The Truth About Edge Control

Picture of Client with Ponytail Styled by @ChevonSharp
Photo Credit: Chevon Sharp & Bravon Hair Extensions

A word to the wise, edge control is just that– edge control!

I’ve been thrown off lately by the number of clients that come in with a messy bun or sleek ponytail. Not because a messy bun or ponytail aren’t cute, but because when asked “what’s in your hair,” the response is typically “edge control.” One of the main reasons I ask clients this question is because I don’t want any surprises at the bowl! Products such as  wax, grease, heavy oil and edge control leave film on the hair. These products do not leave just any film, but  a thick film that shampoo cannot penetrate once the hair has been wet.  More importantly, that product film causes uneven hair color or cellophane treatment (semi-permanent hair color).

Another reason that edge control is not good for the client or their hair is that these products, especially edge, control require a dry shampoo. What is a dry shampoo? Well it is when your stylist has to put shampoo in your hair before wetting it to STRIP your hair of whatever product you have in it along with all your natural oils. The hair is left extremely dry after this process and a deep conditioning is required after such a treatment.

So what can you use to slick your hair down if wax, grease or edge control are out of the question? My suggestion, depending on the texture of the hair, is to use gel or a light hair spray and tying the ponytail down just as you would wrap your hair when it is curled or styled. These products rinse clear with water requiring no dry shampoo. If you’re concerned with drying due to gel or hairspray that is not a problem. You will want to put about a quarter size amount of conditioner on the hair before gel and if using hair spray use a light oil before spraying the hair.

Really quick, before we get into my suggestions, I know what you ladies are thinking (I’m a hairstylist for crying out loud I get paid to know what women are thinking), you’re thinking “wait why can I use it on my edges but not my whole head?” Here’s why: first, when creating those sexy angelic baby hairs you generally wash your face and remove it and have to reapply the edge control the next day. Secondly, the edges can be scrubbed a little harder and easier than scrubbing the entire head of hair you have because edge control was used as a pomade.

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Brandelyn Green is the Founder of VoiceOfHair, a platform to help women of color find the best hair care products, regimens and hairstyles! Since starting VoiceOfHair in 2014 she has grown the social media platform to over 1MM+ on Instagram and Facebook. As a natural who is also a salon goer, she wanted to create a platform where people could find the best products, hairstylists, advice and trends.
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8 Comments

  • Wen says:

    I appreciate your article but edge control isn’t that damaging and as long as you wash your hair appropriately you should be fine. My thoughts

  • Tanecia says:

    Edge control broke out my edges. It dries my scalp and causes scabs to form. I frikkin hate it. I tried oil to keep it from itching but it made a gunky mess. I ended up scratching the scabs off along with some of my edges. Who cares about “laying edges” if you won’t have a hairline to lay. I’m pissed trying to find something to use on my scalp because it is itching like crazy and red even after I washed it. I haven’t put it in my hair for a couple of years and got my hair done then this happened. I will never use it again.

  • Devastated says:

    Edge control destroyed my hair line after just a few uses.My scalp became red and irritated and the hair started coming out at the roots. I would caution anyone from using this type of product frequently. It also stripped my demi-permanent hair color straight from my hair. The best thing to do is to use gel (EcoStyler seems to work best for me) and tie your hair down. I have never experienced hair loss from using gels.

  • Erika says:

    I went to a salon to have my natural hair washed and finished by flat iron. It is beautiful, except for the fact the stylist put goopy clear edge control on along my hairline. She didn’t ask, just assumed I wanted it. Within minutes it started to turn white and flake. How do I get this stuff out, without wetting my newly finished hair and ruining what I paid for?!!

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  • S Shelton says:

    I just discovered the edge control I’m using has stripped the color from my edges. I use Bigen permanent powder. Immediately after applying the edge control (24-hour), all my color was gone!

  • Lynn Davis says:

    What is a good brand of dry shampoo that doesn’t break your hair and what hydrating replenishing conditioner should I use?

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