyle. Moreover, you would not have to apply it repeatedly, just a single touch would be enough to last around 10 hours. Therefore, it is good enough for your day or night out.
Want to know the best part? This controller is not as greasy as some of the other controllers. This ensures easy application. All you have to do is slide a finger through the box and apply it to the edges.
Here is a tip whenever you are using an edge control, cover your edges with a scarf for some time after application. This will ensure better and even distribution of tamer among edges.
She Is Bomb Edge Control is a perfect combination of the ingredients to make sure your edges do not look oily. It makes the rinsing of this controller easy. You do not even need warm water to remove this product from the scalp. Just a wash with fresh running water would do the job.
- Easy application
- Non-greasy
- Contains castor oil
- Lasts for a good number of hours
- Tend to produce flakes
3. Murray’s Edgewax Edge Control – Lay Down Your Curly Edges with This One
The composition of Murray’s Edgewax, as its name suggests, includes beeswax. This wax has superior holding properties which ensure the slicking of your edges. Beeswax is often used to polish pharmaceutical products including tablets and capsules to improve aesthetics. However, in this case, it has been utilized in the formula to impart shine to the hair.
Because it is a wax-based product it does not produce flakes in the hair. However, since it contains wax you should be careful with the amount you apply. Just a little amount of this controller is good enough. This is what makes this product one of the best edge control for 4c hair.
Beeswax has its own fair share of shortcomings and one of them can be its difficult application. However, to counter this fact, this tamer features gel. Its incorporation in the formula makes sure an easy application.
The gel is a water-containing substance that ensures a balance between oily and watery ingredients in the product. It makes the application easy and dries out to prevent sticking sometimes. This tamer can be a pick for the best edge control for 4b hair.
Therefore, you may experience some sickness at the time of application but it will go away after some time. Moreover, it makes the rinsing of this product relatively easier than other waxy controllers.
This is a must-have product if you have curly hair. Curly hairs tend to curl back with most of the controller. However, because of the superior holding properties, you would not encounter this problem with Murray’s Edgewax.
- Pleasant scent
- Provides a firm hold
- Application is easy
- Rinses off easily
- Does not last for a long time
- More than optimal amount can leave a white residue
4. 1st TouchDown Edge Tamer – Straightens, Nourishes, and Protects
1st Touch Down makes our list because it contains kernel oil which is known to thicken the hair and strengthen them. In addition, it moisturizes the skin around the hair follicles to soothe the skin.
Its second important ingredient is tea tree leaf oil which has proven antifungal and antibacterial properties. It essentially prevents dandruff from producing fungus and several bacterial infections.
When it comes to holding down your hair, it does an efficient job. You would love the texture and the way it glides on your hair. It not only straightens the hair but also makes sure it stays that way. This is one of the only few products that can hold the hair for more than 10 hours.
Although I am a fan of this tamer’s holding prowess, it disappoints when it comes to preventing flaking. Just after a few hours, it starts producing flakes that are too shiny and glossy. These flakes are inevitable even you apply just a little amount of it. The appearance of flakes can ruin your entire look. However, here is a trick, if you use it with gel or some oil like castor oil you can counter flaking.
The application of this controller is easy but to get better results do make sure you cover your edges with a scarf for a while. You would not have to apply this product again for two days if you apply it properly. Moreover, the proper application can also help with the flaking problem.
- The formula features antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Offer good holding
- Removing the product is easy
- Produces shiny and glossy flakes
5. Curls Edge Control Paste – Best Edge Control for African-American Hair
Curls Blueberry Control Paste features argan oil is a beauty secret with several benefits. It hydrates and softens the hair with its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Moreover, it contains vitamin E that increases the elasticity of hair and restores shine. Because of this property, it is present in a wide range of hair products. The increase in elasticity makes it easy to slick the hair down at the edges.
The second key ingredient in this product is blueberry extract. It contains several different vitamins and antioxidants that improve oxygenation and circulation of blood to the scalp.
The other ingredients in this product work in a similar fashion. This combination of these ingredients makes it best for all types of hair and ethnicities. This product is the best edge control for coarse hair.
When it comes to slick the hair down at the edges there is hardly a product that can compete with it. The combination of several natural and synthetic ingredients is perfectly optimized to hold the hair down.
It gets even better as this controller does not produce any flakes and leaves a matte finish when it dries out. You will feel as if you have not applied anything on the hair. Despite so many ingredients, the viscosity of this product is not so greasy. It is a paste but it would not make your hair look pasty.
The application of this product cannot get easier. Unlike most edge controllers, you would not need a scarf to cover your edges. The holding properties of the product are strong enough to slick your hair without a scarf. This is what makes it a convenient and attractive product for a lot of girls.
I love it for the fact that it is free of chemicals like paraben and sulfates. This makes it safer for sensitive scalp and skin.
- All-natural ingredients
- No paraben and sulfates
- Flaking is negligible
- Pleasant odor
- Provides firm hold
- You cannot use this in winters
6. Style Factor Edge Booster – Non-Greasy Controller for 4c Hair
The first thing you are going to notice about Style Factor Edge Booster is its odor. The sugar melon scent is pleasant and a treat for your smelling sense. With its sweet and pleasant aroma, it creates a charming and attractive aura around you.
This product has a composition that includes natural argan oil, which contains oleic and linoleic acids and vitamin E. These ingredients reduce breakage of hair and keep the scalp hydrated and smooth. The quick absorption of these ingredients enables you to style your hair in no time.
What makes this product stand out is its ability to hold the hair down for a long duration. A small touch of this controller would last almost an entire day.
However, considerable care is required while using Style Factor Edge control Pomade. To ensure white residues or flakes do not appear, apply it in small amounts. Instead of applying all at once, apply a little quantity two or three times. This will give the first layer time to absorb before applying the second layer.
- Oil-free pomade
- Has a pleasant sweet scent
- Easy to wash off
- Non-greasy
- Gets completely absorbed quickly
- More than optimal amount can leave a white residue
7. Jireh Edge Control – Best Edge Control For Colored Hair
The major ingredients of this product include aloe, castor oil, and Olea Europaea. Aloe vera extract contains amino acids and several enzymes that repair and maintain a healthy scalp.
It is regarded as one of the major natural moisturizers and conditioners for smooth, well-hydrated, and shiny hairs. Castor oil is known for its antimicrobial activity that helps in getting a lice-free healthy well-nourished scalp.
This edge control provides the best results only when hairs are well-washed. On application, you will get fine, smooth, and silky hair without the appearance of any extra buildup. The best way to apply this controller is a small amount twice, thrice, or as required.
People who are looking for a non-greasy product that is easy to wash off this product is it. The application of this controller is easy and does not require a dedicated brush. You can apply on the edge only using your fingers.
Moreover, the Jireh Edge Control does not change your hair color shade at all. This is because it is an alcohol-free formulation. You can use it on chemically treated hair without worrying about the wearing-off of the color.
- It is color-safe
- Non-greasy and easily washable
- Natural ingredients nourish the scalp
- Gives a silky smooth and slicked appearance
- Produces flakes and white residues
8. Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges – Best Edge Control for Braids
The constituents of this product include various amino acids and proteins such as keratin, which strengthens the hair and prevents hair fall. Keratin strengthens the hair shaft and prevents it from breaking.
It also contains natural oils such as castor oil, sweet almond oil, kernel oil, and argan oil. All of these ingredients are involved in holding hairs in style.
In addition, the natural oils fortify hairs and prevent their falling. The almond is an excellent moisturizer and it nourishes the scalp to give you smooth, silky, and shiny hairs.
The combination of these ingredients works well in holding the hair down. However, you can only use this product on relatively straight hair. This makes it a good controller for braids.
The application of this product is easy and requires just a finger of your hand. However, to get better results we recommend you cover the edges with a scarf. It will not only make a perfect style but would also ensure that it lasts for a long duration.
- Natural ingredients
- Holds edges effectively
- Attractive shine is its added benefit
- Produces no flaking
- Sometimes this product produces yellow buildup while applying.
9. Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gel – Best Edge Control for Natural Thin Hair
Hick’s edge controller features dermatologically tested ingredients to improve the overall health of the scalp. These make the scalp smoother and increase the blood circulation to it. Therefore, it improves the elasticity of hair which makes it easy to slick them down at the edges.
The product controls the edges effectively and slicks them down in no time. Moreover, you do not need to apply a large amount of formulation to get the results you want.
What I like about this controller is its decent sweet smell that people may find appealing. Scalp absorbs this product quickly, therefore, it nourishes the hair by delivering the ingredients.
Most of the edge controls leave a white flaky residue after use. However, if you are using Hick’s Edge Control the flaking should be the least of your concerns.
A lot of edge controllers find it hard to hold the edges in summer because of the temperature and sweating. However, this product works equally well in summer as well as in winter. This controller is capable of holding the hair effectively even in hot and humid weather.
- Non-greasy nature
- Easy application and rinsing
- Features a fruity sweet smell
- It is color-safe
- Produces flakes when applied in a large amount
- Relatively expensive
10. Carol’s Daughter Edge Control – Style The Edges Of Your Curly Hairs With This One
This product comes with a very fruity and sweet fragrance of vanilla, which provides a soothing, warm, and very appealing vibe. As it does not contain any mineral oil, petrolatum, and artificial colors it does not damage the scalp or hair.
Carol’s Daughter Edge Control works by increasing the elasticity and imparts shine to hair. Its constituents like aloe leaf, sweet clover, and shea butter provide nutrition to hairs so they grow smooth and shiny. Moreover, the product does not contain paraben preservatives, which usually causes irritation and damage to sensitive hairs.
This controller also contains castor oil, which acts as anti-dandruff and antimicrobial. Honey is one of its constituents that works as a sealer of moisture.
It avoids moisture loss and keeps the hair hydrated to ensure healthy, silky, and shiny hair. The excellent antioxidant property provides anti-hair fall property to this formulation. This is hands-down best edge control for curly hair.
Rosemary leaf extracts are included in this formulation, which nourishes hair and scalp and improves blood circulation. This enhanced blood circulation prevents damaged hair by providing proper nutrition to hair follicles. Therefore, it promotes healthy hair growth. Nettle leaf extracts in this product are a good source of silica and sulfur, which make hair shinier and stronger.
The application of this product is a little different from the rest of the products in our best edge control for 4c hair. Almost all the other products are applied to the hairs when they are dry. However, it is not the case with this one. You would have to wash your hair with warm water before applying this controller. However, it improves the absorption of this product.
This controller leaves some flakes when you apply it. However, this can be minimized by mixing it with gel or oil at the time of application.
- Pleasant fragrance
- Natural constituents provide strength to hair and scalp
- Easy to wash
- Hypoallergenic
- Leaves a white buildup on some hairs.
A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide for Best Edge Control for 4c hair
When it comes to choosing the hair or skin styling product it gets confusing and tricky. Not all individuals have the same hair type. Some of them have curly thin hair while the others have coarse straight hair. The different types of hair demand different treatments.
You cannot expect a good outcome if you are using a product designed for curly hair on straight hair. The same is the case another way around. Therefore, there are some features or to be precise some ingredients you should look at before making a purchase.
Type of Hair - Know Your Hair
It is important to have proper knowledge about your hair before making the purchase. If you do not know or understand the type of hair you have, you will end up choosing the wrong product.
Usually, there are two types of hair growth, one is curly and the other one is straight with different subclasses amongst them. The curly hairs are difficult to control and demand extra care. To control the edges of this hair, you would require a product that has a firm hold. Not all of the edge controllers provide firm growth, therefore, it is important to know what ingredients you should look for.
The waxy or greasy edge controllers usually have high holding properties. If you have curly hair you should always go with pomade or waxy edge controllers. The most superior of these ingredients is beeswax which has superior holding properties. Therefore, you should always look for this ingredient before making a purchase.
On the other hand, straight hair does not require a too strong or firm hold. Therefore, there are chances you can get the edges down by using almost any of the edge controllers.
Type of Scalp - Sensitive Scalp Needs Consideration
The skin of all individuals is not the same just like the hair. Some have sensitive while others can tolerate even some corrosive substances. Some of the ingredients in the edge controllers can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive skin. They can cause irritation, itching, and several other discomforts. Therefore, it is important to know what type of product you are going to use on your skin.
Grooming products often contain paraben and sulfates. These substances are used in the formula as preservatives. Essentially, the expiry date and shelf life of the products increase with the use of these substances.
However, these substances are not good for the skin. Especially for people who have sensitive skin as they can cause produce irritation and can damage the skin sometimes.
Therefore, if you have sensitive skin you should get a product that is free of these substances. Usually, the product that is free of these substances features a label that says so. This makes it easier to identify them in the market. However, if it is not mentioned on the label look for the list of ingredients. Make sure these substances are not in the formulation of the product that you are planning to purchase.
Does It Leave Flakes and Residues? - A Point to Ponder
The most common problem that you would encounter with edge controllers is the white flakes and residues. The gels and some of the other edge controls have a solvent that contains all the ingredients. This solvent evaporates as you apply this to the hair, but the substance that was dissolved stays in the hair.
These substances on drying become flakes and start appearing on the hair. Usually, these are white in appearance but can vary according to the ingredients. This can ruin your style and overall look. However, this can be avoided by cleaning the edges regularly.
On the other hand, the controllers that feature greasy solvents do not produce these flakes. The oils do not evaporate and stick to the hair. Therefore, the flake product is almost negligible in these products. However, these products are harder to remove because of their greasy nature.
Therefore, it is important to decide what type of edge control you are looking for. You can either get a flake-free control or a greasy one. It all comes down to you and your personal preferences.
Nourishing Ingredients - A Good Plus to Have
The basic purpose of the edge control is to slick the hair down at the edges. Therefore, as long as they are doing their job, they should be good enough. However, if it has additional nourishing ingredients for your hair it is always a plus point.
However, these ingredients are essential to ensure a healthy scalp and growth of the hair. Some of these ingredients provide nutrients to the hair follicles for stronger growth. The others increase the blood supply to the scalp to make it smooth and healthy.
The product that contains these ingredients come at relatively higher prices. However, the prices are not too expensive and one can easily afford them. Therefore, we recommend choosing these products instead of basic edge control.
The Fragrance - It Matters
The fragrance of the edge control does not get a lot of attention but for some people it is important. The edge control will stay on your skin throughout the day. If it has an unpleasant smell there are chances you may get used to it. However, those around you may not be ready for a compromise.
The unpleasant fragrance not only creates an unpleasant aura around you but also disturbs the other in your proximity. Therefore, it is essential to choose a product that has a pleasant smell or at least does not have a bad smell.
A pleasant odor is a plus point for any edge control. It can create a good vibe and aura around you. It will make you appealing and attractive. Therefore, always look for a product that has to offer a good smell.
Some of the companies use artificial fragrances which work in favor of users most of the time. However, people who have a sensitivity to fragrance may find it uncomfortable. Therefore, if you are one of those sensitive people make sure the product does not contain any artificial fragrance that can cause discomfort.
FAQs about the Best Edge Control For 4c Hair
Conclusion
The edge controls are turning out to be essential beauty products. Whether you have straight or curly hair, they are a good thing to have in your kit. However, each individual has different needs and demands. In our list, we have tried to provide the best options for different hair types. We hope you have made your choice or at least have narrowed it down.
If you would ask me for a pick, it would be Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gel. It contains dermatologically tested ingredients, slicks down hair in no time, and works equally well in summer and winter, which may be challenging for most edge controls.
If you still have any questions, do post them below and we would love to respond.
