3D split braid

A 3D split braid is a fun and easy variation on the regular 3 strand braid. Before you cross your strand over another, you split the strand in two and then you cross one section over and one section under the next strand. This creates an almost square looking braid.
Up for a challenge by adding in hair? Make sure to check out the video tutorial linked below. Important: always first split the strand and cross it over and under the next strand before adding in hair. This new hair gets added to the middle strand, which is the strand you've just split.

The technique:
3D split braid tutorial (with adding in hair)

Ideas:

The Dutch 3D split braid, as explained in my tutorial.

A variation on the Dutch 3D split braid: Dutch braid a small part, then create a ponytail and braid the hair from this ponytail. Then turn it into a bun.

The regular 3D split braid, started in a ponytail.

The first 3D split braid I've ever done myself, started without a ponytail, with a flower accent braid in Christmas colors.

A variation on the regular 3D split braid: two small 3D split braids, brought together at the back of the head.

How to: Knotted bracelet braid accents with messy bun

How to: Knotted bracelet braid accents with messy bun

Helpful tutorials:
Knotted bracelet braid tutorial
Messy bun tutorial (messy bun starts at 2.46)

You'll need:
Two big elastics
2 small elastics
Bobbypins
A flower or a bow if desired

How to do this hairstyle?

1. Start off by brushing and combing the hair. Then create a side part.
2. Take a small section of hair on the side with the most hair, next to the part.
3. Start a knotted bracelet braid with this section: divide the section into three strands, take the left strand and cross it over the middle strand (make sure to keep a small loop on the left side) and then cross the right strand over this left strand, under the middle strand and then pull it through the loop on the left side. Tighten the knot, make sure to hold the middle strand as well while you tighten the knot.
4. Continue the knotted bracelet braid until the braid reaches the nape of the neck. Finish off with a small elastic.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with a new small section of hair from behind your first braid.
6. Take all of the hair and tie it into a ponytail.
7. Turn the ponytail into a messy bun. There's several ways to do this, for this style I've wrapped all of the hair around the elastic before putting another elastic around it. I've used a few bobbypins to secure loose ends, but I've also left out a lot of strand for an even more playful look.
8. If you like, you can add a flower or a bow.

Good luck!

Front view of this hairstyle

How to: 5 strand ribbon braid with accent

Helpful tutorials:
Dutch 5 strand ribbon braid
3 strand braid (regular braid)

You'll need:
Two ribbon
One temporary elastic
One small elastic

How to do this hairstyle?

1. Start with a part just off centre.
2. Take a small strand of hair on the side with the least hair and do a regular 3 strand braid with this. Make sure the strand isn't too big, as it's meant as an accent braid!
3. Braid as far down the hair as possible and finish off with a temporary elastic.
4. Now take a strand of hair on the side with the most hair, bring this to the side and attach the two ribbons. A good length of the ribbon for this braid is about the length of the hair or just a little more.
5. When you've attached the ribbons, start a 5 strand ribbon braid. Make sure you add hair only three or four times!
6. After adding hair three or four times, add the accent braid to the left strand of the ribbon braid. Now continue braiding and only remove the temporary elastic from the accent braid when this braid has been braided into the ribbon braid properly.
7. Continue a 5 strand ribbon braid until the end of the hair and finish off with a small elastic.

Good luck!