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Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
Natural hair can be complicated, especially those wispy strands on your head's perimeter. Baby hairs, or “edges” as they're often referred to, can really test your styling prowess especially when you try to pull your hair back in a sleek ponytail or top knot. And if it’s a rainy or humid day, forget it.
To combat this challenge, haircare brands have expanded their lineups to include products that are specifically made for these stubborn and fragile hairs. More often than not, these products are referred to as edge control and are formulated to lay those hairs down and ensure they stay in place.
“When using edge control products, less is more,” explains Michelle O’Connor, a five-time North American Hairstyling Awards-winning hairstylist and Matrix global artistic director. “Instead of using excess product, start conservatively and add as needed. This will allow for more time to mold your edges into your desired shape.”
A good edge control product will provide a strong hold without flaking. With that in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best edge control products available, evaluating them on ingredients, texture, and longevity. After consulting with a hairstyling expert, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these 15 top picks.
Best Overall
SoftSheen-Carson Edge Tamer
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Amazon
Lightweight
Hydrating formula enriched with amla oil
Doesn't flake
Could be more long-lasting
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
This all-rounder provides reliable edge control with the added benefit of nourishing amla oil. We’d recommend it to anyone.
Active Ingredients: Amla oil | Hold: Medium hold | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Cantu Edge Stay Gel
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Amazon
Hydrating formula with shea butter and glycerin
Paraben-free
Available at most drugstore chains
Can flake
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
If you’re looking for a reliable edge styling product that’s affordable enough to use every day, this one ticks all the boxes.
Active Ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter | Hold: Strong | Size: 2.25 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Lasting Hold
Moco de Gorila Snot Gel
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Walgreens
Non-sticky consistency
Strong, long-lasting hold
Doesn't flake
May weigh down fine hair
Contains methylisothiazolinone which may cause irritation
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
This is another reliable budget-friendly option especially suited to those with thick hair. Note that reviewers say those with fine hair might want to apply this product sparingly so that it doesn’t weigh hair down.
Hold: Strong | Size: 11.9 oz.
Best Drugstore
Creme of Nature Perfect Edges Extra Hold
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Walmart
Available at most local drug stores
Award-winning formula
Moisturizing argan oil add shine
Could be more long-lasting
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
Best Scent
Carol’s Daughter Edge Control Smoother
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Amazon
Smells good
Hydrating formula with honey and aloe
Seals split ends
Could be more long-lasting
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
If you like sweet fragrances, this vanilla-scented formula will have you taking deep inhales all day long.
Active Ingredients: Honey, aloe, rosemary | Hold: Soft | Size: 2.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multi-Use
Curls Curl Control Paste
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Rite Aid
Pleasant but subtle scent
A little goes a long way
Adds shine with mango and shea butters
Container is small
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
Best for Textured Hair
Design Essentials Edge Control
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Amazon
Long-lasting
Hydrating formula with castor oil and glycerin
Designed for coarse hair textures
Can flake
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
This baby hair-tamer is specially designed for medium to course hair textures, creating a strong hold that’s still manageable.
Hold: Strong | Size: 2.3 oz or 3.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gel
Dr. Miracle’s Edge Holding Gel
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Amazon
Adds shine
Hydrating formula with wheat protein and jojoba oil
Natural formula
Feels sticky
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 prefer using gels rather than pomade on your edges, this nourishing formula is the one for you.
Active Ingredients: Jojoba oil | Hold: Strong | Size: 2.25 oz
Best Gel, Runner-Up
Mizani Edge Taming Gel
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Ecosmetics
Hydrating formula with jojoba and sunflower seed oils
Strengthens hair
Mineral oil- and petrolatum-free
Most expensive on our list
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
We recommend this product to anyone who likes gel formulas without mineral oil.
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E, natural oil | Hold: Strong | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Classic
ECO Style Olive Oil Styling Gel
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Sally Beauty
Generous amount
Hydrating formula with olive oil and glycerin
Doesn't flake
Leaves hair crunchy
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
If you gravitate towards tried and true classics, this edge control icon won’t disappoint.
Active Ingredients: Olive oil | Hold: Strong | Size: 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating
Eden BodyWorks Edge Control Glaze
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Amazon
Doesn't flake
Lightweight
Hydrating formula with coconut oil, aloe, and shea butter
Could be more long-lasting
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 your hair tends to be dry, this formula packed with moisturizing ingredients will seal in much-needed hydration.
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter | Hold: Firm | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Growth
The Mane Choice Edge Control
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Sally
Packed with ingredients that promote growth
Stimulates the scalp
Lightweight
Could be more long-lasting
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
If your goal isn’t only to tame baby hairs, but ideally to grow them out, the growth-stimulating ingredients in this product make it worth the investment.
Active Ingredients: Biotin, vitamin E, castor oil, avocado oil | Hold: Strong | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Scalp
Mielle Organics Edge Gel
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Sally
Stimulates the scalp
Hydrating formula with honey and aloe
Certified organic ingredients
Leaves hair crunchy
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
If your scalp is dry, flaky, or simply in need of a little love, this soothing formula will do the trick.
Active Ingredients: Aloe, honey, ginger | Hold: Soft | Size: 4 oz
Best Paste
OGX Texture Molding Paste
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Amazon
Creamy texture
Hydrating formula with castor oil and glycerin
Great for adding texture and definition to hair
May weigh down fine hair
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
Best Natural
Palmer’s Super Control Edge Hold Hair Gel
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Amazon
Doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or phthalates
Doesn't flake
Promotes growth
Could be more long-lasting
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
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite edge control product is the SoftSheen-Carson Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer because it provides long-lasting hold with the addition of moisturizing amla oil. We also love our budget pick, Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel, for its paraben-free, edge taming formula with hydrating shea butter.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours looking into the best edge control products on the market, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted an expert for their opinion, and then used this research to choose the best picks for this article.
Attributes we evaluated each edge control product on:
- Ingredients
- Longevity
- Texture
What to Look for in an Edge Control Product
- Water vs. Oil-Based: The two most common types of edge control products are water-based and oil-based. Water-based products, like Dr. Miracle’s Edge Holding Gel, tend to be lightweight and are great for styling. Meanwhile, oil-based products like Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze are great for providing a stronghold.
- Hydrating Ingredients: There's nothing worse than hair that feels stiff and crunchy. Make sure the edge control product you're interested in has hydrating ingredients that will moisturize and nourish your baby hairs. Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Super Control Edge Hold Hair Gel –– which contains olive oil, castor oil, aloe leaf juice, and hydrolyzed wheat protein –– excels at hydration.
- Level of Hold: While the ultimate goal with these products is to keep your edges in place, it's important to find one that won't flake, weigh down, or damage your hair. Consider your hair type; if you have finer hair you may want to go with a product that has a lighter hold, like OGX Natural Finish + Aspen Extract Texture Molding Paste.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best edge control products.
Additional guidance was provided by Michelle O'Connor, a five-time NAHA-winning hairstylist, trailblazer, influencer, educator, Matrix global artistic director, and an emerging voice on diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry.
