How to Lay Edges for Beginners

There’s something about laid edges that just ups your hair game. Sure, we like edge control for the sleek, smooth look that it gives any hairstyle, but it’s also a fun, playful way to add some pizzazz to an otherwise traditional hairstyle.

While laying your edges can seem intimidating to master, it’s really simple with a little practice. If you’ve ever wondered how to lay your edges or how to perfect edge control, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about edges and how to control hair edges no matter your hair type.

What Are edges?

Edges, otherwise known as baby hairs, are the shorter strands of hair that fall around the hairline. These strands are usually finer and shorter, which can make them challenging to slick down, especially if you’re sporting an updo or sleek ponytail.

The texture of your edges depends on your natural hair type. If you have wavy hair, your edges may be mostly straight with a light wave. For curly hair types, edges are usually wavy or slightly curly and for coily hair, you can expect curly to coily baby hairs.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Lay Edges

The good news is that styling edges isn’t difficult. In fact, with the right tools and a pinch of patience, you can get those edges laid in no time. Here’s how to lay your edges in four simple steps.

Step 1. Grab your products and tools

You don’t need a cocktail of products for edge control, but having a dependable one that offers a strong hold without flaking is essential. Our top pick is the Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel with Coconut Oil. It keeps even the finest, wispiest hairs in place without making your curls crunchy or greasy. Note: We recommend scrunching your ends with this hydrating gel cream to give your spirals extra bounce and definition.

As for tools, reach for a toothbrush, edge brush or fine-tooth comb for smoothness and detailing (more on this below).

Step 2. Apply your cream or edge gel

If this is your first time styling your edges, remember less is more. Grab a pea-size amount of the cream gel and apply it to your baby hairs. You’ll want to apply the product pushing the hair in the natural direction of your hairline.

Step 3. Create your design

For edge-control-newbies, start simple with this step. Grab your brush or fine-tooth comb and sweep your edges into a loose C-shape swoop going away from and then back towards your hairline. Once you’ve mastered the basic swoop, you can advance to more detailed styling designs. From S-shapes to swirls and twirls, the options are endless. Just have fun. There’s no right or wrong way to style your edges.

Step 4. Add more hold, if needed

If you have coily or naturally frizzy hair, you may find that your hair needs a little more product to keep it in place. Feel free to spray with a stronger hold product like a hair spray or top off your edges with a pomade to lock your style into place all-day long.

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How to Style Edges for Different Hair Types and Hairstyles

While the steps to styling your edges are the same, no matter what hair type you have, you may find that some hair types and textures may be easier or harder to lay edges than another. For example, straight to wavy hair types can lay edges easier than coily hair because they tend to slick down with more ease.

Edge styling can also differ depending on which hairstyle you’re sporting. If you’re styling your hair up, you may choose a more intricate edge design, but if you’re wearing your hair out, a simple swoop to keep edges smooth can do the trick.

How to Have Edge Control

So you’ve styled your edges, but you want to keep them locked in place all-day long. The proof is in the edge control product. Think strong, but still flexible and soft. No one wants crunchy edges. Here are a few more edge control products that we’d recommend adding to your arsenal.

A lightweight gel: The Wash Day Delight Gel-to-Foam Styler

This airy mousse-like gel is so light, it practically dissolves as you apply it. But don’t let its fluffy consistency fool you. This foam offers a 48-hour hold and dries in seconds, so you can ensure your detailed swoops and swirls don’t budge.

A sticky pomade: Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother

For unruly and frizz-prone strands, a sticky pomade will do the trick. This edge control smoother keeps edges flat and smooth throughout the day. Simply apply the product on dry hair and style as desired.

A shine booster: Black Vanilla Shine Enhancing Hair Sheen

If you want to add a bit of shine to your edge artwork, spritz on this moisturizing spray. It not only gives hair a healthy, natural sheen, it keeps dry, dull and brittle hair at bay by conditioning strands with a blend of moisture-rich oils.

How to care for edges

While styled edges is a fun addition to any ‘do, properly caring for these delicate, fine hairs is a must. If you aren’t careful, over manipulation of your edges can cause breakage and thinning. To help grow your edges (or simply avoid losing them), be gentle with them and give them routine TLC. Here are a few tips to proper edge care.

Be gentle

Avoid tugging and pulling on your baby hairs and use a gentle touch when styling them. They’re called baby hairs for a reason. They aren’t as strong and durable as the rest of your mane so give those hairline wispies a soft touch.

Keep them moisturized

Apply a hydrating oil to your strands at night to keep them moisturized while you snooze. Try Born to Repair Reviving Oil with Shea Butter, which helps to reverse damage and deeply moisturizes strands, too.

Protect your hair while you sleep

Friction is one of the top causes of hair breakage, especially at the hairline. Protect your fragile baby hairs at night by sleeping on a silk pillowcase or securing your hair in a silk or satin bonnet. This is a must if you’re trying to regrow your edges or avoid thinning.

Next Up: 7 Hair Strengthening Tips For Weak Curly Hair

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