Over the past 16 years as a master braider I noticed and experienced the several "edge control" braiding gels that have hit the market, but there have only been a few that has stood out to my clients, peers and I, and that have gave my clients and I the best results to date.
As we know black hair needs to be handled and tamed properly, so it is very important we use particular products that not only gives us a nice slay, but that are also healthy for us, especially in protective styles.
I want to share a few of my favorite braiding gels that have not only gave myself and my clients the slickness they wanted but that have managed to keep their roots and edges healthy.
Ingredients: WATER(AQUA), CETEREATH 20, GLYCERIN, OLEA EUROPEA(OLIVE OIL), CASTOR SEED OIL, LETINLYL PALMIATE(VITAMIN A), TOCOPHEROL(VITAMIN E), BIOTIN, PERSIA GRITISSIMA(AVOCADO OIL), SODIUM BENZOATE, FRAGRANCE
The Pure O Natural Neatbraid Conditioning Shining Gel, has been one of my top favorites to use. Not only is it moisturizing but it gives a great hold on coarse hair. It's amazing for everyday use on the edges while you are in braids and other protective styles. For braiders it's great to use while braiding clients because it gives that shine on our clients hair that we love so much. It smells great, the moisture stays and you don't need a lot of the product to maintain your results. Unfortunately this products is not sold at most beauty supplies, it is mainly sold online.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Aloe vera extract, Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil
The black owned product, Black Panther Strong - Vegan Gel, is the first edge control with the biotin ingredient. Biotin helps promote hair health, strong growth, and a healthy scalp overall. This key ingredient also contributes to shine, volume, and scalp coverage in women who experience thinning hair. The actual products carries a great hold that we all love when it comes to slicking your edges and taming your main roots when designing your desired style. The vegan formula leaves your tresses soft, non-flaky or greasy. The gel is clear and you only need a dime-size to maintain the look you want.
Ingredients: Aloe Leaf Juice, Vegetable Clycerin Water Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, yeast extract, chondrus crispus carrageenan Extract, porphyra umbilicalis extract, gluconolactone sodium, Benzoate Ceterareth 2, Olea Europea Castor seed oil, Retinyl palmiate, tocopherol, biotin, persia gratissima, fragrance
The Loc N Gel - Loc Twists Braids product has been one of the most requested gel from my peers and clients. This gel has a hold like no other, especially for those getting retwists on their locs. My favorite feature from this gel is that is smells great and the shine that the product provides is undeniable, it is truly a hidden gem. Those that use this product already can agree that it keeps your hair and edges in tack for more than 24 hours especially with the proper maintenance, i.e. tying your hair down.
Ingredients: Water, Ceteareth-25, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, DMDM Hydantoin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hamamellis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Arginine, Leucine, Tryptophan, Lysine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Methionine, Histidine, Asparagine, Alanine, Proline, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Valine, Phenylalanine, Aspatic Acid, Tyrosine, Serine, Cystine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Styrene/VP Copolymer, CI15985, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Fragrance
This citrus smelling gel has a great hold when it comes to slicking your baby hairs. It not only smells fresh but the texture is super smooth. I have used this on clients and myself and the results are always satisfying. It doesn't flake or it doesn't leave your hair super greasy. You don't need a lot of it to achieve the look you want. For braiders they carry a 24 ounce, giving you the chance to maximize the product on several clients.
KEY INGREDIENTS: castor oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, glycerin
The classic black owned brand, The Roots Naturelle, that also owns the Black Panther Gel products, gave us Virgin Lacquer Gel Pomade. I would say it is similar to the Loc N Gel edge control, it keeps your roots and edges slick and tamed for over 24 hours. It is a clear gel that doesn't create flakes nor reversal to the hold. It is one of my favorites because it not only is a classic and is great for everyday use, but it doesn't take much to use to achieve the look you want.
If there has been one of these gels that have stood out to you the most, you can head over to
my Amazon store today to grab yours!
If you have any gels that you personally love please share the name and why?! :)