Tying the ends of African American braiding is the final step in securing the bold look of your hairdo. Senegalese twists, for example, incorporate both natural and synthetic hair for an extended look. The trick for finishing each braid is to both tie and seal the ends. If you use the proper finishing techniques, you won't need rubber bands or hair clips and the integrity of each braid will remain strong and durable throughout the life of the hair style.

Braid your first hair strand until one inch of free hanging strands remain. Pinch the one inch of free hanging strands between your thumb and middle finger.

Pull and wrap the pinched strand one time around the tip of your middle finger to create a loop. Slide the loop carefully off of your finger tip. Insert the remaining end of hair through the loop. Pull the loop taught with light to medium pressure. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until all hair braid ends are tied.

Boil one cup of water in a pot. Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the boiling hot water carefully into a small bowl. Soak the tied end of each braid into the water to complete the seal.