When it comes to maintaining natural curly hair, one of the most important aspects of your routine is keeping your edges smooth and healthy. Achieving well-defined and manageable edges is not only essential for a polished look but also contributes to the overall health of your curls. A smoothing gel, designed specifically for curly hair, can be an invaluable product in helping you achieve this.
In this article, we’ll explore how smoothing gels work, how to incorporate them into your curly hair routine, and recommend some of the best curly hair products available for maintaining healthy edges.
Why Healthy Edges Matter for Curly Hair
Edges, or the hairline, are often more delicate and finer than the rest of your hair. As a result, they are more prone to breakage and damage, especially if you use harsh hair products or over-manipulate them. Achieving healthy edges is crucial because they contribute to the overall look of your hairstyle. Well-maintained edges give your curls a more polished, sleek, and defined appearance.
But beyond aesthetics, healthy edges are also vital for preventing unnecessary hair breakage. Over time, poor hairline management can lead to thinning edges or hair loss. That’s why maintaining healthy edges should be an essential part of any curly hair care routine.
What is Smoothing Gel?
Smoothing gel is a hair product designed to provide hold and control while maintaining the health of your hair. Unlike traditional gels that can often leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy, smoothing gels are formulated to provide a flexible, natural-looking finish. They work by smoothing the surface of your hair and taming flyaways, giving your curls a neat, defined look without sacrificing movement or natural texture.
For curly hair, smoothing gel serves multiple purposes: it holds your curls in place, tames frizz, and helps you achieve those sleek, defined edges you desire. Some smoothing gels even contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, or shea butter, which work to hydrate and condition the hair while you style.
Benefits of Using Smoothing Gel for Your Curly Hair Edges
1. Tames Flyaways and Frizz
Curly hair is naturally prone to frizz, especially around the edges. A smoothing gel can help keep those unruly baby hairs in place while smoothing out any flyaways, ensuring a clean, polished appearance.
2. Provides Flexible Hold
Unlike traditional gels that can leave hair stiff and hard, smoothing gels offer flexible hold that maintains the curl pattern while keeping your edges neat. This means you won’t have to worry about your edges looking unnatural or crunchy.
3. Improves Hair Health
Many smoothing gels contain ingredients that not only provide hold but also nourish and hydrate the hair. With regular use, these gels can help improve the overall health of your edges by preventing breakage and promoting hair growth.
4. Protects Against Damage
When used as part of your curly hair routine, smoothing gel acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors that may cause damage. Whether it's humidity, wind, or pollution, a smoothing gel can help shield your hairline, keeping your edges intact and protected.
How to Use Smoothing Gel for Healthy Edges
Using smoothing gel for your edges is relatively simple, but the key is to apply it correctly to avoid any buildup or damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide for incorporating smoothing gel into your natural curly hair routine:
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. If you want to use smoothing gel on dry hair, ensure that your curls are not too tangled, as this can make the application process more difficult. Apply a leave-in conditioner or light styling cream to add moisture before using the gel.
Step 2: Apply the Gel
Take a small amount of smoothing gel and warm it up between your palms. Using your fingers or an edge brush, apply the gel along your hairline, focusing on the edges. Be sure to apply a thin layer at first to avoid excess product buildup.
Step 3: Smooth and Define
Once the gel is applied, use your fingers or a small toothbrush to smooth the edges. You can use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to create defined, sleek lines along your hairline. For extra definition, you may want to lay your edges down with a satin or silk scarf to help them set in place.
Step 4: Dry and Set
Allow the gel to dry naturally or use a blow dryer with a diffuser for faster results. If you used a scarf or bonnet, remove it once the gel is completely dry to reveal smooth, defined edges.
Best Curly Hair Products for Healthy Edges
There are many curly hair products on the market that can help you achieve healthy edges. When selecting a smoothing gel for your curly routine, it's important to choose products that not only provide hold but also nourish and protect your curls. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
This smoothing gel is one of the most popular products for curly hair, thanks to its blend of olive oil, which helps to nourish the hair while providing strong hold. It’s perfect for taming flyaways and defining edges without leaving hair crunchy or stiff.
2. Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Don't Shrink Curling Gel
Formulated with flaxseed oil, this gel is ideal for curly hair. It provides a soft hold and helps define curls while keeping edges smooth and healthy. The formula is also designed to combat frizz, making it an excellent choice for those with natural curly hair.
3. Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Edge Gel
For those looking for an edge control product that nourishes as it holds, Mielle Organics offers a smoothing gel that’s infused with honey and ginger. These ingredients hydrate and promote hair growth, making it a great option for maintaining healthy edges.
4. Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Extra Hold Edge Gel
Cantu’s edge gel is designed for natural hair textures, providing long-lasting hold and smoothing the edges. It’s formulated with shea butter, a deeply moisturizing ingredient that helps nourish the hairline and keep edges in place all day.
5. Cream of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges
This gel offers excellent control for edges, providing a smooth and flexible hold. Infused with argan oil, it helps to keep your edges moisturized while also adding shine and taming frizz.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Edges
While smoothing gel is a great tool for managing your edges, there are other practices you should incorporate into your curly hair routine to ensure long-term edge health.
1. Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your edges moisturized is key to preventing breakage. Use a light leave-in conditioner or oil to nourish the hairline before styling, and consider using a deep conditioning treatment weekly.
2. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Tight braids, buns, or ponytails can strain the edges and cause damage over time. Opt for looser styles to protect your hairline from unnecessary tension.
3. Use Satin or Silk Hair Accessories
Cotton can cause friction and dryness, so switch to satin or silk scarves, pillowcases, or hair ties to keep your edges hydrated and prevent breakage.
4. Give Your Edges a Break
Avoid using edge gels and other styling products every day. Allow your edges to breathe by giving them a break between styling sessions.
Conclusion
Achieving healthy edges for your natural curly hair routine is an essential part of your overall hair care strategy. By incorporating smoothing gel into your styling routine, you can define and protect your edges without compromising the health of your curls. The key is to choose the right smoothing gel and practice good edge care habits to ensure long-lasting results. With the right products and techniques, your edges can stay smooth, defined, and healthy for years to come.