Even after your hairstylist finishes that last crimp or curl and lays that final strand into place, we know our style isn’t secured until she pulls out a small bristled brush, scoops it into a thick gel and draws your baby hairs into a wave-like pattern of perfection.
There are all kinds of intricate ways to accomplish professionally laid edges. As Black women have continued to lead the way in hair innovation, popular tools and tricks for edge control have become tried and true. But, when summer months and the heat that comes with them arrive, all of our beauty secrets that were held together in colder temperatures melt away under the sun, and baby hairs that were once smoothly laid shrivel into their original texture.
For those of us who live in places with high temperatures and humidity, securing our edges is a tough feat. But we’ve asked the experts to share some warm-weather tips. “It’s all about the interaction of hair texture and product chemistry,” notes the Houston hairstylist Imani Seay, also known as ThaMagicTouch (@thamagictouch).
For sleeker baby hairs on hot, humid, active days, switching up products to match the temperature is key. “I prefer to use more of a gel consistency on softer, curlier hair,” says ThaMagicTouch. “For thicker, coarser hair, or for a day inside, an oil-based edge control is perfect to weigh down any frizziness. And with the hot weather, for an outdoor girl, alcohol-based products like a freeze spray are recommended”—but look for ones that won’t dry out your hair.
Another styling tip: Use a blow-dryer to lock in the hair products. Of course, all this edge magic only works if you’re diligent about following instructions once you leave your hairstylist’s chair. Here’s what you need to know—and the must-have products that will help you stay in control.
“My key to keeping edges down and laid for days is the Ebin edge control. It holds so well, especially if you make sure to tie your edges down, particularly in the shower.” – Kerrisha Potts, New York stylist and founder of Kerri Beauty Lab.
Available at ebinnewyork.com
If you’re planning to be outdoors in the heat for many hours, this freeze spray offers flawless control. ThaMagicTouch advises that you gently flat-iron the few baby hairs you would like to leave out, then spray your edge brush with this product and flow your edges into a sideways U-like shape.
Available at ulta.com
For the naturally curly-textured girls, a gel or lightweight styler is everything you have been missing and will get the job done. “I prefer to use more of a gel consistency on softer, curlier hair,” ThaMagicTouch recommends.
Available at patternbeauty.com