Gabrielle Douglas — August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The Summer Olympics may be over, but the negative comments about Gabby Douglas’ edges still linger. (Just last week, we shared a video in which Cardi B, of Love & Hip Hop, defended the gymnast’s hair.)
It is normal for 4C hair to “bead up” in the presence of sweat or moisture. There is nothing ugly or wrong about one’s naturally textured hairline. This post is for those who need a reminder that their edges ARE in fact perfectly fine!
That good hair. — @chari_luv
https://www.instagram.com/chari_luv
https://www.instagram.com/naturally_high_hair
https://www.instagram.com/ashleybansahh
Don’t you just love how our edges curl up!? I just let my hair be, don’t know why I ever struggled with “laying em down!” - @cravingyellow
https://www.instagram.com/b_radw_
https://www.instagram.com/igbocurls
https://www.instagram.com/teamnatural_
Let’s talk edges! … I have a genetically indented hairline. No amount of Castor Oil can make it change. I’ve learned to accept it and no, I don’t sleek down my baby hairs. .. It just depends on your genes! (I get mine from my mama!) — @cravingyellow
https://www.instagram.com/cravingyellow
https://www.instagram.com/cravingyellow
Because #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlsrock #blackwomen #afro #naturals #bighairdontcare — @iamabongwe
https://www.instagram.com/lovelayefa
https://www.instagram.com/b_radw_
https://www.instagram.com/iamabongwe
What’s not to love about our edges?
https://www.instagram.com/im_amisum/
https://www.instagram.com/titi_funto
https://www.instagram.com/igbocurls
https://www.instagram.com/ellpuggy
There’s always something to hate on/criticise when it comes to black women. Just getting ridiculous now … Edges!!! Smh
I love this! Our hair doesn’t want to be slicked down or controlled. Let it do what it does naturally. Isn’t that one of the points of being natural. Our hair isn’t unruly and shouldn’t be treated like it. I hate seeing women brushing down their hair and discussing which gel is the best for ‘laying’ their edges. Leave your edges alone!
THANK YOU for this. I know what it’s like to lose edges and then grow them back. And when I do get beady-bees (usually in the back left corner of my nape and only when my hair’s a certain length) I usually brush or comb them out. But I’ll be DAMNED if I’m going to put on a tablespoon of gel and break out the baby toothbrush in order to have 1b edges on a 4b puff. It’s just not. that. serious.
“.…1b edges on a 4b puff”! Hahahaha! Girl you SAID it!
I bet them same chicks talking about her edges don’t even have any..
Love this post. I have natural hair and the last thing I want to do is “lay” my edges, I refuse to.
And I wish more hair stylist (braiders etc) would take this into account and create styles that are not torturous on ones edges.
I adore this post.
I’m one of those people that think “beedybees” are cute. I love the way the hair curls into such tight little balls. We are truly mentally flucked to have a problem with our natural curl pattern. That’s all that is–little balls of curls. Really sad we don’t love it.
Why can’t people just embrace both, why does it have one or the other??
Not only embrace but celebrate edges! 🙂
Yeah, celebrate all edges lol I’m not slicking mine down, they pretty much do that on their own smh. I don’t usually comment on this site and they don’t have the hair icons anymore which I really enjoyed, celebrating ALL textures so it’s become a bit much for much, a little too divisive for me.
this is great! it’s taking it to the next level of acceptance of our natural hair. wish it wasn’t such a long, slow, drawn out journey, but anyway, baby steps.
YAAASSS! I’ve never embraced laid edges. Personally, I like my hairline the way it is and never felt the need to manipulate it with gel and a brush. Respect the fuzzy halo!
Excellent! I get tired of “laying down” the edges! We are the only race obessed with it. Turn down.(edges) for WHAT?!
Excellent!
Thank you for this
My texture refuses to “lay down” for any length of time no matter how many products I use, Mother Nature is just not having it :)!
I never lay my edges down
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this. No amount of eco-styler, edge wax or whatever else will keep my baby hairs down, and seeing this article actually makes me happy that I’m not the only one with an untameable hairline and that it’s actually okay!
Agreed!!
i generally hate the feeling and texture of gel on my head/hair. it irritates me. i have never liked that laid down edges look. just brush it.
It’s pretty. I love 4, 5, 6, and 7. Kinky hair is just as pretty. There’s nothing wrong.
Jesus Effing Christ. This is such a face-palm moment. Nothing against these gorgeous ladies…their hair is to die for. But of all the things Gabby is doing and accomplishing (and sweating/working her @ss off for), do you really think she gives a care about some freaking edges??? Of all the things to nitpick, the black community wants to focus on — and remain focused on — EDGES???? How the h3ll does this even blip on the importance radar????
Oh and these ladies actually have beautiful edge lines because they aren’t concerned about such destructive practices as “laying” them.
Now i remember why i unsubsidized smdh what about those of us who’s hairline is naturally that way WITHOUT GEL
Unsubsidized?? Seems like edges are the least of your problems.
To each her own, but sometimes I think laid edges can look contrived–just another case of wanting our hair to be something it’s not. Every one of those pictures is beautiful, glorious natural texture!
I have never understood the obsession that women have with ‘laying their edges’. From the comments here, it is obviously a big thing in the States and many parts of the caribbean.
I dont have 4c hair but this is beautiful. Kinky edges are beautiful and dont have to be “laid to the gods”. I just wished you showcased black women with short 4c hair as well. All of these women have long hair and I know that kinky hair black women with long hair get a pass just because their hair is long.
My mom has an obsession with laid edges. She has 4a hair like me except her hair is finer and wavier than mines. Every time I put my hair in a bun she tells me I need to brush it some more and lay down my edges. Although I like laid edges , my edges are beautiful even when its frizzy and curly.
Thank you! I have always been a black girl comfortable with her natural edges. I don’t use gel or edge wax. I’m comfortable with the tight curls God put there!
[…] Edge Gang (FEG). I think I’m going to trademark that, we need a fancy hand sign or something. These ladies are in FEG and representing #FEGNation. Matter of fact this is my hairline every time I approach with a brush, edge-control […]