How do you secure your braids without hair ties?

[SnowDancer]

Looking for ideas.

I really, really don't like hair ties.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I either use a paranda, so the tie is not touching the hair, but is lower down, or I just bun the braid and the ends are under the bun, so the braid can't unravel itself.

http://i.imgur.com/lOiZ3Kx.jpg

[lithostoic]

You could use a mini claw clip!

[Madora]

When my hair was long, I just braided it 3/4ths of the way down and used a small once piece clip to fasten it. As for updos, I'd braid until only 4 inches of tassel was left, then just tuck in the tassel and then pin securely with 3 inch crimped hairpins.

[Aredhel]

You could use a mini claw clip!

Yup that's what I do!:)

[bparnell75]

Snow dancer, If you are braiding to leave it down here is my solution. I really like using these and they do not damage my hair and when I need to take my hair down, they just slide right off

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/33305708835_d64a6ddbbd.jpg
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=141968

[meteor]

For braided updos, I don't even secure the braids, I just hold the ends until it's all bunned (tucking ends in).

For wearing it down (say, for bed), I sometimes weaved in a satin ribbon, like a paranda, and then tie it off at the end (knot or bow) - and the higher up you add the ribbon to the braid, the more secure the hold.

[Anje]

Texture can make a difference too. My slippery straightish hair would just unravel from braids, but I've got friends with 3b curls who never secure their braid ends, who just gave them a little twist and they'd stay all day every with swimming.

[peachyleshy]

I saw these at Sally's today:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/dcnl-soft-ponytailers/SBS-424316,default,pd.html?list=Home%7cHair%7cHair%20A ccessories#start=1
They seemed very hair friendly. It felt like tights or pantyhose. I think you could just make your own out of old pantyhose and that is what I am planning on doing. $6.99 for 4 seemed too pricey to me...

[CrowningGlory]

I saw these at Sally's today:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/dcnl-soft-ponytailers/SBS-424316,default,pd.html?list=Home%7cHair%7cHair%20A ccessories#start=1
They seemed very hair friendly. It felt like tights or pantyhose. I think you could just make your own out of old pantyhose and that is what I am planning on doing. $6.99 for 4 seemed too pricey to me...

I just use old pantyhose or thin tights that I cut about 1.5" wide. Great way to recycle when ladders develop.

[lapushka]

A gal called Kayley Melissa used to use a claw clip to tie off her braids. She's on YT. Let me see if I can find a video on it:
https://www.youtube.com/user/LetsMakeitUp1/search?query=tie+off+braids

I can't seem to find the appropriate video, maybe you'll have better luck!

Her method consisted of singling out a strand and clipping it up into the braid, so it wouldn't budge!

[Hairkay]

Texture can make a difference too. My slippery straightish hair would just unravel from braids, but I've got friends with 3b curls who never secure their braid ends, who just gave them a little twist and they'd stay all day every with swimming.

I don't use hair ties for the ends of my plaits/braids either and I'm 3c/4a. There is a little unravelling for smaller plaits/braids anything from 10-75% (if in 1 or 2, or 3 or 4 it'll stay). It will all unravel when I go swimming so I tuck my plaits up in a swimming cap.

[Simsy]

I either use a paranda, so the tie is not touching the hair, but is lower down, or I just bun the braid and the ends are under the bun, so the braid can't unravel itself.


Same here. I stick a bobby pin on the braid ends until I'm ready to pin them up.

At the moment, I have sewn the braids down with ribbon; but I have also used spin pins and bobby pins to restrain for the week. If you're leaving the braids down, try a loop of pantyhose. You can also buy hair ties that are basically a circle of panty hose material, no seams or glue. They are easy to use and very gentle. If your hair tolerates them, also give small clear elastics a go. You only need to wrap twice and they are very easy to get off.

[NightSister]

I just use old pantyhose or thin tights that I cut about 1.5" wide. Great way to recycle when ladders develop.

CrowningGlory, so clever! Definitely will give that a try.

[Cherriezzzzz]

I was not properly prepared for that AWESOME picture of
Sarahlabyrinth's braid... haha

I saw a lady on YouTube use an updo that held itself up! I know it's not a braid, but it's something I would consider!

https://youtu.be/a1xbcNNUktc

[Cherriezzzzz]

I either use a paranda, so the tie is not touching the hair, but is lower down, or I just bun the braid and the ends are under the bun, so the braid can't unravel itself.

http://i.imgur.com/lOiZ3Kx.jpg

:agape::thud::bowtome:

[SnowDancer]

Thanks for the ideas everyone! I'll try them out and see what works best. :D