How to Tie Braided Hair: Securing the End

Securing the end of a braid, often referred to as "tying braided hair," is essential to prevent it from unraveling. While creating the braid involves specific techniques like crossing strands, tying off the end typically uses a simple hair accessory.

## Securing the End of Your Braid

The most common and effective way to "tie" or secure braided hair is by using a **hair tie**, **elastic band**, or **rubber band** specifically designed for hair. This creates a secure point at the very end of the braid.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

1.  **Gather the End:** Hold the completed braid firmly at the very end, making sure all strands are gathered together.
2.  **Position the Tie:** Place the hair tie or elastic band around the gathered end of the braid.
3.  **Wrap Securely:** Wrap the elastic band around the end of the braid multiple times. The number of wraps depends on the elasticity of the band and the thickness of the braid. Wrap until the tie feels snug and holds the braid's end firmly without being overly tight, which could damage the hair.
4.  **Check Security:** Gently tug on the end of the braid to ensure the elastic is holding all the strands and the braid won't loosen or unravel.

Using hair-friendly elastics (like those made of fabric or snag-free materials) is recommended to avoid breakage when securing and removing the tie.

## The Braiding Process: Creating the Structure

Before you can tie off a braid, you first need to create it. Braiding involves systematically interweaving or crossing sections (strands) of hair. Different braiding techniques exist, but they all rely on this fundamental principle of crossing strands over or under each other to form a cohesive pattern.

As part of the braiding process, you continuously work with the hair sections, moving them into the center and incorporating new hair or crossing them with existing strands. For instance, some techniques involve specific crossing patterns. One description highlights actions such as taking:

*   "the right strand. And cross it over and then under"
*   "then take the left strand and cross it under and then over"

These crossing actions are repeated down the length of the hair to form the braided structure. Once the braid is completed down to the desired length, you then move on to securing the end as described above.

### Tools for Securing Braids

| Tool Type          | Description                                       | Best Use                                      |
| :----------------- | :------------------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------- |
| **Hair Elastic**   | Stretchy band, various sizes and colors.          | Most common for securing all braid types.     |
| **Rubber Band**    | Smaller, often tighter; use coated ones.          | Useful for small braids, ends of cornrows.    |
| **Fabric Tie**     | Softer ties, less likely to cause creases.        | Good for preventing damage, decorative.       |
| **Ribbon/Thread**  | Can be tied manually around the end.              | Decorative, less secure than elastics.        |

Securing the braid properly is the final step in creating a neat and lasting braided hairstyle.