Friday, May 27, 2016

Battle of the Edge Controls Part 2

Hey, beautiful people! So, despite the outcome of my last battle of the edge controls, I decided to try again. This time, I only tried seven products (two not pictured). While I’m still not convinced that anything beats Eco Styler, I did learn that wax gel seems to work well for me. Here are my new tries from most liked to least:

Clear Eco Styler Gel ($6 for 16 oz) – This performs very similar to the pink Eco Styler gel that I previously reviewed. As with the pink, I have to tie a scarf on my head because the gel takes some time to dry. I also have to apply a lot of this product to get a good hold, but it will last all day and maybe even a second day. The only downside to applying a lot is that it can make my hair hard.

Gorilla Earwax Wet Look ($9 for 3.52 oz) – This is made by the same company that makes Gorilla Snot Gel, but it is better. I really like this, except for the cologne-type smell. I felt like it made me smell a little like a man, though my hubby said he couldn’t smell anything. It gives me all day hold (maybe even two days), but I have to be careful not to use too much or it might dry yellow. Also, like EcoStyler, this dries a little hard. In other words, a little goes a very long way.

Murray’s Edgewax ($6 for 4 oz) (pictured on left) – This product reminds me of old school hair grease, but it has hold! This and the extreme hold version perform very similar and look similar. However, this one is easy to spread, especially if I apply it to slightly damp hair. The first time I tried this, it lasted for less time than the extreme hold version. However, the second time I used it, I used more and it lasted for about the same amount of time (almost a full day); so, the trick is figuring out how much to use. I do like that it has no scent, and the results are instantaneous. It also left my hair feeling soft.

Murray’s Edgewax Extreme Hold ($7 for 4 oz) (pictured on right) – Almost everything I said for the regular version is true for this one, but it is difficult to spread. It is a very thick wax. I had to rub it in my hands to soften it and thin it out before I could apply it to my hair; and, even then, sometimes I ended up with chunks of wax in my hair. I wish there was a middle consistency that was a little heavier than the regular version and a little lighter than this one.

Hicks Transformations Edges ($12 for 4 oz) – This reminded me a lot of the Cream of Nature Perfect Edges. It instantaneously slicked my edges down, but it didn’t last long at all. Also, it is fairly pricey. At the only beauty supply store near me that carries it, they keep it behind the counter.

Lotta Body Control Me Edge Gel ($4 for 2.25 oz) - This reminded me a lot of the Cream of Nature Perfect Edges. It instantaneously slicked my edges down, but it didn’t last long and it left white residue in my hair.

Design Essentials Honey & Shea Edge Tamer ($12 for 2.3 oz) – My hair laughed at this one. It did not slick my edges at all, and it was pricey.

I’m tempted to try to make my own wax gel, so that I can choose the gel to wax ratio, keeping it easier to smooth but with a lot of strength.

Do you have any recommendations for wax gels, or edge tamers that are similar to wax gel?