What’s In Your Gel & Edge Control?
The Difference between Gel and Edge Control
For those of us wanting sleek edges and creative baby hairs, gel and edge controls are staple products. Whereas gels are water based and mostly used to define texture and smooth, edge Controls typically resemble pomades and provides firmer hold to your hairline. Designed to resist sweat and humidity, they keep your edges smooth, shiny, and sculpted.
Sounds great, right? But what about what’s in them?
Almost all commercial gels and Edge Controls (including premium brands) contain a combination of alcohols, fragrance, parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, and preservatives. These are used to inexpensively create texture, stickiness, extended shelf life and add lubrication but can worryingly cause irritation, dryness, sensitivity, hair loss, and hormonal imbalance. Some even contain formaldehyde releasing carcinogens.
Harmful Ingredients to look out for:
Surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), SLES (sodium laureth sulphate) and
ammonium lauryl sulphate are all damaging. They can cause an allergic reaction on your scalp and may even cause frizz. Besides, they can be hormone disruptors when used for prolonged periods.
Amidomethyl Propanol
This is synthetic ingredient used to balance the PH levels of the chemicals in your
product. High concentrations of Amidomethyl is highly toxic and potentially
carcinogenic. It is a harsh chemical that causes hair loss, scalp irritation, and
itchiness as it strips your hair's natural oils.
Other dangerous ingredients in gels and edge controls are:
- Parabens (preservatives, silicon, synthetics, alcohols, acids)
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS / SLES)
- Dioxane.
- Propylene glycol.
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Triclosan.
- PDEG
- Tetrasodium
- EDTA
- Polysorbate
- Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Fragrances/Perfumes and much more
Less harmful but unbeneficial are silicones, used to provide smooth shine but hold dirt and moisture absorption. The heaviness of edge controls and some gels, can clog the pores on your scalp, inhibiting the circulation of oxygen and ultimately restricting growth.
But are there natural ingredients that provide a similar effect?
Yes! Nature does a great job at supplying the things we need. Ingredients like Castor Oil, Honey, Aloe Vera, Flax Seeds and Shea butter all have a smoothing effect on the hair, whilst feeding it with essential hydration and nourishment.
A lot of afro haircare brands use names that suggest natural and organic
ingredients, the truth is most of their ingredients prioritise profit at the expense of
our hair and health.
our hair and health.
At AfroHairCandy🍃 we have redefined what is considered natural haircare. We’re passionate about using 100% Natural Organic ingredients that provide exceptional results without compromising your health.
Our Moisturising Gel and Edge Control is completely Chemical Free and contains seventeen powerful natural ingredients, for lightweight, breathable hold that’s firm with no flaking, white cast and no need to rinse out as the rich ingredients provide on going conditioning to your hair.
Since the edges of your hair are fragile and prone to hair loss, it’s important to feed them with the nourishment they need. We include natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, raw Honey, and Olive Oil to provide vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that nourish, boost moisture, and improve blood circulation, invigorating dormant hair follicles.
Flaxseeds provide a balance of protein to soften and strengthen, fresh Beetroot moisturises and boosts cell regeneration, whilst Aloe Vera hydrates to enhance curls and offers the stickiness that helps lay the hair flat.
Our Moisturising Gel and Edge Control is the trickiest product we make.
The flaxseeds must be heated to such a precise temperature; we dedicate an entire day each week to make sure we get it right. It might be time-consuming, but it’s important to us that you have products that are functional, effective, and Chemical Free.
The flaxseeds must be heated to such a precise temperature; we dedicate an entire day each week to make sure we get it right. It might be time-consuming, but it’s important to us that you have products that are functional, effective, and Chemical Free.
With us you can get creative edges, enhanced curls and the sleek look with confidence, knowing we prioritise your hair and health just as much as you do.
Written by Latoyah Innerarity
