There is a wide range of degrees of curly hair available, which is named 3C, 4A, 4B and so on. The criterias to categorize the hair with curls are the hair texture, the shape of coiled strands. Curly hair is known for requiring certain care and maintenance methods. The curlier the hair is, the faster it gets dried. Thus, this article will offer the most ideal options of edge control for 4C hair, which is one of the most challenging hair types to take care of.
1. Edge control for 4C hair: What is 4C hair?
Before going to the list of best edge control for 4C hair, this part will define this hair type along with the significant features attached.
1.1. Edge control for 4C hair: Definition of 4C hair
Among the categories of curly hair, 4C hair is the hair with the tightest curls pattern. In some cases, the strands of 4C hair even have the zig-zag pattern that is sometimes indiscernible to the eye. The 4C hair turns clump at the ends and has much more strands’ proportion of shrinkage than other types of hair with curls.
The people living in Africa and parts of Southeast Asia have 4C hair. However, the 4C hair even consists of different types that are divided according to the pattern of hair, the pattern size, density, strand diameter and the feel such as cottony, woolly and spongy.
1.2. Edge control for 4C hair: Features of 4C hair
The hair strands of 4C hair can be significantly fine to super coarse. Thus, the maintenance of this hair type is challenging and requires great effort. Moreover, when the strands are wet, they tend to be more tangled and have greater shrinkage.
Because of the texture of 4C hair, it offers a dry feeling and can get broken easily. Furthermore, the tightly-coiled curls prevent the hair strands from absorbing the essence and hydration effectively. You’d better find the best wholesale hair vendors in case you are considering using this type of hair extensions.
1.3. Edge control for 4C hair: How to maintain 4C hair
- Step 1: Detangle your hair gently by hands or using a pre-poo. Make sure that your hair has no knots before washing as the 4C hair strands become more shrinkable after getting wet.
- Step 2: Rinse your hair with cool water instead of the hot one as the high temperature may damage the hair and make it weaker. Use the best shampoo for coarse hair that is sulfates-free, use the ones consisting of natural ingredients instead to moisturize the strands.
- Step 3: After washing hair properly, apply a certain amount of conditioner. The deep moisturizer will keep your hair strands’ hydration balanced and make it look more shiny and smooth. Moreover, carefully applying conditioner also prevents the chance of getting tangled for 4C hair.
- Step 4: Build a habit of applying hair oil every day as the hair with curls, especially the tight ones of 4C hair can lose the natural oil easily. Therefore, adding the oil keeps your hair moisturized.
2. Top picks of edge control for 4C hair
Beside the hair moirturizer for men and women with coiled hair, the edge control is also important. This is the part that you have been waiting for. Here is a list of the best edge control for 4C hair that is highly recommended.
2.1. Top 8 best edge control for 4C hair
All the products have distinct features and the number of each name does not stand for the ranking of it. Find the most relevant edge control for 4C hair of yourself from the list below.
2.1.1. Best edge control for 4C hair: Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
As the main ingredient of Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel is Moroccan Argan Oil, it makes your edge appear more shiny. With sufficient supplement of hydration, you will not have to be worried about the build-up or crunchy feeling.
However, this edge control for 4C hair offers the effectiveness for a short time, around a few hours. Instead of a firm hold, this gel only provides a soft hold but it can avoid the stiff feeling on your forehead and melts into your hair properly.
2.1.2. Best edge control for 4C hair: Good2Gro
If you are tired of the whitening and flaking, the edge control for 4C hair Good2Gro will be the best solution. The texture of this product is formulated with the luxury organic ingredients such as shea butter and mango that promote the growth of natural hair.
Moreover, regular applying this edge control even boosts the thickness and fullness of edges. Your hair will be moisturized and look shiny. This brand has been favored by multiple consumers since the beginning.
2.1.3. Best edge control for 4C hair: Instant Control Edge & Braid Gel Maximum Hold
This is a popular edge control for 4C hair among stylists and salons that always provide the treatment for their clients’ coarse hair. The texture of Maximum Hold can lay down every strand that it is applied on. This gel even offers great effectiveness under hot weather, regardless of sweating.
However, there are some certain drawbacks that should be taken into account. This gel may leave your hair white due to the flaking and drying. The solution for this issue is applying a small amount of hair oil. Bear in mind that your forehead will be a little stiff as the gel holds firmly.
2.1.4. Best edge control for 4C hair: Black Panther Strong -Edge & Braid Control Pomade
This texture is quite dense and its ability to hold is so great that you do not have to reapply for 2 days. However, there is no feedback complaining about the drying, cakey or sticky at all. The smell of this edge control for 4C hair is pleasing, like the fruity candy.
2.1.5. Best edge control for 4C hair: Design Essentials Naturals Honey & Shea Edge Tamer
With most ingredients coming from nature, including the shea and honey, your edges will become shiny and hydrated. In addition, the price offered for this product is reasonable.
This texture can only stay on your hair for nearly a day and then it wears off. Thus, it is recommended to use this edge control for 4C hair for a session of a day, for example applying before a night party.
2.1.6. Best edge control for 4C hair: Ampro Styler Protein Styling Gel Ice
The holding durability of this hair gel is pretty long, which can last for hours. With no alcohol contained, this edge control for 4C hair brings no damage as well as the driedness to your scalp and hair strands.
The producer suggests that you should apply the Ampro Styler Protein Styling Gel Ice when you are doing low manipulation hairstyles such as flat twist or wearing a high bun. However, if you have extremely resistant edges, do not apply this texture for braid out or twist outs.
2.1.7. Best edge control for 4C hair: Gorilla Snot
The texture of this product is so thick that you can feel like a layer of glue when it lays your hair down. There are different options of lines offered for this edge control for 4C hair based on the degree of hold. The price of Gorilla Snot is reasonable while it can get rid of flakes as well.
Although the gel can stay on your hair for more than a day, it may cause a gunky feeling or build up after a long time. Thus, it is suggested that you should wash out your edges when showering at the end of the day. For containing a lot of chemicals, this product may cause a little heat for some users.
2.1.8. Best edge control for 4C hair: Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer Extreme Firm Hold
If other edge tamers do not work on your coarse hair, give this Ebin 24 Hour a try. This is one of the best edge controls for 4C hair that is evaluated by the hair expert. The texture of this gel is neither sticky nor dries up flaky and has the durability of 24 hours.
The amount of gel for each time applying is pretty small but it works effectively to lay flat your hair strands. The texture after use can rinse out with plain warm water. Meanwhile, this product is known to be originally produced for hair salons only.
2.2. How to use the edge control for 4C hair effectively
Firstly, comb the hair properly to get rid of the tangling or hair knots. Keep the hair laying down and fixed. With the edge control for 4C hair with gel texture, rub the gel between your fingers to warm it up and make it a thin layer.
Applying the gel of edge control on the strands, follow the direction that you want your hair to be oriented. For instance, you can start at the frontal part of your scalp and go down to the nape. The best edge control for 4C hair will not make your hairline feel crunchy when it holds down your edges. Your hair will also be moisturized after applying the gel.
3. Edge control for 4C hair: Solutions for your 4C hair
There are some significant options for your to deal with your strands beside applying the edge control for 4C hair:
- Twisting your hair: The dreadlock hairstyle is recognized as one of the most unique and coolest trends among the hair lovers. You can make the braid out or twist our strands from your tight-coiled hair. This method of braiding hair not only offers a new impressive appearance for you but also keeps the hair strands more hydrated and aligned.
- Flattening the hair: This is another option for you to deal with the 4C hair permanently. It means you go to the hair salon and let the hairdresser use the heat tools to flat the curls on your strands. However, the high temperatures from the equipment will make your hair get dried and weaker faster. Moreover, the flat shape of your hair can not be retained for a long time as the new growing hair will turn back to the original pattern of tight curls.
- Using hair extensions: The last suggestion to deal with the coarse 4C hair is putting on the hair extensions. This product is made from human hair, synthetic hair and even fabric that offers a wide range of styles and prices. You can have new hair in whatever length and color you want. The hair extensions help you avoid the damage from heat equipment as well as saving time for styling.