Hello compatriots in curls!
I just wanted to share a new braid I've been doing (maybe some of you have been doing it for years). I divide my hair by two (instead of the traditional three) strands of hair. Then, I twist the two strands together as I would with three. Because I have curly/wavy hair, I don't even have to put a band on the end; my naturally curly hair holds the two-strand braid.

What are the benefits? Well, it's easier and less time-consuming than a three-strander. Plus, it's a slightly different look than your traditional three-strand braid. I had started doing it at night (pigtails) to keep my hair in order while I slept. But, I liked the look so much that I started wearing it that way in public. It's really a cute braid (and EASY). Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Julie

P.S.  I don't think it will work with straight hair. My sister-in-law saw it and couldn't believe that my hair could hold a braid without having to clasp it at the end. The reason that I don't clasp it is so I won't damage my baby fine hair . Of course, you can put a band on the end if you wish. But, if you don't, you will find that the braids plump themselves up during the day while you bounce about.

This style is usually referred to as a rope.  Straight hair can be twisted into a rope - I do it quite frequently, but just as with a regular braid, some sort of braid ender/elastic must be used to keep it from unwinding itself.

A three stranded rope is described in the Hairstyles section.

Darn! My clever, ingenious idea is probably thousands of years old. I guess I won't get a patent on it now. N-yuk, n-yuk, n-yuk! Thanks, I'll look up the three-strand braid.
Julie