Why Black Women Style Their Baby Hair and Edge Hair at the Hairline
Black women have diverse and intricate hair styles that often involve the careful styling and management of baby hair and edge hair. These details play a crucial role in achieving a neat and polished look. However, it’s important to distinguish between baby hair and edge hair that are naturally styled and those that are pasted on, often for aesthetic or personal reasons.
Understanding Baby Hair and Edge Hair
Non-black women might not be familiar with the concept of 'baby hair' and 'edge hair,' but these terms are common in the Black hair community. Baby hair, also known as 'gogo hair,' refers to the soft, fine, and often unruly hair located at the very edge of the scalp, which can be as fine as downy or wiry. Edge hair, on the other hand, is the hair that grows along the edges of the scalp, sometimes blending into the baby hair.
The Distinction Between Natural and Pasted Hair
Not all black women paste hair on their faces. Baby hair and edge hair are usually styled naturally to achieve a sleek and controlled appearance. It’s worth noting that this styling is not the same as pasted hair, as the term 'pasting' often carries negative connotations in the hair community and can refer to using adhesives to apply hair extensions or wigs.
Why the Edges are Styled
The sleek look of baby hair and edge hair is often achieved through styling techniques. Naturally, these areas of the scalp can be unruly, and without proper care, they can stick out or look messy. Styling these areas typically involves using a variety of styling products such as hair oils, gels, and sprays. Some women also use techniques like edge work, which involves carefully cutting and styling the hair along the hairline to achieve a defined and neat look.
Where Else Should They Style?
While the focus is often on the edges of the hairline, there are other areas of the hair that also benefit from styling. For instance, the nape of the neck and the crown area can be styled to add volume and prevent flyaways. These areas can also be dampened with a light mist of water and then styled with a light hold hairspray to keep it in place. Additionally, using a bonnet or hair wrap at night can help keep the hair neat and reduce flyaways.
Conclusion
Styling baby hair and edge hair is a common practice among black women to achieve a polished look. It requires minimal pasting or adhesives and instead relies on natural techniques and styling products. By understanding the difference between natural styles and pasted hair, and by employing proper styling techniques, black women can maintain a neat and controlled appearance while respecting the natural beauty of their hair.