Not to be funny, but when I was growing up everybody had edges. The focus was geared towards people trying everything under the moon to grow more hair down their backs.
These days with the limitless amount of hairstyles and options for achieving said hairstyles Black women’s edges have gotten caught in the crossfire.
There are a lot of theories out there but I have nailed down the 5 major culprits that are taking down Black women’s edges.
1. DIY (Do It Yourself)
It’s cool that you can open up your YouTube University browser and find out how to do anything. However, some things are best left to licensed and trained professionals. Risking your edges to get a dope hairstyle done by one of your favorite YouTubers is not worth the pain and suffering of having balding edges.
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2. Going overboard with the gel
Some of the gels on the market contain too much alcohol which results in dry, damaged hair. Using gel excessively around your delicate edges can lead to breakage and unsightly damage.
3. Hair glue
Ever since people found out Beyonce was wearing lace front wigs the popularity of this option has soared and edges have been on the decline. Edges can only take so much and placing glued hair units on them is just a setup for fragile edges.
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4. Too much tension
Ladies, many of us are using entirely too much tension when styling our ponytails, braids and updos. If healthy beautiful hair is your goal do your best to use tension in moderation.
5. Wearing “protective” styles 365 a year
Protective styling consists of styling options that give your hair a mini-break. However, some people are taking way too many breaks. Some women are spending way too much time rocking protective styling while putting their edges in the line of fire. Weaves, wigs, braids and updos were never meant as a long-term option. Moderation is key when it comes to protective styling and it’s important to let your edges get a rest from being pulled taut in protective styling.
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So use caution and handle your edges with care, because getting those edges back in shape will be a bumpy emotional rollercoaster.
Aishia Strickland is full-time mom to a little Chocolate Prince, full-time beauty school student, lover of multi-textured hair, tastemaker, Editor of Chocolate Curls Beauty and a knower of all THINGS!
