6 Best Edge Controls for 4C Hair: Your BFF for Clean And Sleek Looks

It is no news that the 4C hair type is a little challenging to take care of and manage, but it is easier when you possess one of the best edge controls for 4C hair. Believe me, my US friends have tried and tested it and I am so grateful to them for confessing their experiences with the edge controls for hair growth, nourishment, and manageability. After hours of research, I am being loud, and straight — edge controls are no less than a magical elixir! They offer extra hold and control to your flyaways and baby hair, and help you style your hair effortlessly. Secondly, they are long-lasting, non-greasy, and perfect for attaining a polished and sleek look. In addition, they are great for braids, locs, and dry, as well as coarse hair.  

Our contributor Priyanka Swami, Founder and CEO of Perfect Locks Hair Company, a prominent human hair extensions brand, says, “Edge controls for 4C stand out from the rest by offering a firm grip without any flaking or build-up. They're designed to moisturize and nourish your hair, keeping it from drying out and breaking at the edges. Edge controls for 4C also often contain ingredients that help protect your hair from environmental irritants and heat styling. If you're looking for an edge control for your 4C hair, choose one free of harsh chemicals like sulfate, parabens, and mineral oils. You want to find a formula that gives you a strong hold while providing nourishing care for your gorgeous curls.”

Let me tell you that after splurging on the strongest edge control, you will never ponder for anything else. You will make it a part of your hair care routine like my friends and stay committed to it for years just the way you are with moisturizers for 4C hair. Here’s a tip — an edge control works well on moisturized hair.  So, if you are among those who are yearning to achieve protective styles effortlessly, then roll your eyes over. Below I have rounded up the most astounding edge controls for 4C hair that you should think of investing in.

Our top picks

6 Best Edge Controls for 4C Hair

While on the quest to find the best edge control for 4C natural hair, I spoke to a couple of my friends possessing curly hair residing in the US. The majority of them confessed that their edges tend to be super coily and hard to lay down. So, I went ahead and previewed Ebin New York’s 24-hour Edge Tamer. What left me impressed is its water-based, lightweight, and hydrating formula that flattens flyaways and keeps baby hair hydrated for a prolonged period of time. And guess what? This edge tamer has become my go-to solution for quick hair styling!

Pros

• Silicone-free
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Mesmerizing grape scent

Cons

• Not flake-proof

2

Most Cost-effective

Gummy Fonex Hair Styling Wax ULTRA HOLD

Gummy Fonex hair styling wax is the finest 4C edge control essential providing one with ultra hold. What makes it stand apart from the rest of the edge control products is its ability to amplify the elasticity of your hair. Additionally, it leaves your super coily hair healthy, softer, and deeply nourished. While diving deeper into its features, I noticed that this wax is completely talcum-free and works toward strengthening one’s hair strands right from the roots to the tips. Hence, my vote definitely goes to this one!

Pros

• Free from parabens
• Cost-effective
• Alcohol-free formula
• Smells nice

Cons

• Fragile packaging

3

Best Unscented

ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel

While pondering for a good and really strong edge control, I came across this one from ORS. It is a fail-proof hair care product loaded with the goodness of olive oil and sweet almond oil that will take you a step closer to attaining the desired look and hold. Furthermore, it is long-lasting, non-greasy, and non-flaky. So, to offer some extra hold to your hair, this best edge gel for 4C hair is what you need at your hands right away.

Pros

• Unscented
• Paraben-free
• No silicones
• Reasonable

Cons

• Very stiff

4

Best for Braids And Locs

The Roots Naturelle Black Panther Strong Edge Tamer

Lay down your flyaway hair within minutes with the Roots Naturelle’s Black Panther strong edge tamer. It is not only a fabulous styling companion but also the go-to for attaining smooth and sleek hair. Moreover, for anyone who possesses braids or locs, this is clearly the best edge control for coarse hair that also acts as a twist controller. Having said that, I also glanced through the feedback section of the product, and here is what an Amazon reviewer had to say – “I was so amazed by this product. I have a lot of hair and it is very dense and coarse 4C around my hairline. Not even beeswax works as well as this does for me. It straightens, shines, and slicks back with very little effort.”

Pros

• Smells sweet
• Easy to scoop out
• Little goes a long way
• Pocket-friendly

Cons

• Not very long-lasting

5

Best Edge Control Gel for 4C Hair

SheaMoisture Fortifying Edge Gel

Here comes my best gel for 4C hair edges! I must say the mastermind, SheaMoisture has done a great job in crafting this alluring fortifying edge gel. What I love the most is its splendid formulation. It is packed with organic ingredients like shea butter, peppermint, apple cider vinegar, and natural flaxseed hair oil that lend long-lasting hold and control. What’s more? It is also a remarkable product for twisting, braiding, and creating flawless wash-and-go hairstyles.

Pros

• Tames frizzy edges
• Contains no phthalates
• Paraben-free
• Nourishes hair

Cons

• Leaves white residue behind

6

Best Non-greasy

Dola Hair Edge Control

Based on my extensive research and findings, this product from Dola Hair is a phenomenal strong hold edge control for 4C hair. Since it is enriched with aloe vera and honey, it is ideal for maintaining slick styles and taming frizz. What left me impressed is the fact that it features a non-greasy and no-build-up formula needed to smoothen baby hair so that pompadours, tapered cuts, and slick ponytails look polished. Topping it all off, this edge control is fragrance-free and long-lasting!

Pros

• Gel-like texture
• Alcohol-free
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Leaves little residue behind

That was my comprehensive list of the best tamers for 4C edges. Now let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

How to Choose the Best Edge Control for 4C Hair?

Here are a few aspects that I should consider before splurging on a good edge control -

Ingredients: Make sure you pay heed to the list of ingredients before getting your hands on a good edge control for 4C hair. Adding more to the same, our contributor Priyanka Swami says, “The best edge controls for 4C hair are usually made with natural moisturizers and nourishing ingredients. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, aloe vera, argan oil, jojoba oil, etc. These ingredients provide hydration, stimulate hair growth, and hold moisture without leaving greasy residue.”

It is also considered wise to splurge on edge controls that are enriched with the goodness of passion fruit seed oil, apple cider vinegar, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat protein, and other hair-nourishing ingredients. Speaking about my favorite edge control, I am quite impressed with ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel and its splendid formulation.

Hair Type: Ensure that you analyze your hair type before investing in the best edge control 4C hair. There are too many fishes in the pond but pick the one that suits your hair type the best. You will find ones suitable for all hair textures and types, whereas some are strictly meant for dry, frizzy, thick, thin, or coarse hair type. Do not invest in an edge control that is not meant for your hair type.  

Consistency And Texture: Always inspect the consistency or texture of the hair gel for edges that you are planning to buy. I personally recommend edge controls that possess a smooth and easy-to-glide gel-like texture promising extra hold and control just like Dola Hair Edge Control.

Formula: The next important aspect to consider is the formula of the best edge control for 4C hair that you are thinking of snagging. Ensure that the edge control is free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh toxins. I advise you to pick those that are vegan and cruelty-free.

Contributor: Priyanka Swamy, CEO and Founder of Perfect Locks Hair Company

Conclusion

That was all about the best edge controls for 4C hair that you should think of snagging right away. Trust me, these edge controls are not mere hair care or styling products, rather they are a must-have to tame frizz and flatten those annoying flyaways, unruly edges, and baby hair. In addition, they also nourish, smoothen, and soften your hair, taking you a step closer to a polished, clean, and slick look. Be it their distinctive formula, consistency, or blend of natural ingredients, everything works wonders when it comes to extra hold and ultra control! So, do give them a thought and indulge in one! Happy shopping!

FAQ's

Is edge control stronger than gel?

Edge controls are similar to pomades and thus offer a much stronger hold to your hairline than gel.

Can you use edge control every day?

It is not really recommended to use an edge control every day as it might lead to build-up and result in hair breakage.

Can edge control help with baby hair and flyaways?

Yes, and edge control definitely helps in laying down baby hair and flyaways.

Can I use edge control on wet or damp hair?

It is recommended to use edge control on damp hair.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Our resident hair care expert, Alvira, is the wordsmith behind this article. She has a couple of 4C-hair friends in the US and that’s how she got intrigued to list down some of the best edge controls. After hours of extensive research, she found out that edge controls are a must-have for anyone who wants to attain more polished and sleek hairstyles. Personally, she is quite impressed with the lightweight formula of Ebin New York’s 24-hour Edge Tame. If you too possess a coarse 4C hair type then do pay heed to her approved list of recommendations. 

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More

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