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Finding the best edge control for coarse hair (and 4C hair)can give you a headache sometimes, ya know?
Well, no worries my 4C hair sister, you'll be slicking it down like a BOSS in a hot minute...
Because I'm gonna show you a best edge control for 4C hair list. It'll show you...
The #1 best type 4 hair edge control gels to slick down 4C hair and drop all the way to number 11.
So dig in, because:
You'll get 11 edge control gels for 4C hair that'll have you laid and looking good with your baby hurr on "relax and go lay down somewhere" mode.
So, look...
I promise you:
These are the best 4C edge control gels for coarse type 4 natural hair, you will love these even if you've tried and failed time after time to find a good 4C slick down option. And, I'll help you if you don't even know the meaning of coarse hair.
Let's talk about why we end up buying the wrong hair gels so much, because...
...there's a REAL reason.
And that reason is because, in the natural hair community you and I have become...
The "Ignored 4C", let's talk about it...
The problem is:
So many edge control gel producers pay Youtubers to claim their edge products give you the best slicking down performance and hold that you need, but they really don't when it comes to tightly coiled 4C hair edges.
Edge products aren't an "across the board" ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL type thing...
The best edge control for coarse hair and 4C will be different for someone without coarse hair, the same goes for curl activators on 4C natural hair VS other types..
And so:
That's why NHP put together this list of the best edge control gels for coarse hair and 4C because we deal with different challenges.
And trust me I know, it's important to find an edge control gel that is extremely good at holding and slicking down 4C kinky hair, many of the stickier and goopier edge control gels are good at this.
And applying these edge control gels to damp hair makes them work better.
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One best practice is to apply edge control gel for coarse hair that's already damp so that you can minimize type 4C shrinkage and give yourself the most defined look.
A great 4C edge control gel can take your high hair bun style to the next level sis.
So, what is the best edge control for coarse hair? You'll find your answer in this list below.
Here's your list of the best edge control gel for coarse 4C natural hair:
[Learn How to Stretch Natural Hair after Washing]
If you look at the Amazon reviews for Black Panther Edge and Braid Control gel for 4C hair it's easy to see that this is one of the best edge control gels for coarse hair, it does what the reviews say it does.
It's great for box braids because the edge hold is extremely strong and you usually don't have to reapply for 2 days. Many reviews say that this edge control gel for coarse hair is not drying, cakey or sticky.
It's not only one of the best gels to slick down 4C hair, another benefit is how it smells, it almost smells like Jolly Ranchers or some other type of really fruity candy. This edge control gel for coarse 4C hair is highly recommended.
You'll be totally in love with this edge tamer! Even if you have tried just about every edge tamer on the market with no results. This will, it's one of the best gels to slick down 4C hair longterm.
Most of the others out there are either too sticky and shiny or dry up flaky with a white residue or dissipate after an hour or so. This gel does exactly what the packaging says it will do without being sticky or dry and flaky this tamer stays on for 24 hrs!
It does not damage your type 4 hair at all and is not drying, it rinses out with plain warm water. You only need a very small amount to get your edges to lay flat I don't care how coarse your edges are it will work on them like magic!
This edge control for 4C hair was originally made for professional salon use only...
Now though:
You can get your hands on it at Amazon.
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You will get your edges laid ALLLL the way down with this bad girl. No exaggeration needed, this stuff lays down every single strand it touches.
Many hairstylists use this for their clients who have natural hair.
It works great even in hot weather when you might suffer from a lot of sweating.
CONS: One of the only downsides to this product is that sometimes it will leave your hair a little white because of the drying and flaking, but the solution is to simply apply a little bit of oil and you'll be good.
So even though this might make your forehead feel a little bit stiff because of its extreme hold, it makes your hair look amazing, it's a great buy.
The name of this #4 best edge control for coarse hair may not sound appealing, but many naturalistas with coarse 4C natural hair cannot live without this stuff.
It's very thick, and that's the best part because it lays your hair down as if it were glue.
It is great for very kinky 4C coarse hair. They have various different lines of this edge control gel, the one with the strongest hold is the “PUNK EXTREME” line.
CONS: It does tend to get a little gunky and builds up after too many days so it is best to wash it out of your edges after you bathe at night.
Gorilla snot also catches a little heat from some women for having alot of chemicals.
Back on the good side though:
One of the best things is that this edge control gel is rather inexpensive, it leaves your hair super shiny.
If it flakes up on you a little bit, all you need to do is apply a little bit oil over your edges and the flakes will go away.
This has been one of the Holy Grail edge control gels for unruly 4C coarse hair for a while now, just wet your edges, lay them down with a toothbrush and apply a little bit of Gorilla Snot while brushing it in.
Look:
Gorilla Snot may not have as strong of a hold as our #1 and #2 best edge control for 4C hair on this list, but for the price this is a great VALUE pick.
This Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel is infused with Moroccan Argan Oil that helps add shine and moisturizes your edges.
Many women with 4C hair enjoy this edge control gel because it doesn't leave a lot of build-up or residue and it's not crunchy feeling.
Its consistency is thick but it still melts into your hair and lays down smooth.
CONS: This only provides a few hours of a decently soft hold, it doesn't give you extreme hold but it's the best edge control for 4C hair for those who hate to have the stiff feeling on their forehead.
This edge control gel for 4C hair has a very respectable hold that can last for a long time.
It doesn't dry your hair out because it does not contain alcohol, and that's great because alcohol is damaging to your hair.
NHP recommends this one when you're doing low manipulation hairstyles like wearing a high bun or flat twist.
CONS: It's not recommended for braid outs or twist outs if you have very resistant edges.
Ohhh, the power of "HURRICANE HOLD". This edge control gel for 4C hair is great because it promotes thicker and fuller edges, and has many high-quality ingredients.
The reviews say that flaking and whitening are not a huge problem with this edge control gel for 4C hair, this specific edge control gel was formulated to promote natural hair growth around your edges while adding shine and moisture, making it one of the best edge control for coarse hair options available online right now.
Although this is a small, newer company, they have their share of fans and raving reviews...
This also made the list for best edge control for coarse hair because of the fine organic igredients like organic mango and shea butter.
It's a concentrated formula that's designed to work in small amounts.
For some naturals, this is the best edge control for coarse hair because it is infused with Shea and honey to help give you extra shine and health-inducing nourishment.
This is great when you don't need more than a day of hold because it does wear off during the day.
When you first put this edge control gel on your edges look amazing, so this is a great gel to use for a night out. It's also one of the cheaper options available to you.
The advantage to flaxseed gel is that it’s super cheap and can be mixed with your favorite butters, oils, and styling creams.
It's a great DIY option for a good edge control gel to keep frizzy edges laid down without being crunchy feeling.
This makes a very good edge control gel for rod sets, twist outs, and braid outs. It's also soft and the hold is non-crunchy. Not the strongest, but great for the price.
This edge control gel for 4C hair is infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein, one of the best proteins for your hair that helps to reduce hair breakage and strengthen your strands.
It also does not contain any alcohol that would dry you out. it's not sticky or greasy and a little bit goes a long way, a hold your edges down without making them hard.
It's not THE #1 best, but it's a contender... Folks were asking about it on Ulta Beauty, check it out...
It has a thick consistency that helps give you a decently long hold and get you through the day. It rounds out a good group of edge control gels for coarse 4C natural hair.
This can't be called the bestedge control gel for coarse hair FOR ERRRRBODY.
In fact:
This one is the weakest of this best list, but it's great for naturalistas who like a lightweight edge control gel and are ONLY focused on freshening up up the moisture.
If you're expecting strong hold, this aint the one sis. For that it is outside the top 10, but still has alot of fans who know what they bought it for. Those who buy it for hold get disappointed...
This one is not as heavy as the other control gels in this list.
So don't expect days-worth-of edge control with this one, this is for the ladies who hate the feeling of too strong a hold but still want a quick hold and like the scent..
If you're looking for a hold that will last the evening without making you feel like your forehead is under a stiff grip, this may be the one for you.
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So by far, the consensus answer for the best edge control for coarse hair is Black Panther Strong Edge and Braid Control Pomade #1, followed closely by Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer Extreme Firm Hold as the #2 best edge control for 4C hair.
If you want a short-term hold that feels more comfortable look towards the bottom of the list, they get on the list but don't rank as high because most type 4 naturals care more about a strong hold than the most comfortable hold. It's your decision.
Check out more customer reviews of our #1 WINNER for best edge control for coarse hair and slicking down type 4C: Black Panther Strong Edge control gel reviews at Amazon right here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee is a Contributing Editor to NHP and a former owner of the BlackhairOMG website. She formed 4C Trichology Growth Services, LLC., a US based hair care consultation service. She has also contributed as a writer and consultant for various hair and beauty websites. Melissa can be followed on Twitter here.
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