Would something like this be better than elastics for braids?

[Shelley48]

I use metal free elastics to tie the ends of my bride. I don't know damaging they are because I just recently learned how to braid hair finally. They're just the fabric kind of elastic, not silicone.

I was wondering if something like this would be a safer alternative? I see stuff like this in the hair section in stores all the time, but never tried them. Scared I'll tie it too tight or something.

Thoughts?

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r11/Kashimashii/29E94762-3C73-4882-895C-0127FE3B0AF0.png.jpeg

[Robot Ninja]

Are you talking about those ribbon elastics that are a piece of stretchy ribbon tied in a knot? Yes, those are probably safer than conventional elastics.

Even safer are pantyhose elastics; Take a pair of pantyhose and cut horizontal strips, about 2-3 inches wide. It's impossible to tie those too tight, they just won't do that, but they are tight enough to hold the ends of a braid. Use girls-sized pantyhose (from the dollar store, no need to get fancy) if you want smaller elastics.

[Shelley48]

Are you talking about those ribbon elastics that are a piece of stretchy ribbon tied in a knot? Yes, those are probably safer than conventional elastics.

Even safer are pantyhose elastics; Take a pair of pantyhose and cut horizontal strips, about 2-3 inches wide. It's impossible to tie those too tight, they just won't do that, but they are tight enough to hold the ends of a braid. Use girls-sized pantyhose (from the dollar store, no need to get fancy) if you want smaller elastics.

Yes I am talking about those.

Oh that sounds easy and cheap enough! Thanks!

[Siowiel]

I use plain ribbons, like those fancy cloth ones for tying up presents, for braids, just braid them into the last few inches and tie off. Probably won't work on very slippery hair, though.

[Nique1202]

I find anything fabric to be far too slippery on the ends of my braids. I like the little tiny latex ones. They're grippy enough to stay put, you can get clear ones to make braids look more seamless (or any number of colours, if you prefer that!), and they're cheap enough at like 300 for $1 that snapping one to get it out if it gets a strand tangled around it isn't going to break the bank. Higher up on the hair, I'd be hesitant to recommend them because of the risk of snarls, but just for braid ends these seem like the least damaging option because there's no friction from ANY kind of fabric and you can easily see them to remove them safely (whether that's loop by loop or snapping it free).

[meteor]

Yes, they look much gentler than standard elastics. :agree: I'd definitely use them.

I only use fabric-covered elastics (and even then, I wear them rarely) and I have to avoid those tiny silicone elastics: they seem pretty rough and too tight to me. Frankly, I leave my accent braids completely untied and tie off only the final braid or just pin it all up into a bun. I think, the fewer tools and ties used, the better from the point of view of mechanical damage.

[mary*rose]

Yes, they look much gentler than standard elastics. :agree: I'd definitely use them.

I only use fabric-covered elastics (and even then, I wear them rarely) and I have to avoid those tiny silicone elastics: they seem pretty rough and too tight to me. Frankly, I leave my accent braids completely untied and tie off only the final braid or just pin it all up into a bun. I think, the fewer tools and ties used, the better from the point of view of mechanical damage.

I agree with this! Although I usually have to momentarily tie off my accent braids, just because they won't stay put long enough for me to leave them undone at the ends until I incorporate them into a bun or updo. It also gets rid of the extra bulk from hair ties, and it looks better at the end, because there's no risk of hair ties peeping through the final updo.

~~~

OP, I've considered starting using things that tie off at the ends of my braids, but like Siowiel said, I don't think they would stay on the ends of my hair.

Robot Ninja, I really like that panty-hose idea! I KNEW I'd been keeping around that old bag of pantyhose for a reason :cool:

[SaraJayne]

I use Kitsch hair ties, which are the knotted stretchy ribbon type. I have fine and slippy hair but surprisingly, they do stay in. They're not cheap but the designs are so pretty.

[yahirwaO.o]

I think they are a great option! For my ultra slippery hair well it might be hard but the right wrapped fabric do stay on me. But i'm super lazy and like other comment has mentioned, those clear elastics stay like rock!