I have two questions about single three-strand braiding (hey I have to start with the basics): (1) What grooming aid (if any) can I put in my length to help control the bits that poke out? My hair has been growing completely wild (no trims) so it has various lengths. (2) How do you get the braid tight? Is their a particular direction to pull the strands to keep the braid tight? (3) Yes, I said two questions. Consider this a bonus... on the Bunjii website 'Best Ponytail in NYC' contest page they mention the prizes and one of them is 'four double packages of braid-ender Bunjiis'. Sounds like something *I* could use (today I was tying off the most perfect braid I've ever made and I fumbled the third turn of my elastic, dropped the end behind my back, and watched helplessly in the mirror as the braid disintegrated :'(). But I don't see these available on the Bunjii website. Does anyone know about these potentially useful items? Something new, something old? What do *you* use to tie off your braid?

1) You might want to mist with water before starting.
2) Try to hold all your strands at the same time. If you let go of one and hold only 2 at a time, it doesn't turn out as tight.
3) I use ponytail holders and scrunchies to tie off my braids.

HTH  :)

1. I have the same problem. Practice is the best way to handle flyaways and frizzies, because the only REAL solution I've found is to rebraid when it gets too messy. Using hairgel before and very lightly after braiding also helps.

2. Practice :-) I hold 2 at a time and make sure I pull the "active" strand tight. It doesn't really matter how I hold the "inactive" strands, but my hair holds a braid practically by itself so you might want to follow Leia's advice.

3. I actually use bobby pins, because I can only create short, thin braids at the moment (side French braids). Why don't you email Bunji and ask what the difference is between regular and braid-enders? Otherwise go for a non-metal ponytail holder. A rustic wooden barette would probably suit you as well, if it has a firm clasp.

/Kate

I dampen my hair as I braid it to help control the ends.  I also use aloe vera gel when I need maximum control.

The Bunjii braid enders are fantastic for braid ends.  They are shorter in length than the regular Bunjii ponytailers.  I've been "testing" them for Brad for a couple of weeks and LOVE them.

The shorter length lets you wrap the ends nice and tight without have so many wraps with the cord.  

I feel sorry for you and your single braid that slowly fell apart... :-[ ...I've done that sooo many times.

You can buy these little bands that are like, plastic or rubber but they don't ruin your hair like rubber bands. They're really easy to use and come in all different bright colours too. Plus they hold the hair tight so it never falls out. I think I got a packet sent from england but I've seen them around here in Australia. And if they're in Australia they'd be everywhere else, wouldn't they? America.  ;D Just asuming.
Good luck,  :D
Sofezz

Quote:

You can buy these little bands that are like, plastic or rubber but they don't ruin your hair like rubber bands. They're really easy to use and come in all different bright colours too. Plus they hold the hair tight so it never falls out. I think I got a packet sent from england but I've seen them around here in Australia

I think I know the ones you mean, I'm in QLD Australia, and you can buy them basically anywhere that sells hair ties.

To make a braid tight, I hold all three strands.  The active strand you have to cross over as high as you can and pull firm, you don't really need to pull tight.  To make a loose braid you cross the strand over lower.

I find combing a tiny amount of aloe vera jell through my hair, or just rubbing it on my hands helps neaten things up (I have a lot of breakage in my hair due to past abuse) and also slightly damp can help too, by damp braids at night are always so neat (and gives me great waves too...

:D Hello Aussie
(I'm actually British, haha)
thanks for that support
i'm in QLD too  ;D

Water, and any conditioner (I'm all LML all the time now) or oil really helps me and tucking the layers under bulkier hair parts.  Sometimes I don't use ties, just claw clips at the end ... g

Hi!

With me, I usually hold all three strands in one hand, keeping the two inactive strands between my fingers closest to my pinky and the active strand near my index finger when I need to stop. I think that might help some people. While I am braiding, I hold the two inactive strands in my index/middle fingers and the active strand in my other hand. I find that pulling down gently as I go keeps it straight. I used to have a bad habit of pulling up, not a good thing. My hair doesn't frizz so much, so I can't really help you there, but best of luck!

Lady