Sleek, Neat, Fly: How to Get Your Edges on Point Every Time
Getting your edges on fleek is a must for any stylish black woman. Whether you’re rocking braids, twist-outs, or a laid wig, perfectly slick edges take your look from drab to fab. But laying edges can be tricky business. The wrong products or techniques can leave your perimeter hair looking crunchy, flaky, or sadly undefined.
In this guide, you’ll learn pro tips for choosing edge control products, brushing techniques for seamlessly smooth edges, how to use headwraps and scarves to set your style, maintaining your baby hairs, and troubleshooting problems. With the right know-how, you can style flawless, sleek edges that are neat, refined and picture-perfect every single time.
From properly prepping your hair, applying edge control, using edge brushes, to setting your edges at night and protecting them from damage, this is your master class on getting edge slayage on point. By the end, you’ll go from edges that are rough around the edges to perimeters so polished they look professionally styled. Let’s get started!
Why Laying Your Edges is So Important for Styling
Laying your edges is one of the most important finishing touches for any hairstyle. Defined, neat edges help polish off braids, twist-outs, weaves, and wigs for a professional, sleek look. Properly laid edges also blend seamlessly into any style along your hairline. This prevents the appearance of frizzy flyaways, stray hairs, and undefined texture around the perimeter. Well-styled edges give your hairstyle structure and make it look meticulously groomed.
Choosing the Right Edge Control Products and Brushes
Not all edge control products and brushes are created equal. The key is finding an edge control that provides control without flaking or looking overly stiff. Look for a lightweight gel or pomade that offers firm yet flexible hold. As for brushes, opt for those with seamless, rounded tips. This allows you to smooth edges without ripping out hair. Edge brushes also help work control product thoroughly into the hairline and distribute it evenly.
Pro Tips for Applying Edge Control for Max Hold
Applying edge control properly is critical. Only use a tiny amount and warm it between your fingers before application. Then, gently smooth from back to front to coat edges and baby hairs. Don't over-saturate your edges with product. Once edges are brushed into place, use a silk scarf or headband to seal and set the style. Tying down your edges will help them stay sleek and in place all day or night.
Smooth Brushing Techniques for Defined Edges
The key to defined edges is brushing them smoothly into place. With a light hand, gently brush short strokes outward from the hairline to mold stray hairs and swoop edges into shape. Avoid excessive pulling or tugging which can rip out fragile edges. Keep a gentle grip on the brush and use your wrist, not full arm, to control strokes. Take your time perfecting small sections at a time.
How to Use Scarves and Headwraps to Set Your Edges
Using headwraps or a silk scarf is crucial for setting laid edges properly. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, tying down edges to keep them neat and sleek. The smoother the material, the flatter your edges will set. Tie fabric down snugly but not too tight. Leave wrapped 5-20 minutes or overnight. The friction from scarves helps edges stay defined as the day wears on.
Maintaining and Enhancing Your Baby Hairs
Baby hairs along the hairline accentuate your edges for a flawless finish. Use a toothbrush or brow brush to gently style, sweep and lay down any flyaway baby hairs. Softly brush shorter hairs along the temples and sideburns downward into your hair. Define but don’t over-manipulate them. Apply sparing edge control to lightly coat baby hairs and make them behave.
Fixing Frizzy, Unruly Edges In Between Wash Days
Preserve smooth edges in between washes by touseling roots and refreshing edges as needed. Use a boar bristle brush to gently lift and smooth stray hairs back into place. You can also respray edges with water or an edge control product to slick down frizz. Clip away any straight hairs around temples that won't lay flat. Lightly tie down edges again with a satin headband or scarf.
Setting Your Edges at Night for Perfect Morning Style
Preserve your edges overnight by covering hair in a satin bonnet or hair wrap. This prevents friction that can cause edges to become disheveled. To set sleek edges for the next day, simply tie hair down with a scarf placed precisely along your hairline. Spritz edges with water or edge control before tying down to reinforce hold.
Protecting Your Edges from Breakage and Damage
Prevent breakage by handling edges gently, avoiding tightly pulled styles that stress the hairline. Alter ponytail positions to relieve tension on edges. Use satin pillowcases. And nourish your perimeter with hair-healthy products like vitamin E oil. Massage oil into edges and hairline at night to condition, strengthen and promote growth for healthy edges.
Troubleshooting Common Edges Styling Problems
If you have excessive flyaways, add extra edge control and be sure to tie down properly. For flaking, switch products and use less, applying lightly focusing just on edges. If edges won't stay laid, check your product hold strength and application method. Try setting with a scarf longer or in sections. Ensure you are not manipulating edges too much. Set your style on dry hair, not damp.
Here are 3 good examples that demonstrate the benefits of edges hair:
- Slicked edges allow braided hairstyles to look neat and polished. Having edges laid down smooth allows braids to appear tight along the hairline, rather than leaving straggly flyaways sticking out. The finished look is much more sleek and put-together.
- Defined edges prevent wigs from looking wiggy. When wearing wigs, having a crisp hairline helps it appear more realistic.Edges laid neatly and flush to the wig's hairline gives a flawless finish so styles look like natural hair growth.
- Baby hairs accentuate edges for complement any style. When tiny baby hairs are softly brushed into place, they enhance the perimeter of hairstyles for subtle framing around the face. Baby hairs give edges more shape for styles like braids, twist-outs or ponytails to look complete.
In all these cases, having edges properly groomed, defined and laid makes black hairstyles look their absolute best. The time invested in edging pays off for styles that look meticulously finished for any occasion with polish and purposeful styling.
Here are some common questions and answers related to edges hair:
Q: What are the best edge control products to use?
A: Some top edge control picks are Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Edge Control, Ouidad Edge Control Gel, Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Edge Gel, and Olive Oil Edge Control. Look for lightweight, non-flaky gels or pomades.
Q: How can I grow my edges back?
A: Protect thin edges by handling them gently, keeping styles loose, and massaging perimeter with growth serums. Use silk pillowcases and avoid constant tension on hairline. Boost circulation with massages and apply oil or serum nightly.
Q: Why do my edges not lay down?
A: Edges may not lay if your product isn't providing enough hold. Use an edge control gel, not oil, for maximum slick edges. Ensure you use a very small amount. Brush gently and set by tying down with a scarf.
Q: How do I fix my edges after wearing a wig?
A: Gently brush edges and loosen any matting. Freshen up edges with water or edge control, then re-smooth flyaways with a toothbrush. Tie down with a scarf for 10-15 minutes to help hairs lay back flat.
Q: Should you wet your hair before doing edges?
A: Dampened edges can help control frizz, but it's not required. Use your discretion adding water if hair needs more slickness. But don't oversaturate.
Q: What are some edge control alternatives?
A: Options like gel, pomade, beeswax, styling mousse or hair grease can work. Some home alternatives are aloe vera gel or styling products like Ecostyler gel.
Q: How do you maintain your edges overnight?
A: Always sleep with hair covered in a bonnet or wrapped in a silk scarf. This prevents friction that can cause edges to become disheveled while you sleep.
Whether you're rocking intricate braids or look-at-me waves, polished perimeter hair takes hairstyles to new heights. Now that you know the techniques for edge control, brush work, setting, and maintenance, you can achieve flawless, sleek edges every single day. With this comprehensive guide, you have all the expertise needed for edge perfection. So get your edge control and silk scarves ready - it's time to start slaying those edges! Your hairline is sure to look slick as can be. And heads will turn as people notice your edges so refined and on point. The next time someone compliments your styled edges, you can proudly say your edges are laid, neat, fly - and here to stay!
