Abstract: A tool for applying beads to gathered strands of braided or unbraided hair comprises an elongated cylinder attached at a first end thereof to a handle with an elongated rod telescopically and slidingly inserted within the cylinder. The rod includes a hooked end which lies adjacent the free end of the cylinder. A lever is attached to the opposite end of the rod and is used to move the rod between extended and retracted positions with respect to the cylinder with the hooked end of the rod lying exteriorly and interiorly of the cylinder, respectively. The beads are first mounted in concentric relationship to the cylinder. With the rod moved to the extended position, the end of the braid is hooked and the lever is released which retracts the rod and pulls the end of the braid into the cylinder. The beads are then pushed off the cylinder and onto the braid. Pressing the lever causes the rod to again extend which releases the braid.