I have hit that same thing many times myself. Like others here that braid, we all have hit that mistake. It's not how upset you get with the mistake, but even more is how much you learn from that mistake. Braiding is like anything else. Learn from your mistakes and carry on. I understand the frustration. But at the same time I know myself that frustration does not fix the mistake.
I use hemostats in my braiding and start and end with my right hand, or left hand depending on the braid I am doing. I always like to start and end with more strands on one side, or the other depending the braid. Finding you nitch is what the learning process in braiding is all about. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity.
Best regards,
Brian...