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The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Your Edges

photo of women with edges baby hair

Many women have a love-hate relationship with their edges, also called baby hairs, otherwise known as the hairs that make up your hairline. On good hair days, your edges frame your face and finish off any polished look. On not so good hair days, the little hairs that stand at attention along your hairline are the bane of your existence.

We’re determined to make sure women love every part of their hair—including their edges. The key to managing your edges is knowing how to care for them properly. Who better to teach you than Mecai Adelo, Mizani artist and brand ambassador?

Adelo says caring for your edges is a lot easier than you think. If you can identify the habits that are wreaking havoc on your hairline and create a healthy hair care routine, you’re on the right track. Don’t worry, she also answers the question you’ve been dying to know forever—is it possible to regrow your edges?

How To Properly Care For Your Edges

The key to great edges is healthy hair, and we all know the foundation of healthy hair is a proper hair care routine. There is no one-size-fits-all healthy hair routine because the best routines will be tailored to your specific hair type and concerns. While the specific products you line your vanity with may vary from person to person, every healthy hair routine should include a few basics like shampoo, conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, and hair treatment. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend Mizani Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo followed by Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask.

“Cleansing...removes any buildup from hair products being applied on the edges, makeup, and facial cleanser residue,” Adelo says.

After you’ve made sure your hair is cleansed, conditioned, and rinsed, it’s time to give your edges a little TLC. Adelo recommends misting your hairline with a leave-in conditioner like Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk, sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction, and taking a break from styles that pull at your hairline.

Photo Credit: @gg.on.hair.

Which bad habits damage your edges?

We already know that styles like taut braids and incredibly tight ponytails create tension and pulling that can be very damaging to your edges. However, your go-to styles aren’t the only habits potentially wreaking havoc on your hairline. Adelo says heat, moisture, and product buildup have the potential to damage your edges as well.

One of the first things Adelo asks clients who are dealing with breakage around their hairline is how hot they’re setting their styling tools. More often than not, they’re setting their tools to temperatures that are entirely too high for their hair. This excessive heat can cause damage and breakage. The easiest way to avoid heat damage to your edges is lowering the temperature on your hot tools and always use a heat protection product. We can’t get enough of Mizani’s Thermasmooth Style and Style Again which protects hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and allows you to shape and reshape your edges without applying more product.

Another surprising cause of weakened edges is moisture. Dry locks can lead to major breakage, so make sure your hair care routine includes a moisturizing conditioner. On the other hand, too much moisture can have a similar result. If your strands are so soft they’ve begun to break off, your hair might benefit from a strengthening protein treatment. Your stylist will be the ultimate resource for any in-salon services your hair might thank you for.

Lastly, it’s no secret that product buildup can lead to all kinds of hair woes. Unfortunately, our edges are often the part of our hair that gets slathered in the most product. If you rely on gels, pomades, or edge control products to keep your baby hairs under control, Adelo advises investing in a clarifying shampoo to help thoroughly cleanse your hair of product buildup. We love Mizani Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo.

Photo Credit: @michelleoconnorbeauty.

Can you regrow your edges?

Whether or not you can regrow your edges depends on how you “lost” them in the first place. If your edges are suffering from some major breakage, it is possible to restore your hairline to its former glory with a little patience. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your hair grows on average a half an inch per month. If you steer clear of damaging heat temperatures, taut hairstyles, and maintain a healthy hair care routine, you could see results in just a few months.

On the other hand, if your edges are thinning but your strands don’t seem to be dealing with breakage, it’s probably time to see a professional. If your hairline just won’t grow or you’re losing hair at an alarming rate, reach out to a specialist. A licensed trichologist is someone who specializes in the structure, function, and diseases associated with the human hair and scalp. They can help get to the root of the problem and let you know whether or not you can regrow your edges.

While your edges are on the mend, Adelo says there are a few cheap and easy ways to mimic their appearance. There are all kinds of products that can give your hairline a fuller appearance, including powders and hair color sprays. To ensure your hairline looks flawless (and not like you colored it in with marker), you’ll want to make sure your chosen product is an exact color match. Feel free to mix colors until you find one that suits you perfectly.

Now that you know how to care for your edges, it’s time to style them to perfection. Keep reading for five ways to styles your edges now.

5 Ways To Style Your Edges

Photo Credit: @tiarrapearson and @darycetolliver.

Gold Embellished Edges

Who said gold embellishments were just for makeup? If you love the look of shimmering gold highlight, you’ll love this golden take on edges. After styling your hair, lightly sprinkle gold foil throughout your hairline. Once you’ve applied the gold foil, set your look with a firm hold hairspray like Redken Triple Pure 32 Neutral Fragrance Hairspray.

Photo Credit: @ireneu.nyc and @pekelariley.

Carefree Long Edges

Styling edges can often require precise work and quite a bit of patience, but if you’re into laid back hairstyles, you can still get in on the baby hair fun. Simply throw your hair up into a messy bun and allow your edges to hang free. Amp up the bohemian vibes by pulling a few of your longer face-framing strands free, and allow them to blend in with your edges.

Photo Credit: @ alstyling and @saltine_cracker.

Baby Hairs and Braids

Baby hairs pair perfectly with any hairstyle, but we love the way they look when styles with box braids. Next time you head to the salon for a head full of braids, ask your stylist to leave your baby hairs free and style them with a bit of edge control like Mizani Edge Trimming Hair Gel.

Photo Credit: @haircolorkilla.

S-Waves Edges

It doesn’t get more classic than S-wave edges. To create this look, all you’ll need is an edge control product and a fine-tooth comb. Apply the edge control to your baby hair and smooth through. Then, use the fine-tooth comb to style S-waves along your hairline. Allow your edge control to completely dry, and you’re good to go!

Photo Credit: @lamajbackwards.

Slicked Down Long Edges

If you love the look of S-wave edges but want a little more hair to play with, slicked down long edges are for you. Using the same technique as above, style your long edges into your desired shape—get creative with swoops and curls—allow your edge control to completely dry, and you’re set!

Searching for more products to help care for your edges? Shop the best salon-quality products at Hair.com.


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