A device particularly useful as a decorative hair accessory and as a way to keep hair in a braided style includes two opposing sections, a male section and a female section which, when coupled together or closed, create a channel for receiving braided hair. The two opposing sections have protrusions or teeth which may be sized to help keep the device in position on the braid and to help keep the braid from unraveling. The exterior of the two opposing sections are formed so as to have the appearance of a row of individual beads. Alignment posts and locking mechanisms may be positioned along the length of the device to help maintain the device in a closed, aligned position and securely attached to the hair. Optionally, the device may include an opener with a tapered end to facilitate opening of the device.