The best part about getting a relaxer, to me, was having super smooth edges. Especially, since my hair wasn’t that kinky*, to begin with, I never had to use any type of edge control to smooth down my edges if my relaxer was fresh, or fairly recent.
However, I am now 2 years into my natural journey, and after a lot of money and a bunch of trial and error, I’ve pretty much given up on edge control.
I’ve tried everything from ‘extra hold’ to ‘firm hold’ and even bees wax! It’ll work for a good hour tops and then my hair will start to get frizzy again, and it will look as if I never put any edge control on it.
I thought maybe it was just me and my unruly hair, but after talking with a few other naturals, I realized that it is actually pretty common. So, I’ve learned some tips on how to lay my edges, when edge control just doesn’t cut it!
1. Tie up hair you’re at night
If I know that I am going to be wearing my wig* to work the next morning, which requires edge control, then I give my edges a head start by applying gel at night, and then tying it up over night.
Allowing the gel to set my edges over night for 8 hours is definitely a major key. By the time I wake up, my edges are laid, and I really don’t even have to reapply any more product.
2. Blow out edges
This wouldn’t be something that I recommend for an ongoing or consistent basis, but only for a special occasion where you want to have straight edges to go with a straight style.
Blowing out your hair to get it smooth before you apply any edge control or gel works wonders, and I’ve noticed that gel is better to my hair when it is straight, versus when it is curly.
3. Embrace the frizz
During my natural hair journey there came a point where I basically just had to suck it up, and accept the fact that part of being natural meant that my edges will not be laid. I stopped fighting it and accepted what my hair naturally did.
Are you a fan of edge control? Comment below!
I agree with u. Mine won’t stay down either.
Edge control doesn’t cooperate with my hair now that I’ve gone natural
I just let my edges be. I do the minimum in trying to tame them (dampen with refresher spray then rub in a little pomade or gel and tie them down). If they frizz up the next day, I don’t pay it much mind. It comes with the territory.
I’m relaxed and i don’t care for edge control products.
Nobody believes me when I tell them edge control doesn’t work on me . I’ve tried so many diff ones and it just doesn’t do much
Em Tang I believe you. I have the same issue – so I don’t bother.
Em Tang same with me????
Same… Just get crispy 4c edges ????????
Girl. Girl girl grirlllll. That’s all. Waste of my damn time….
Interesting I love my curly edges…