As I’ve said before, my edges are extremely delicate. I am of the belief that women of color naturally have delicate edges anyway, so when we use chemicals and heat, we further compound the problem. I personally had bald edges as a child and teenager so mine have grown back quite thin. They rip at the slightest provocation so I am very gentle with them still.
They never get any direct heat no matter what. That’s right. I refuse to put heat on my edges at all. They don’t match the rest of my head when I straighten, but there are ways to smooth them out or hide them. They may not look perfect, but straight hair is not that serious for me. My edges and hair period are not going to look like someone who is relaxed. And I’m not going to burn the stew out of it in order to get those results.
Aloe Vera and Pomade Trick
Ya’ll know I’m always singing the praises of Almond Glaze for laying my edges down when I’m wearing a puff or ponytail. But that is usually in combination with a very wet head. I’ve tried the glaze alone on my edges when wearing it straight. No cigar. I mean, it did ok, but mostly just made it greasy. I’ve tried it with water and that makes my edges fuzzier. What works for me?
A little aloe vera gel and then the pomade. I pull the hair back as tight as I can get it (ponytail), brush it back with a boar bristle brush, and then snugly apply a satin scarf. I undo the ponytail after I apply the scarf and let it sit overnight. When I awaken, my edges are nice and smooth. Probably not as smooth as if I’d flat ironed them, but good enough for me!
Edges are aloe vera and pomade
Wear a scarf
I know you’ve got em! Wear them! If all else fails, pull out one of these babies and cover your edges up.
Parting
Parting your hair to the side or down the middle can help to hide or downplay fuzzy edges. I usually end up doing this at some point when wearing a straight ‘do.
Parted on the side to hide fuzzy edges on the right
Rollerset or minimal heat
If you’re doing to blow dry or flat iron your hair, try to exclude your edges from this and roll them instead. If you do want to use heat on them, use very low heat and only pass one time with your flat iron or hot comb. Do not “snatch” your edges roughly or with a lot of force. Heat protectant is a must!
For the love of Pete…
Do not re-flat iron, hot comb or blow dry your edges everyday
Do not relax your edges. You might laugh but I’ve heard of people doing this.
Readers: Have your own tips for edges while wearing your natural hair straight? Share!
Tomorrow: I’ll be sharing what I do with straight hair when exercising.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve lightly filled in thinning edges near the ears with an eyebrow pencil so you can’t see as much skin through the sparse strands. I figured if it’s safe enough to use on the facial hair (brows) it’s safe to use on edges.
Great post and I love the new banner! The site looks great
Thank you so much for these tips. I have very soft, fine hair, and my edges are thinning on the right side [weird!] It’s not that bad, but I want to prevent any further damage. I’m in the process of going natural, and I have not relaxed my hair in 7 months. Your blog is beautiful and inspiring! Keep up the good work!
I am one of those with concerns of my “thin edges”. Slowly but surly my ‘thin edges’ are filling in. Yet the left side is a bit fuller then the right. So, it seems that Nicole, (comment above) also have concerns with her edges on the right side.
Of course as you’ve stated above, and no doubt I agree with you, that it was the perming and over-processing that did the damage to my “now naturally curly hair”. The relaxers, perms and even the so-called texturizers take a heavy toll on our hair. It damages it, dries out the natural oils and just plainly speaking, weakens it to the degree of sometimes taken a year or two to recover.
After a year and 8 months, of going natural, I finally flat ironed it, and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised at the length and the good condition that my hair is now in. In it’s natural state after a co-wash, and Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Cream, I twist it, the shrinkage length is NL. After flat ironing it, it is a bit below SL.
I really love the new look of your blog! Plus, you are still giving great information that I use on a constant basis. Thank you so much for this particuliar Blog, I remember e-mailing you about this problem, and you were so loving and caring to respond and even put it as part of your Blog.
Please, keep up the good work, I need it!