I've Spent the Past 10 Years Styling My Edges—These Are the Only Edge-Control Products I'll Recommend

Eco Style has been a staple in the world of edge control for decades, so it's no surprise that it tops the list. The brand has made a wide range of gels, but I'm a big fan of this formula, which contains olive oil to help the scalp regulate moisture levels. It's truly one of the few products out there that I've seen work on curls, coils, and kinky textures, and for under $5, it's a total deal. I love that this gel doesn't dry my hair out, and I don't have to worry about white flakes showing up throughout the day.

Pros: Affordable, long-lasting, neutral smell

Cons: None

Key ingredient: Olive oil

Size: 16 ounces

Customer review: "My daughter uses this to help get the perfect slick back. This is so important to her because she is a dancer and having a sleek bun is part of showing up to dance. This gel is her preference because it achieves the slick look without being too sticky. She can comb through her hair after dance without a problem. It’s also very affordable compared to other products we have used."

I have 3b/3c curls and find that this gel works just right for me. I've always been a fan of Pattern and use the rest of the brand's products pretty religiously, so I wasn't surprised that the gel met my standards. It adds extra shine while protecting my hair from breakage. Plus, it's not too thick, which means you can reapply the next day without having to worry about it causing buildup.

Pros: Smells great, adds shine

Cons: Pricey, not a lot of product for the price

Key ingredients: Beeswax and mango-seed butter

Size: 4 ounces

Customer review: "Why did I wait on purchasing this?? This is the best edge control I have ever used!!! For reference, I have type 4b/c hair. I smooth my hair with the Pattern double sided boar bristle bush, and it provides amazing hold that lasts even until the next day!"

Back in 2014, Mielle was launched, and the brand has created hit after hit ever since. Just recently, everybody was trying to get their hands on the viral Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil. (If you know, you know.) This defining edge-control gel promotes stronger, healthier hair thanks to ingredients such as biotin, mint, and rosemary—no residue or buildup involved.

Pros: Smells good, affordable, strengthening

Cons: May need to be reapplied throughout the day

Key ingredients: Biotin, mint, and rosemary

Size: 2 ounces

Customer review: "So I haven't really done my edges like that, but based on the reviews, I decided to buy this specific edge gel, and this brand is now a favorite of mine. I love Mielle, and this did not disappoint. No flakes and it held me down in humid Florida. Buy it!"

When you think of edge control, your mind might jump straight to a gel. This spray from Got2b is here to shake up your options. It can be used on your hair the way you normally apply hair spray, but some users like spraying product on an edge-control brush to help them create the styles and shapes they want with their baby hairs. It's a creative approach, but given what a strong hold this product has, it's worth it.

Pros: A lot of product for the price

Cons: Harder to control application

Size: 12 ounces

Customer review: "I have very curly hair, and I spray this in my hair before I use my diffuser, and it holds my curls for days. My boyfriend has straight hair, and he uses this when he wants to slick his hair back, and it will hold for days as well. Washes out very easily. I don't know what I'd do without it"

Another staple in the edge-control game is this pick from Aunt Jackie's. Made with a mix of biotin and honey, this formula protects hair to promote strength, length, and a strong hold that lasts all day. It controls frizz and adds shine without buildup or residue. It's perfect for all hair types (wavy and curly), but it's especially helpful for coily and kinky textures.

Pros: Affordable, strengthens and protects, unscented

Cons: Can be greasy for some

Key ingredients: Biotin and honey

Size: 4 ounces

Customer review: "Love this for my edges, I love the fact that it's not dry and flaky and does not weigh down the hair. It has great shine, and I like how it makes my hair feel. It's not sticky or clammy but more moisturizing. Worth the price."

I've used African Pride a handful of times and can confidently say that this black castor oil gel makes the styling process a lot easier. It smooths out edges without residue, tames frizz, and creates a salon-quality finish on styles like twists, braids, and locks. It provides a lightweight feel and a healthier look overall.

Pros: Affordable, makes styling easier

Cons: Sticky for some

Key ingredient: black castor oil

Size: 8 ounces

Customer review: "I have used this product before as holding gel for hair styles and recently locked my hair for dreads and the product has excellent hold, lightweight, and moisturizing. It leaves no residue and has a nice smell."

This pink SheaMoisture line has been a go-to in my household for years for good reason. The mix of flaxseed, coconut, and hibiscus creates shine and definition. The scent is also refreshing without being overwhelming with notes of pineapple, sweet peach, and creamy coconut. I love pairing it with the Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

Pros: Affordable, smells great, adds shine

Cons: May need to be reapplied

Key ingredients: Silk protein, neem, flaxseed, coconut, and hibiscus

Size: 3.5 ounces

Customer review: "I love this edge control! I have it on subscription because it's one of the few products I trust for my whole family. It's free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petroleum, and it still manages to work beautifully on our curly 4c hair."

Most edge-control products are no more than $20, but if you're really looking for a budget buy that's also small enough to travel with, consider this option from Cantu. It contains nourishing ingredients like castor oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter while providing an extra-strong hold that keep edges laid all day. It works best on waves, curls, and coils and doesn't require a ton of gel to get high-quality results.

Pros: Extremely budget-friendly, long-lasting, smells good

Cons: May flake after a few days

Key ingredients: Castor oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter

Size: 2.25 ounces

Customer review: "This is quite literally the best hair gel I've ever used. It is super tacky but dries down smooth as butter. It doesn't budge in the gym or when I go for runs. It's so easy to use and only takes a few minutes to apply. I would choose this hair gel over and over again. If you're looking for a reason to buy, let this be your sign."

If you struggle with dry, brittle hair that's prone to breakage, look no further than this Black Vanilla Edge Control from Carol's Daughter. The vanilla- and lavender-scented formula is far from stick or crunchy. Instead, you'll get a smooth, soft, and polished finish that holds up throughout the day. It was created for waves, curls, and coils in mind and can be applied while hair is dry.

Pros: Smells great, smooths dry hair

Cons: Can cause flaking after prolonged wear

Key ingredients: Castor oil, vanilla, aloe, honey, and nettle

Size: 2 ounces

Customer review: "It works in humid, hot, and sunny conditions. I always apply it to dry hair (so no oils, moisturizer, or creams ). I've tried at least 20 edge gels in the past, but I have come to realize Carol’s Daughter has been consistently better than most. The smell is mild with a hint of vanilla but not overpowering, and it’s soft silky consistency is what does the job."

If you're open to splurging, you may want to consider this strong-hold gel with castor and argan oils from Bask & Lather. This long-lasting formula supports hair growth and provides all-day hold that doesn't flake up or leave a white cast. A little goes a long way, and it's lightweight enough to avoid buildup.

Pros: Strong hold, not a lot of product needed for results

Cons: Pricey

Key ingredients: Castor oil and argan oil

Size: 5.3 ounces

Customer review: "This is the best edge control I have ever used. I have tight kinky 4c hair and slick it back in a ponytail often. I've gone to three cycle classes sweating buckets, and my hair does not budge. I also did my daughter's hair, and she has looser curls. Did her hair in a style on Sunday night for school the next day, her hair is still in tact and as neat as the first day...and it's Friday."