Beauty gurus feel like their work is incomplete without a dusting of highlighter or a spritz of setting spray. When it comes to hair, though, some naturalistas consider their baby hairs to be the finishing touch. And while you don't need to lay your edges to slay your style, if you do, you'll want to be armed with the best techniques for your texture, not to mention the products that'll hold up all day. We asked five naturalistas for the exact tricks, gels, brushes, and scarves they actually use to style their edges. Watch them in action, then shop their products in the slides ahead.
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Ke'von, Nneka, Patti, Kim, and Amber all have different curl types — and their natural hair journeys are just as varied, too. See their techniques in action in the video above.
"The toothbrush is the most important part," Ke'von says, and many of the women agreed. They're small enough to catch those wispy strands and give you the control that you need to create some artful swoops.
up & up, $0.79, available at Target
"Gorilla Snot is really fantastic if I'm going to be out all day and want my hair to stay in place," Nneka notes. "It's called snot for a reason because it has a yellow-ish consistency and is really goopy."
NatturaLabs, $7.68, available at Amazon
But if you'd prefer something more solid, then try Patti's pick. "I like the fact that it doesn't look wet or greasy. It gives you the amount of hold that you need."
Creme of Nature, $5.99, available at Target
Of all the edge control products tested, Eco Styler seemed to be the most versatile. Amber used it by itself, applying it directly on her hairline and brushing it through. Ke'von cocktailed her Eco Styler with göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue for maximum hold.
Eco Styler, $5.19, available at Sally Beauty
Refinery29 senior features writer Arianna Davis wore this new launch for an entire day at Coachella, "where I sweated, screamed, and danced my heart away," she says. "It was light and easy to apply and didn't feel greasy."
Creme of Nature, $6.99, available at Shop Beauty Depot
For your edges to really be laid, you need to set them. Whether you're doing it overnight or for 15 minutes before you hit the door, wrap a satin scarf (or a long sock like Nneka) around your hairline so that the style freezes in place.
Evolve, $4.99, available at TargetLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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