20 Best Edge Control for 4C Hair (Guide & Reviews)

The edge control market for women with 4c hair is booming. There are so many edge controls on the market, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you and your tresses.

We’ve done all of the research so that you don’t have to! After reading this guide, you’ll feel like an edge-control expert in no time at all!

So let’s get right into it.

Our top 10 best edge controls for 4C hair:

1. Diamond Edges Black Panther Strong Edge & Braid Control

This edge control is a favourite among naturalistas with type four hair. Its thick, creamy consistency helps to moisturize and tame your edges as well as lock in styles like box braids or faux locs for days at a time!

What We Like

Provides a long-lasting firm hold
A little amount goes a long way
Washes out easily with water and shampoo
Does not leave sticky or white residue on hair
Works well for natural hair, braids edges, locs and twists

What We Don’t Like

We love this product!

2. Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer | Extra Mega Hold

This edge control has a creamy and thick consistency which can be easily spread throughout your hair for complete edge coverage. It also promises to hold the style all day – so you won’t have to worry about re-applying.

What We Like

It does not leave any flakes or residue
It’s humidity-resistant and holds well in all weather conditions
A small amount goes a long way
Dries quickly and holds all day
Works well with braids, extensions, and natural tresses alike
It’s neither oily nor drying for 4c hair

What We Don’t Like

If you use too much it may leave a residue

3. Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste

Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste edge control is one of our favourite edge controls for 4c hair. It has a creamy consistency that provides edge coverage without hardening or leaving residue behind. It also shapes and holds styles well, and a little goes a long way.

For a soft hold use on wet hair and use on dry hair for a strong hold.

What We Like

Formulated with natural ingredients that encourage hair growth
It doesn’t leave residue or flake off during the day
It doesn’t feel crunchy or hard on the hair
A small amount goes a long way
Adds a natural-looking shine and controls curls

What We Don’t Like

It’s a bit on the expensive side
May require re-application

4. Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze

This edge control by Eden Bodyworks is a great option for women with thick or coarse hair. It has a creamy consistency that provides edge coverage without hardening and leaves no residue behind on the hair. It’s also a favourite edge control for 4c hair.

What We Like

Provides a firm and manageable hold
Formulated with natural vegan ingredients
It does not dry or damage hair
Most users enjoy its pleasant coconut scent
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

If you use too much it may feel greasy

5. Design Essentials Sleek MAX Strength Edge Control

Design Essentials edge control is a smoothing gel that works best for medium to coarse hair textures. It is made up of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients including gylcerin and hydrogenated castor oil. Its formulation does not leave hair with a lot of buildup.

What We Like

Works well on wet or dry hair
Easy to transition styles without the need to wash hair
Provides versatile usage (smoothing edges, creating texture on spiked styles, taming unruly hair when braiding, etc.)
Does not leave flakes in your tresses
It’s easy to find in drugstores and online

What We Don’t Like

Provides a good hold but has a greasy texture

6. Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

Mielle Organics puts a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients to its products; and the Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel is no exception. It is a great option for women with hair from Types 3A to 4C natural hair texture.

What We Like

Infused with biotin and natural oils to encourage growth
Formulated with many natural and organic ingredients
Provides a good hold without drying hair
Most users enjoy its rosemary mint scent
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

The jar is a bit small for the price

7. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla is an excellent choice of an edge control for 4c hair textures. This products contains honey, aloe, and rosemary. It infuses moisture, adds shine and does not contain parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, or artificial colours. It also works well for relaxed hair.

What We Like

Packed with macadamia oil, aloe and honey to replenish moisture
Doesn’t get dry, flaky or leave residue
Has a pleasant light neutral vanilla fragrance
The consistency is concentrated, yet non-greasy
Great price point compared to other edge controls

What We Don’t Like

Provides a firm hold but not strong enough to last for too long

8. Cantu Natural Hair Edge Stay Gel

Cantu is a popular product line within natural hair community, and for good reason. Its products are affordably priced and made with powerful natural ingredients. Cantu edge control is an excellent edge control for 4c hair texture. It is made with shea butter and Argan oil which condition and add shine to natural hair.

What We Like

It’s easy to find in drugstores and online
Provides great value for your money
It holds immediately – no need to tie hair with scarf to set it
It doesn’t dry or make hair flaky
Suitable if you’re looking for a light hold

What We Don’t Like

Does not provide an extreme hold

9. Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gels

Hicks edge gels are non-greasy and work well for women with natural or relaxed hair. It’s formulated with hydrogenated castor oil as the key ingredient. Castor oil aids in slicking hair down and promotes hair growth.

What We Like

Provides firm hold without drying out the strands
It’s easy to find in drugstores and online
Castor oil promotes shine, hair growth and strength
It’s non-greasy, does not flake and is light on hair
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

It may leave a whitish residue

10. The Mane Choice 4 Leaf Clover Stubborn Edges Freezing Gel

The Mane Choice is a great choice of an edge control for 4c hair textures that are particularly thick and coarse. It is infused with all natural ingredients including biotin, Vitamin C, D, and E. The Mane Choice does not contain sulphates or parabens which helps eliminate dry scalp and flaking.

What We Like

Packed with moisturizing ingredients (clove oil, flaxseed oil, and aloe vera)
Designed specifically for highly-textured Type 4 hair
Provides a firm long-lasting hold and sleek to even stubborn hair
It’s alcohol free formulation prevents dryness and promotes hair growth
A small amount goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

May leave a flaky residue

11. Moco De Gorilla Snot Gel

Moco De Gorilla Snot Gel is a great edge control for women with fine and coarse hair textures alike. This product has a thick consistency which helps provides a firm and secure hold. It’s one of the best options if you are on a budget.

What We Like

It is inexpensive and readily available
Works well for stubborn Type 4C hair
Provides a reasonably strong hold
A little amount of the product goes a long way
Works great for securing the edges of lace-front wigs

What We Don’t Like

Contains a lot of chemicals and may leave a bit of residue

12. Schwarzkopf Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel

Schwarzkopf edge control is a great choice for women with medium to coarse hair texture. It provides an extremely firm hold that lasts all day long without making strands flaky or dry at the edges.

What We Like

Dries extremely fast and provides maximum hold
Non-sticky and does not leave residue
It works well on both dry or damp hair
A small amount goes a long way
It has a light gel-like look and feel

What We Don’t Like

May require more than water (a little shampoo) to take it off

13. Murray’s Edgewax | Extreme Hold

Murray’s edge control is derived from a combination of premium gel and Australian beeswax. It provides firm hold with high shine that does not leave residue or flakes.

What We Like

The added beeswax provides incredible hold and control
Gives hair high shine and no flaking
Thick texture but soft enough for easy application
Suitable for both edges and flyaways
A small amount goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

It has a thick texture and cloudy appearance

14. Ampro Shine ‘N Jam Conditioning Gel | Extra Hold

Ampro edge control is a great choice for women with thick or coarse hair. It’s made from natural ingredients and provides a medium to firm hold that lasts all day long without making strands flaky or dry at the edges.

What We Like

It contains honey which adds shine while locking in moisture
Does not contain alcohol, parabens, petrolatum or silicones
Has a firm non-greasy hold
Lightweight formula that does not leave flaky residue on hair
Suitable for various hairstyles (braids, locs, soft waves, twists, etc.)

What We Don’t Like

May require reapplication if you’re looking for that extra hold

15. OGX Natural Finish + Aspen Extract Texture Molding Paste

OGX Natural Finish + Aspen Extract Texture Molding Paste is technically not an edge control. It is typically used to tame flyaways but is also a great edge control alternative. It is suitable for all hair textures and dries matte.

What We Like

Contains aspen bark extract and sandalwood which add texture and definition
Dries matte and will not cause breakouts for acne-prone skin
It’s water-based and thus gentle on hair
Provides a good hold that lasts all day
Doesn’t feel sticky or tacky

What We Don’t Like

Need to add oil for that shiny finished look

16. ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Gel with Sweet Almond Oil

ORS edge control works well for all hair textures. It contains olive oil and sweet almond seed extract which moisturizes, conditions and softens the hair. These ingredients make it especially suitable for Type 4C hair.

What We Like

Moisturizes strands due to its rich ingredients
Does not leave white residue
Suitable for both natural and relaxed hair
Provides a good hold without making hair hard
Adds a nice shine to hair

What We Don’t Like

Some users may find its consistency too sticky

17. Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold Water-Based Pomade

Style Factor edge booster is a great edge control for 4c hair that provides a strong hold with medium shine. It’s water-based and thus gentle on hair as opposed to petroleum jelly based edge controls.

What We Like

Comes in an array of scents (lemon, cherry, strawberry, etc.)
Packed with natural Argan oil which adds moisture to hair
It’s water-soluble and thus non-greasy
Absorbs into hair quickly
Controls frizz and adds a natural shine

What We Don’t Like

Leaves residue on hair

18. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges

Creme of Nature edge control is a great edge control for fine to medium hair texture. It contains Argan oil which adds shine and moisture to the strands while providing firm hold.

What We Like

Controls and holds down edges for a long time
Argan oil moisturizes and adds shine to hair
It’s alcohol-free and thus non-drying to hair strands
The consistency is non-sticky and non-greasy

What We Don’t Like

It’s less effective on natural 4C hair and works best on relaxed hair

19. Mizani Edge Taming Gel

Mizani edge gel is a great edge control for fine, medium and thick hair textures. It provides a strong hold without flaking or leaving white residue on the edges.

What We Like

It’s alcohol-free which makes it less drying to hair strands
Infused with anti-breakage ceramides, vitamin E, natural oils
Moisturizes while providing good edge control
The consistency is non-sticky, non-greasy and light
Suitable for both relaxed and natural hair

What We Don’t Like

May not be suitable for very thick hair textures as it may cause flaking around edges if used in excess.

20. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold edge control is a good edge control for medium to thick hair texture. It provides a firm hold with high shine and it’s alcohol-free which makes it less drying on the edges of your scalp.

What We Like

Smoothes frizz and fly aways and provides a natural sheen
Formulated with black castor oil to promote hair growth
Infused with coconut oil to deeply condition and hydrate hair
Free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, mineral oils, & sulfates
A small amount goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

Gives a greasy and sticky feel

What Causes Your Edges To Thin Out?

Many women would like to know what causes their edge areas to split and thin out. This can be a frustrating situation especially if you want a healthy-looking and lush hairline.

There are many reasons why thin edges may occur such as:

Using the wrong edge controls. Some edge controls will make your edge hair brittle or dry which can cause the edges to thin out

Using too much edge control. When you use too much edge control, it will weigh down your strands and make them weaker in the process

Too much heat styling. When you overheat your edge area it will cause dryness and breakage. This can lead to thinning out around the edge region in no time!

Not moisturizing enough. This is one of the main causes why edge hair may thin out. If you don’t moisturize your edge area rest assure that it will be more prone to breakage and thinning

Tight hairstyles around the edges. If you wear tight hairstyles such as braids or weaves, this can put too much stress on your edge hair which results in it thinning out

How to Grow Back Your Edges

Once edge hair starts to thin out, it’s hard to get them back. Growing edge hairs that are very short is where the challenge can arise. Have no fear because there are some ways you can help grow your edges which include:

Using edge control products with natural ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera

Moisturizing edge hair regularly with natural oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil

Changing your hairstyles to reduce stress on the edge areas by wearing looser styles around this area

Getting protein treatments will help strengthen your edge hairs and thus make them less prone to breakage

The best way you can prevent edge thinning is having a healthy scalp which means you need to treat your scalp right. You must moisturize it regularly, detox your scalp and give rest to the edge area!

Avoiding heat styling as much as possible because this can cause breakage which will result in thinning edge hair.

What Ingredients to look for in Edge Control

A good edge control for 4c hair should contain natural and nourishing ingredients such as:

Shea butter: It penetrates the hair shaft leaving it soft, shiny and smooth

Aloe vera: Soothes dry skin which can help prevent breakage from occurring in edge hairs

Honey: Hydrates edge hair and prevents strands from becoming brittle.

Jojoba oil: It contains vitamin E which penetrates the hair shaft making edge hairs stronger and healthier. This will help reduce breakage and thinning out

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which can help nourish and strengthen your edge hairs. It also penetrates the hair shaft leaving edge hairs soft, hydrated and less prone to breakage

Olive Oil contains vitamin A, D & E which will help grow back edge hair that has thinned out. It reduce split ends resulting in edge hair less likely to snap off or get caught up in tangles

Castor oil helps promote hair growth because of the ricinoleic acid which will help edge hairs grow back quicker and stronger. It also contains omega-three fatty acids that helps moisturize, heal dry scalp conditions and reduce itchiness

Avocado oil has high moisture retention properties which can increase elasticity in edge hair strands making them less prone to breakage

Beeswax is a great ingredient to look for in an edge control as it has the strongest hold

Avoid edge controls which contain:

Alcohol because it can dry out your edge hair making it prone to breakage

Petroleum because this ingredient will weight down your edges making them weaker

Mineral Oil– mineral oil is a cheap filler. It has been known to clog pores on the scalp and leave your edges dry which can cause thinning

Parabens – they are a synthetic preservative. Parabens have been known to irritate the scalp and cause edge hair breakage

Silicones– silicones can build up on edge hairs which makes it weak from over conditioning

Sulfates– this ingredient is also drying, stripping edge hairs of moisture making them prone to breakage due to over drying.

Edge Control vs Gel: Which is Better?

Both edge controls and gels help your edges stay in place throughout a busy day, but they have some key differences that may make one more preferable to you than another. Both products are great choices for women with natural hair who want their edges to be sleek and smooth.

Edge Controls

Edge controls are typically applied after your leave-in conditioner (or other styling products) to give you a firm hold on edges.

An edge control provides style versatility as it can be used for many styles including twists, braids, puffs or even slick back styles.

They also provide edge coverage that can help you achieve effortless updos.

Gels

Gels are typically applied after all other styling products have been applied to the hair (e.g., leave-in conditioner, oil).

They seal in moisture and provide a smooth finish for your style.

Gels also provide edge control but they do not provide edge coverage.

Tips for Applying Edge Controls and Gels

Although edge controls and gels are the best products to slick down your edges, they won’t do their job if you don’t apply them correctly. Here are some tips on applying edge control or gel that will work well with natural hair of all types:

Apply edge control or gel to clean and moisturized hair

Apply edge controls or gels sparingly as a little goes a long way

Finish your edge styles by applying the edge control or gel evenly around each section of your edges using gentle circular motions

Use latex gloves when you apply any type of styling product to your edge to avoid getting flakes

SAVE IT FOR LATER!