Baby hair and afros compliment each other so well. But there will be no baby hairs without a good edge control gel. Especially if you have stubborn 4c edges like me. The struggle is real. 4c Naturalistas don’t fret. I’m going to help you get them edges laid. Here’s 6 edge control gels that I’ve tried on my unruly 4c edges. Make sure you read all the way to the end to find out which is my favorite.
ORS Olive Oil Edge Control
A clear, lightweight jam with Olive Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids, Aloe which is a great moisturizer and Wheat Protein to strengthen hair and reduce breakage. It does not contain any alcohol which can be very drying and damaging to your hair. Can cause slight buildup when using daily. It’s not greasy or sticky in texture and a small amount holds down your edges without making them hard. The thick consistency allows for longer hold, and I can usually get through the work day. Works well for stubborn 4c edges.
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold
Perfect Edges is a hair gel infused with nutrient-rich Moroccan Argan Oil that holds down edges while moisturizing and adding shine. It’s not sticky or greasy and doesn’t leave the hair hard or crunchy at all. It also doesn’t leave behind any sort of residue or build up. It has a thick gel consistency but glides on smooth and melts into the hair while it sets, providing a soft hold (for a few hours). Works better when hair is tied down for a while.
African Pride Olive Miracle Silky Smooth Edges
A lightweight edge control gel enriched with Olive Oil. It’s heavier than a regular gel but not as heavy as the other edge control gels. It does not contain alcohol or petroleum, and is non-sticky, non-flaking and non-greasy. The gel goes on smooth and at first it looks like it’s going to hold down your edges, but before you can blink they pop back. If you’re type 4c, don’t even bother with this one. It works well for installing Marley Twists though.
Design Essentials Naturals Honey & Shea Edge Tamer
A firm hold edge control gel enriched with Honey and Shea for added nourishment and shine. It’s designed for curly to coily hair, so it’s a little thicker and heavier than the other edge control gels. When first applied this gel has my 4c edges laid to the gawds, but it wears off a bit during the day. My biggest problem with this one is that it leaves a visible residue on the hair. When I check my hair mid-day, not only has my edges reverted, but they look white. A little bit of water helps to smooth them back in place though.
Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
A lightweight edge control gel infused with Castor Oil to nourish hair and scalp, and Silk Amino Acids, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Jojoba Oil to moisturize and add shine. It’s extremely moisturizing, but doesn’t have enough holding power for 4c edges. You have to layer another gel on top to get any type of hold.
Gorilla Snot Gel
Not really an edge control gel, but a hair styling gel formulated for anti-gravitational hairstyles like mohawks. It comes in different formulations, each with a different level of holding power. I use PUNK which has the strongest hold. The name (albeit a bit disgusting) is very befitting as the gel has a very sticky, snot like texture. Let me tell you, this gel will keep your 4c edges laid and slayed. I wet my edges and lay them down with a toothbrush, then I apply a small amount of the Gorilla Snot and brush it in. Once dry, my edges stay in place all day. It builds up and gets gunky after a few days, so I usually wash it off of my edges in the shower every night. This is my Holy Grail edge control gel for these unruly 4c edges. Get you some!
1st Place Gorilla Snot Gel
2nd Place ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Gel
3rd Place Design Essentials Naturals Honey & Shea Edge Tamer
4th Place Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold
5th Place Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
6th Place African Pride Olive Miracle Silky Smooth Edges
Now go forth and slay, with them edges laid!
12 Responses
I love your blog! It’s well throughout and a go-to for us natural girls.Keep posting and keep reaching for your dreams!!
The order in which you’ve placed the edge controls are very correct as I can relate to the results you have. I learned of gorilla snort gel during the summer and I must say that this product exceeded my expectations. I was very skeptical, but after seeing the price I thought there was no loosing should I invest a big $3.
All the other products are great, just not great enough to lay dem 4c edges down…..
You are so right. In my relaxed days, all of these would have had my edges laid and slayed!
I use DE to blend my 4c with my kinky curly wigs and it works well enough to fool people. I do have to use Ecosytyle to hold it and it does build up after a couple of days. I’m going to try the Gorilla though.
Have you ever used Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste? I think there is also a Curls Blueberry Curl Control Paste. Have you a see either?
I haven’t used any of those, but I’ve heard about the Curls Blueberry Curl Control Paste. I love the Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly though!
None of these hold my hair except gorilla snot and it leaves white residue. I have never tried designs brand I’ll give it a try
You’re probably using too much Gorilla Snot Gel. I use a small amount and brush it in with a toothbrush, and it dries clear for me. I do however wash it off every night because layering it causes build up and flaking
Hellow erica i would love to order those product online….which link should i use plz help
All of the products are linked in the post
ORS does nothing for my edges 🙁
Thank you for your excellent reviews!!