Abstract: The present invention provides tools, kits and methods for braiding animal hair, in particular hair of the horse's mane. Tools include a pulling tool, a cutting tool and a cutting comb. The pulling tool and the cutting tool are attachable to ends of a cord that retains them in a convenient position for the groomer to use. The tools may be assembled in a kit for easy use. Methods are disclosed for the use of these tools to braid the animal's mane in an aesthetically desirable manner.

Abstract: Cylindrical open-top container houses generally annular slide track having diametric unidirectional stretch, the tracks being bordered by laterally extending guide rails which engage restricted necks of a row of individual holders which are each slidable along the track. Each holder supports a removable, outward-projecting hair tube, having a tensioning plug to yieldably retain a cluster of hair inserted therein. A pair of centrally pattern-apertured guide disks surround the outer edge of the track and are shiftable in unison 180.degree. in either direction so as to move successive holders from exit position of stretch to entry position at opposite end thereof, the shift being manually directed (by radially projecting lever) alternately clockwise and counterclockwise along the annular track so as thereby to braid together clusters of hair as they extend progressively from the respective trio of tubes thus carried by the slidable holders.