I pay close attention to natural hair trends on social media, and lately one gel in particular has been buzzing in the community. I’ve seen TONS of videos about the Style Factor Edge Booster strong hold gel, so I knew I had to try it out myself.
I reached out to Style Factor, and was shocked when I received a package filled with many different products from their line. Not only did I get to try the viral sensation, but I got to play with 2 other gels, and a few different edge control formulas. Here are some of my thoughts.
Edge Booster Extra Shine Strong Hold Pomade
I received 2 full size jars of the Extra Shine Strong Hold Pomade in cool shine, and sweet shine. It is 100 ml/3.38 oz and described as being able to work on the thickest and coarsest hair, while it keeps your hair shiny and in place for longer than you can last.
This pomade has a hold power of 4/5, and is made with natural lanolin and castor oil. Lanolin is great at locking in moisture, while castor oil has been proven to assist with growth retention and helps with hair loss. Both of these in an edge control formula are great due to the extremely delicate and fine texture f our baby hairs.
Most edge products I’ve used can be severely drying and stiff, which sometimes results in pulling out those hairs. I did not have that issue with either of these. It glides on easily, and dries down to a soft hold. Your hairs stay in place, but are still extremely soft to the touch. You are still able to move the product around if you notice any flyaways or don’t like where the hairs are laying. There is a slight pomade texture left over once dried, but it is not overly sticky.
The only real difference I noticed in each of the products are the scents. My hair doesn’t hold scents, so this is not usually a factor when I purchase hair products. I’d most likely only purchase one at random because they work equally well, and the scent fades almost immediately on my hair.
Edge Booster Mini Extra Shine Strong Hold Pomade
I received all 6 of the mini 15 ml/.5 oz. strong hold pomades. Since I also received 2 full sizes, and the only difference between them all are the scents, I ended up only keeping 2 so I can keep them in my bag when I am on the go.
Florida’s heat and humidity is so intense during the summer, most of my styles end up frizzing up midway through the day. These are the perfect size to keep on hand for when you need to touch up your edges. Especially if you know you’re going to have a 8+ hour day.
Edge Booster Mini Strong Hold Water-based Pomade
I received the strawberry scented 25 ml/.85 oz. water-based pomade as well. This one is made with natural argan oil which absorbs quickly with no oily residue. Style Factor describe it as being norishing and hydrating while providing a strong and pliable hold.
It has a 5/5 hold, and I’d say the main difference between the other formula is the finish texture. While the extra shine pomade has a true pomade finish where you still move the product around, this one has a gel like finish. Once the water is absorbed into your strands, there is no stickiness or product left over, and your hairs will not move. You really have to commit to the style you want your hair in, because it is going to stay in place for about 16-24 hours, or until you wash it out.
While it may dry down completely, it is not a drying formula itself. Your hair should still feel soft and smooth after you’ve applied it. The best part is that since it has a gel like finish, it didn’t melt or drip like other pomades i’ve used in the past are known to do.
Edge Booster Strong Hold Hair Pomade Stick
I received one of the 70 g/2.36 oz. pomade sticks. This product claims to hold your style in place with a single swipe. You are directed to brush the pomade stick directly onto your short hair, while it is dry or damp hair for instant texture and all-day hold.
This one I would suggest only if you have extremely thick and strong hair, or if you have a very delicate touch. When I used this initially, I assumed it would be soft and almost melt once applied like other pomade sticks I’ve tried. This product is extremely firm, and doesn’t move around easily, so it pulled out some of my extremely fine baby hairs.
I wouldn’t personally recommend using it on your hairline if you have thin hair like mine. It may be good on high and low ponytails styles, and can help slick down any fly aways or other out of place hairs you notice.
Edge Booster Strong Hold Moisturizing Pomade
The moisturizing pomade is described to deliver deep hydration and pure keratin extract to strengthen hair. It is available in a 280 ml/9.46 oz. jar, and claims to be perfect for all hair types, wet or dry.
This one has a 4/5 hold, but I was still able to move my hairs around very easily. It doesn’t fully dry down, due to the moisturizing formula. I will probably use this one for when I braid or cornrow my hair. It has enough hold to get a very sleek look, but not the best for me personally, as far as keeping my baby hairs in place in 100+ degree weather and extreme humidity.
I may also try it as a gel alternative for when my hair is completely loose. The finish reminds me of a flax seed gel, and since it is easy to work with, I can see this being a great addition to my wash and go routine. I tested it on dry hair so I know it will not leave a stiff gel cast hold, but will keep your curls clumped and bouncy. I do however suggest applying it t wet or damp curls, as it will be easier to move around and will absorb better.
Edge Booster Fitting Gel
The fitting gel contains coconut oil and peppermint oil that help add shine for a fresh, high-end style. It has 5/5 hold and can be used every day, or for special occasions.
As far as gel products go, the fitting gel is closest to what I am used to. It has hold but there is some forgiveness as far as applying and moving it around while styling. I used it on a sleek low bun, and was surprised when I woke up the following day without covering my har, yet had no fly aways.
I was able to keep my bun for 2 days without reapplying product, before the cast started to release. When it did, my hair didn’t feel dry and I was able to wash it out easily.
The one drawback is if you use too much it will flake, so I’d suggest using a quarter size amount per section if you’re styling a wash and go.
Wigout Curl Conditioning Gel
The Wigout curl conditioning gel is supposed to do the job of a conditioner and gel in one product. It has a keratin-rich formula that nourishes hair to strengthen your curls over time. It also gives instant shine with long-lasting hold.
When I applied this product, I loved it. The formula itself is kind of slimy like a flaxseed gel because it moves quite a bit, but it is not sticky. Once you apply, you can feel the moisture it creates on your hands as well. I’m sure most people know the feeling of having to wash all of the excess residue off of your hands after applying a gel, but that doesn’t happen with this one.
I somehow forgot to wash out my conditioner, so I applied it on top but I know in the future I will use this product by itself because of how moisturizing it is. It has great slip, and is very hydrating so it also works as a detangler as well. Although it is a white formula, it does not leave flakes in your hair. It also has a very soft gel cast that is easy to manipulate.
Once it dried completely, I had very voluminous yet soft bouncy curls that lasted 4 full days before frizz started to set in. This one is by far my favorite out of all of the items I was sent and will keep this in my routine for when I want a quick, o fuss wash and go.
Edge Booster Strong Hold Styling Gel
Last but not least, I tried the fan favorite strong hold styling gel in the pineapple scent. It is a high shine formula with natural Camelia Sinensis seed oil to delivers textured shine.Your styles should last all day and help nourish healthy hair in the process.
While this may be the one that made you read this article, and the one you see all over youtube and instagram, it was my least favorite out of all the products. It has EXTREME hold.that surpasses it’s 5/5 ranking. It is very stiff and not that forgiving. While it says it can be used on dry or wet hair, I would always recommend applying it to wet curls so the additional moisture can help to move the product around. If your hair is straight, you may be able to get away with using it on dry hair.
Once it dried, it did combat shrinkage and did not flake at all even though I applied it on top of other products. The major drawback for me was that my hair was severely weighed down. Since I have very fine hair, my first and second day results were not appealing. The cast didn’t start to release until the fourth day, even after applying oils to loosen it.
My Day 4 curls looked like what any other product would give me on the 2nd day, and I was able to wear this wash and go until the eighth day before I decided to wash it out and try another product in my hair. i probably could have actually worn this wash and go until Day 10 before frizz and tangles started to set in.
Luckily when I washed it out, my hair didn’t feel dry at all because it is an alcohol-free formula. I personally will probably only use this on ponytails and bun hair styles, but not my wash and gos. I don’t think I can wait 3 or 4 days again in the future before I get results that I like.
If you have very thick and course hair, I would recommend you try this gel because of the definition, anti-shrinkage and hold it creates. I would still make sure to only use a dime size amount per section even with thick hair because the cast is impossible to break with oils.
Final Thoughts
While not every product worked for me personally, they did perform how they claim to. I believe Style Factor does an excellent job at creating products for every hair texture, curl type, hair density, your finish preference, etc. It is just a matter of testing the different formulas, to figure out which one works best for your specific hair type.
If you want to learn more about Style Factor, and their full range of products, you can visit StyleFactor.us. Unfortunately you can not purchase directly from their website, but I was able to find various links where you can purchase from Amazon and other online beauty retailers. Check out the links below!
Edge Booster Extra Shine Strong Hold Pomade
Edge Booster Mini Extra Shine Strong Hold Pomade
Edge Booster Mini Strong Hold Water-based Pomade
Edge Booster Strong Hold Hair Pomade Stick
Edge Booster Strong Hold Moisturizing Pomade
Edge Booster Fitting Gel
Wigout Curl Conditioning Gel
Edge Booster Strong Hold Styling Gel