Update: I was sent this product by Edge Naturale to test and review. Below are my real-life updated results and honest feedback as of January 16th 2021.
Between weekly co-washes and deep conditioning, to caps, boxer braids, and glued lace front wigs, as black women, our hair goes through a series of upkeep that only we can understand.
The amount of strain that our strands undergo during these processes doesn’t repair our relationship with our follicles but instead leaves us with brittle ends and balding edges with no solution in sight.
That’s why I was excited when I received an email from the creator of Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer to review their product.
But I was skeptical. Would this really work for me?
Common causes of thinning edges
Thinning edges can be embarrassing to talk about. But, in a lot of cases, this issue is reversible and preventable.
Before receiving the email, I thought that my edges were full of life. Granted, I was able to put my natural hair in a ponytail with little to no difficulty and shape my baby hairs on demand.
Yet, I was left wondering did I need another hair care product to add to my routine?
After further inspection, I realized that although I had a full hairline, I wasn’t exempt from experiencing some of the common hair loss causes amongst women.
Wigs and Weaves
Wigs and weaves are a convenient way to change up your look and serve as a protective style, which is my go-to when doing anything with my hair.
However, the tight braiding, glue, and wig caps can cause thinning along the hairline and edges.
Sometimes, the glue may latch onto the hairs along the perimeter of your hairline and break off come time to remove the style. If your wig caps or braiding pattern are too tight, this can also cause stress to the fragile hairs along the edges and hairline, causing them to thin out.
Using drying edge controls too often.
Frequently laying your edges combined with the manipulation required to lay your edges may contribute to why your edges are thinning.
In my case, after reading the ingredients of some of my favorite edge controls, some may contain drying properties to achieve the desired look that isn’t always good for the hair.
Heat and/or chemical damage
If you aren’t maintaining healthy hair care habits even with the use of heat, hair dyes, etc., this can further increase the amount of breakage you are experiencing and lead to the appearance of thinning hair and edges.
What is Edge Naturale?
Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer claims to revive edges, restore follicles and help edges look fuller on labeling.
Edge Naturale uses a cruelty-free formula, gluten-free, and made in the USA, which served great as the product came on time and wasn’t tested on animals. Retailing for $29.99 for a 30 day supply (2 oz.) and $59.90 for a 60 day supply (4 oz.), when used daily, you can expect to have the enhancer throughout its entire shelf life.
The directions call for applying a small amount of product daily to a clean hairline free of dirt and oil.
For this particular trial, I applied the product twice a day (once in the morning, once in the evening) after swapping the hairline with 50% rubbing alcohol (optional when removing wig adhesive).
Here’s what it looked like:
Edge Naturale Ingredients & Packaging
The product comes as a white creamed based formula derived with the following ingredients:
Water, Carbomer, Stearic Acid, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Peppermint Oil, Argan Pil, Avocado Oil, Niacin, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Milk Extract, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin
Pro ingredients
Edge Naturale is filled with moisturizing oils like castor and jojoba oil, which will make your edges flourish as they continue to get the daily care that they deserve.
I personally suffer from dry ends and scalp, so this product is not only good for reviving my hairline, but it can also be used as a daily moisturizer between styling and maintenance.
Con ingredients
The two ingredients that I can go without in this product are petrolatum and mineral oil.
Due to its insoluble nature, petrolatum can block in water within the scalp. If your hair is properly moisturized, using a petrolatum-based product on top will completely stop any moisture from coming in or going out.
As with mineral oil, it can lead to build-up on the scalp, and it causes strands to become stiff and lifeless due to being weighed down by leftover product residue. Which a huge problem for naturalists who already experience issues with dry hair.
Is it color safe?
Since my initial review of Edge Natural last month, I’ve most recently dyed my hair and was reluctant to use this product throughout my transition.
For starters, I am cautious of the products that I use daily while styling. And I tend to find that a lot of products are labeled as “color-safe” but doesn’t measure up when put to the test.
Not Edge Natural!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this follicle enhancer stood the test of time on my strains after going from a dark brown color to a fiery red hue.
From curly to straight this product holds up and does exactly what the package describes.
Recommendations
If you’re in need of some serious hair growth, I would use Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer to get you started. What I love most about this product is its versatility in conjunction with the hair care regimen that I already have in place.
Not only does the product speak to my needs, but I can also use it throughout my scalp for added thickness. I can use Edge Naturale daily, while still slicking back my edges and heading out the door.
Less work, no hassle.
Final Thoughts
When I first started using Edge Naturale, I instantly fell in love because of the sensation that the peppermint oil left on my scalp. If your pain point stems from dryness and itching, this follicle enhancer will rid you of any irritation that you may have at the time.
While using it, I learned that the product also works well with any preexisting hair care product lines you already have in stock.
Whether you are laying your edges down with Eco Styler Gel or completing a twist out with Carol’s Daughter, Edge Naturale meshes well all across the board.
On the downside, the product does have a slight reversion phase, so be careful when using it with sleeker styling, as your hair will revert to its natural state while straightened or pressed out.
Over the course of the last few months, I can say that I’ve noticed a difference in fullness within the temple area. At first, it was difficult to tell, but I could see the growth and thickness throughout my mane after continuous use.
Nearly 2 months after use, I can visibly see a difference in the fullness of my hairline.
I wear a ton of protective styles to retain my hair length, which is why I recommend this product not just for naturalists, but for extension wearers too!