Sleek Styling Cream + Taming Wand: How to Get Smooth Edges

Quick answer

To get smooth edges on curly hair, start with damp, product-free hair, apply a small amount of sleek styling cream to your edges, brush them into place with a soft brush, then use a taming wand on low heat to press and set the hair. This method gives you a frizz-free sleek hairstyle without flaking or crunch.

Prep your hair for a sleek finish

Before you apply any product, make sure your edges are clean and completely dry. Any leftover oil or conditioner can cause the styling cream to pill or flake. If you're starting with wet hair, either let it air dry or use a diffuser on low heat until the roots and edges are fully dry. For a sleek bun curly hair tutorial, many people find that styling on dry hair gives the most control and the longest-lasting hold.

Apply the right amount of sleek styling cream

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sleek styling cream onto your fingertip. Rub it between your fingers to warm it up, then smooth it over your edges and any flyaways along your hairline. Start with less than you think you need; you can always add more. A common mistake is using too much product, which can make hair look greasy or cause flaking later. If you're using a strong-hold gel, apply it after the cream for extra hold, but for a natural look, the cream alone often suffices.

Brush edges into place

Use a soft edge brush or a clean toothbrush to brush your edges in the direction you want them to lay. For a sleek bun, brush the edges upward and back toward the bun. Work in small sections, and don't press too hard; you want to smooth the hair without pulling or breaking it. If you're creating a part, brush the hair on each side away from the part line. This step is key for smooth edges natural hair.

Set with a taming wand

A taming wand for edges is a heated tool that helps press and set the hair for a polished finish. Turn it on to the lowest heat setting and let it warm up. Gently glide the wand along your edges, following the direction you brushed them. Don't hold it in one spot for more than a second or two, as excessive heat can damage delicate edges. The wand helps eliminate flyaways and gives a smooth, sleek look. If you don't have a taming wand, you can use a small flat iron on low heat, but be extra careful.

Finish and maintain your style

Once your edges are smooth, avoid touching them until they're completely set. If you need extra hold, mist a light-hold hair spray over your edges from a distance. To keep your style looking fresh, tie your hair with a silk scarf or use a satin bonnet at night. In the morning, a quick touch-up with the taming wand on low heat can revive any areas that have shifted. Remember, edge control without flaking starts with clean hair and minimal product.

Step-by-step: Smooth edges routine

1. Start with dry, clean edges: Wash and dry your hair completely. Any moisture or residue can prevent the styling cream from adhering properly. Checkpoint: Edges should feel dry to the touch before applying product.
2. Apply a small amount of sleek styling cream: Take a pea-sized amount and rub it between your fingers, then smooth it over your edges and flyaways. Common mistake: Using too much product leads to greasy, flaky edges.
3. Brush edges into your desired shape: Use a soft edge brush to guide hair into place, working in the direction you want it to lay. Checkpoint: Hair should look smooth and uniform, with no clumps.
4. Press with a taming wand on low heat: Glide the wand along your edges to set the style and eliminate flyaways. Keep the heat low and keep the wand moving. Common mistake: Holding the wand too long in one spot can burn or damage edges.
5. Set with a light mist of alcohol-free hair spray: If needed, mist a light-hold spray from 8-10 inches away to lock in the style without crunch. Checkpoint: Spray should feel light, not wet or sticky.

Products that help

• Alcohol-Free Hair Spray for Hold: Alcohol-Free Hair Spray for Hold locks in hold and styling without drying out curls, offering touchable hold without crunch or flakes. Use it as a final mist to set edges without the flaking or dryness typical hair sprays can cause.
• Juicy Styling Trio - Leave-In, 6-in-1 Styling Cream, Defining Custard: Juicy Styling Trio includes a Leave-In, 6-in-1 Styling Cream, and Defining Custard that hydrate, define, protect, and smooth for juicy, frizz-free curls with flexible hold and lasting shine. The 6-in-1 Styling Cream can double as a sleek styling cream for edges, providing moisture and hold without extra products.