5 Edge Hairstyles To Level Up Your Look

Not sure where to start with your own baby hairs? Don’t frizz out. Whether you’ve got tight 4C curls, coils or loose waves, you can create edge hair styles that take your look from ordinary to OMG-worthy. 

Grab your fine-tooth comb & satin cap—let’s lay down the top five edge styles for all textures & tastes.

What Do I Need to Style My Edges?

When styling your edges, you might find they’ll need a little help to stay in place—that’s where the right edge tools come in handy. 

Assuming that you are familiar with the answer to the commonly asked question, “What is edge control?”, let’s address the variety of tools you can use on those baby hairs of yours:¹

• Edge Control Product – Wondering how to style baby hairs or at least how to prevent them from sticking straight up? The right edge control product can make the difference between frizzy or unruly hairs & neat patterns. Try to avoid oil-based creams, which can easily melt & release any pattern that you create. Instead, choose a wax-based edge control cream for a healthy hold that withstands sweat & heat. If you’ve used up the last of your edge control, a firm hair gel (like our Strong Hold Gel) can also hold shape while moisturizing your edges. 

• Edge Shaping Tool – Hands may do in a pinch (literally). However, an edge control tool can really up your textured hair game. Go for a baby hair brush or fine-tooth comb to shape your baby hairs. Or even better, combine your tools! Our very own Edge Control provides three different surfaces—a mini brush, a fine-tooth comb & a mini point end.

• Hair Wrap – All edge curly hair stylers will need time to dry so that your baby hairs can hold their shape. That’s where a hair wrap comes in handy. Choose a natural hair-friendly satin wrap, like PATTERN’s Satin Cap to avoid friction or even a neck strip (a.k.a. wrapping papers or wrap strips) to absorb moisture while your edges set.

• Blow Dryer – While not totally necessary, a blow Dryer can definitely speed up the edge styling process. The faster you dry your edges, the better they retain their shape. Have a blow dryer on hand to set your wrapped & styled edges.

• Holding Spray – The edge control product creates the shape, but a setting spray adds an extra boost of protection. Choose a setting spray or high-hold hairspray to lock your edges into place. 

5 Edge Hairstyles to Try at Home

Do you have your hair products for edges ready? Then it’s time to lay down the locks.

Edges are the perfect place to put your style & self-expression on full display. There are many ways to shape, swoop & set these baby hairs to add a little oomph to your look. So, don’t be afraid to get creative. 

Whether you’re new to edge styling or need some fresh inspiration, try these edge hairstyle ideas on your own curls.

@patternbeauty @traceeellisross shows us how she swoops, lays & slays her “grown woman” hairs using our Edge Control. 💛#RockYourPattern ♬ original sound - PATTERN

#1 Single Swoop & Loose Curls

Romantic & elegant, the single swoop is a mainstay for many reasons. It's one of the easiest hairstyles with edges for beginners, & it flatters the face in a beautiful way.

With such a graceful shape, a feminine hair-down style is the perfect compliment. Follow these steps to swoop & slay:

1. Style the rest of your natural hair down, opting for soft volume & texture.
2. On one side, collect each baby tress between the middle of your eyebrow & your temple.
3. Apply edge control to these hairs, combing down towards your face.
4. With an edge brush or point tool, shape the hairs into a soft swirl that turns in towards the center of your forehead. 
5. If you have any baby hairs past your temple, apply your edge control cream & brush these hairs away from your face. 
6. Repeat on the other side of your head.
7. Wrap your hairline & blow dry your edges for one to two minutes.
8. As a finishing touch, remove the wrap & spritz with a setting spray.

#2 Smooth Waves & Sleek Ponytail

A high ponytail is already a sleek hairstyle choice. Give it some deeply waved edges, & your natural textured hair will be the epitome of glamour.

In particular, this style works best on longer baby hairs that have more length to “wave it out.” For your next girl’s night out or supermodel moment, try this slick & sophisticated ponytail edge style:

1. Slick your curly hair into a high ponytail, using Styling custard or Strong hold hair hair gel to create a smooth & bump-free surface.
2. On one side, separate the baby hairs between the middle of your forehead & your temple into two even sections.
3. Apply your edge control cream to these two sections, combing down towards your face.
4. With a brush or point tool, swerve the hairs towards & then away from your face, creating two U-shapes. 
5. For sideburn baby hairs, apply your edge control cream. Brush these hairs into a tiny U-shape facing the opposite direction, curling towards your face.
6. Repeat on the other side of your head.
7. Wrap your hairline & blow dry your edges for one to two minutes.
8. Remove the wrap & spritz with a setting spray.

#3 Tiny Curl Edges & Half-Up Hair

Let the curls shine, from front to back! A half-up, half-down style is the perfect way to show off your edges & your luscious curls at the same time.

This style works best with pencil-shaped curls & short baby hairs, but any natural hair texture will do. Start with these steps for a fun & flirty daytime look:

1. Style your curls with as much volume at the roots as possible.
2. Gather all curls at the front half of your scalp, securing them in a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
3. Apply edge control cream to all the baby hairs remaining on your hairline, combing down towards your face.
4. With a brush or point tool, separate & swirl these hairs away from your face into small loops, about the same diameter as your natural curls. The result should be a collection of small circly-cues or loops along your hairline. 
5. For sideburn baby hairs, apply your edge control cream & brush these hairs away from the face.
6. Wrap your hairline & blow dry your edges for one to two minutes.
7. Remove the wrap & spritz with a setting spray.

#4 Combed Halo Edges & High Bun

Ready for a cutting-edge edge style? Opt for a flattened halo of baby hairs around the face, paired with an equally sleek high bun.

This style requires longer baby tresses with a more advanced hand. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be flat & fine in no time. Take these steps to create a just-dipped-in-water halo for your edges:

1. Slick your hair into a high bun, using curl custard or gel to create a smooth & bump-free surface across the scalp. 
2. Apply plenty of edge control cream & comb all of your baby hairs down to your face. 
3. Start at one temple on your head. With a brush or point tool, swoop the very ends of your baby hairs towards the opposite side of your face. This should create a J-shape with each hair, letting the bottom swoop of each “J” meet to form one face-framing line.
4. Keep swooping your baby hairs into a singular line, moving down to the sideburn of the opposite ear from where you started. Then, shape your sideburn on that side into an S-pattern curl down your jaw, connecting with the face-framing halo.
5. For the sideburn hairs on the opposite side, create another S-pattern curl down the jaw that’s disconnected from the halo.
6. Wrap your hairline & blow dry your edges for one to two minutes.
7. Remove the wrap & spritz generously with a misting spray bottle.

#5 Swirly Curls & Appliques

It’s time to get your “Euphoria” style on by creating an ethereal look with stick-on appliques & tiny curls. This studded look is another advanced style, but we think it’s well worth the effort. Start by choosing an applique that fits your looks (tiny rhinestones & pearls are two beautiful options).

Then, take your decorations to the styling table with these steps:

1. Opt for a hairstyle that keeps your hair  out of your face, such as a high or low bun, a slick ponytail or cornrows.
2. Apply edge control cream to all of your baby hairs & comb them down towards your face.
3. With a brush or point tool, separate your baby hairs into 1-inch wide sections at your hairline. 
4. Shape these sections into tiny loops, curling in opposite directions across the edges. 
5. Wrap your hairline & blow dry your edges for one to two minutes.
6. Remove the wrap & spritz generously with a setting spray.
7. With a toothpick, apply skin-safe or cosmetic glue to the back of your appliques. Use tweezers to play the appliques on your curled edges, adding them in a non-patterned manner along the hairline.

Lay It Down with PATTERN

When it comes to your edges, a little styling goes a long way. Give your hair the protective & put-together looks it deserves with these edge-forward tips & baby hair styling products. Some other edge-friendly styles to consider include crochet braids, any protective style, senegalese twists, a flat twist, bantu knot & more. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro edge designer in no time whether you have thick or thin edges.

For the rest of your curls, PATTERN is here to help revamp your healthy hair. Our curly hair products nourish curls from roots to ends with natural ingredients—that means no harsh chemicals or preservatives. Let your natural texture shine with our wash, style & treat products, built for curls & coils that are uniquely yours.

Sources: 

1. Essence. 3 Top Tips For Laying Your Edges. https://www.essence.com/hair/3-top-tips-for-laying-your-edges/