"The goal is to educate Black women on the importance of a healthy scalp regimen for ultimate hair growth."

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"I felt sad, and everybody else got to get their pictures except for me," she said. "And some of my friends were laughing and stuff like that."

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Wigs are a busy girl’s best friend. Whether you’re a carpool driving and couples game night hosting wife and mother or a single college student trying to cram four years of study groups and coffee runs into three one thing is for certain-a wig can save you valuable time. But while this low maintenance styling option can relieve some serious styling pressure it still requires a little TLC. We tapped celebrity hair stylist and Lucid Bliss founder Tiffany Lamb to give some tips on how she prepares her clients including “Power” actress Naturi Naughton, “Refill” songstress Elle Varner, and "Girls Trip" star Tiffany Haddish for getting the hollywood treatment on their (often removable) hair.

1. Keep it Clean

Tiffany doesn’t allow her clients to neglect undercare. She stated “the first thing is definitely keeping your hair clean. You need to be washing your hair. You want to make sure that your hair is clean before putting the wig on. A lot of time people put wigs on and think because it’s an easy go-to style they can do whatever but keeping your hair healthy up under the wig is the most important thing. What I have my clients do is come in and get their hair washed at least once a week.”

2. Lay Then Play

She believes that a strong start will ensure a flawless style saying “Braiding the hair under the wig is important as well. The foundation is important. You want it to be natural and look as flat as possible. So having your hair braided in the proper size braids is very important. And if you’re wearing lace wigs parting it right is important as well. If you’re wearing a middle part it’s important to part your hair down the middle when braiding it down, because you want that part to match up with your natural part to make your hair look as realistic as possible. That goes for side parts as well and hair length doesn’t matter. I have clients whose hair is short and they still part it where the wig’s part is perfectly.”

3. Don’t Forget The Details

While some stylists advocate for physically sewing together the braids in preparation for wig application Lamb says paying attention to hair texture prevents those extra measures from being necessary saying “No matter what I pay attention to hair texture. For someone who has fine hair it’s okay to for them to get a regular cornrow. But for someone who has thick hair they should be getting their hair under braided. It makes your hair very flat so you don’t need all that. I don’t braid all of the braids together. I don’t want the hair to be so tight. That’s the whole point of wearing a wig. You want to feel free and loose.”

4. Choose Custom

One size fits all wigs may be more affordable but they’re certainly not the most comfortable Lamb says  “You shouldn’t be getting a headache. We all know if our hair is too tight. If you have to keep popping an Advil or something like that, the wig is too tight. What makes a custom wig special is it fits your exact head shape. If fits perfectly.  If I was to give you my wig it wouldn’t fit. A Lot of time people aren’t properly measuring. If you measure properly you don’t need anything else. Also the number one mistake I see with lace front wigs is the lace color and the hair line! They drive me crazy! With any style weave or wig it’s supposed to look as natural as possible. Some people they I don’t know what they be doing! Anything custom is going to fit you nice. It’s going to fit you to a tee! It’s just like buying a custom suit. It fits you better than a suit out of the store! That's what makes it so special. It fits you and it fits you properly.”

Check out some of our custom creations in our crown collection and considering keep them fresh with some of Lamb’s Lucid Bliss OOOH and AAAH refreshers!

 

Photo Credits: Hype Hair, SashaNycole.com 

There are few things more painful than committing an entire Saturday or Sunday to sitting in a chair and getting your hair braided. Not only are you losing half of your precious weekend, you’re voluntarily choosing to be shifted around like a rag doll while your hair is parted and pulled on by someone who would rather be doing anything else and isn't afraid to show it. Here are some thoughts we’ve all had while spending our eight-hour sentence in the braiding salon chair.

1. It’s a Shame I Had to Bring My Own Shampoo!

Like basic doobie shops and blow-out bars, most braiding salons are known for one thing and extensive hair care isn’t it. You’re not alone if you’ve felt like you needed to bring your own supplies to make sure your hair was properly prepped for protective styling.

2. What The Heck Is This Movie?

Haven’t we all wanted to ask why Beyonce’ vs. Rihanna part seventeen doesn’t feature either Beyonce OR Rihanna and where exactly Rihanna got that blinged out machete?

3. How Do They Not Take Cards?

People who have never ran to the ATM with their hair in a bonnet will never understand this struggle.

4. Whose Kids Are These?

You showed up at 7am to avoid it but somehow you’re still surrounded by sticky fingers and loud screams. At some point we’ve all just had to accept that no matter what there will be multiple minors running around with reckless abandon. Just make sure not to say yes when they ask if there’s games on your iPhone 7- it’s a setup.

5. Ow! That Was My Neck!

Sit still or suffer the consequences.

6. I Wish I Brought My Headphones!

The rowdy children and searing neck pain wouldn’t be so bad if you had thought to stash some earbuds in your clutch but now you’re stuck listening to faux Rihanna strangle phony Queen Bey as somebody’s baby cries in the corner. You knew better but we’ve all been there.

7. Do I Smell Chicken?

 

 There is nothing more gross than the smell of Crisco coated fingers sliding through your hair. Did this lady fry chicken before doing my hair? Bringing your lunch from home is cool, but sis so are wet wipes. 

8. You On The Phone Again 

 

 Ugh! If you pick up that phone or text one more time---I'm out. Not really, but girl.

9. How Is She Not Done Yet?

 

Somehow that last patch of hair in the front of your head always seems to last way longer than the twenty minutes you told your best friend you were going to be. Good thing you didn’t confirm your uber because you’re clearly not going anywhere anytime soon.

10. I Can’t Feel My Brain

The second you’re done you realize you no longer seem to have a scalp. Bright side? You probably won’t need to re-up on edge control.

If you can relate to these moments and would like to avoid reliving them consider installing some of our Zoë twists or slipping on one of our crown wigs! It’s the same style without the same struggle.

 

Photo Credits: Essence, Giphy

Now that the natural hair movement has picked up some serious steam it’s easy to be fooled into thinking that kinks and curls are now considered the norm across the nation. But not all women of color feel comfortable embracing their natural texture or even experimenting with textured protective styles. For some the hesitation is related to fear of judgement by their families. Others cringe at the thought of uncomfortable exchanges with their co-workers and supervisors. Many flinch at the thought of learning a new routine and the accompanying lingo (TWA, ACV, EVOO it’s enough to make your head spin.) But a select few hesitate out of concern for their significant others.

Now that social media has given everyone a platform people are able to express every idea that pops into their heads. And some of those ideas are a strong “preference” for women with relaxed hair.  

On the surface going natural is purely an aesthetic choice but the unpleasant history associated with hair can make it a deeply personal one-with the potential for personal consequences.

In response to an inquiry by someone writing her advice column author and relationship expert  Demetria Lucas D’oley advocated for communication between partners sharing the opinion that she  unequivocally did not think women had to ask permission before doing the big chop but that it would be thoughtful of them to inform their significant others so they weren’t shocked by the sudden change to their appearance.

We asked Girl & Hair Founder Camille Vevoric if she consulted with her husband and eventual business partner before making the big chop that sparked the idea that birthed her line of undercare products. “No. Not at all!” she said “I literally got home and was like ‘I’m tired of this. I’m going up the street.’ I went up there and I cut my hair and I came home. My husband is not that involved. He’s never been vocal about my style. He says as long as you love it I love it.”

Clearly her husband’s approach represents the ideal but sadly not all men feel this way. It seems every few weeks there’s an article on Clutch or Madame Noire asking whether women's styling choices are required to stay within men's comfort zones (who could forget the outrageous debate over Keyshia Kaoir’s trend setting lipstick?)

What do you think? When it comes to your hair should bae get a say?

Photo Credits: Black Enterprise, Good Housekeeping, The Source

You asked for it and we delivered! Kinky bulk hair is now available for purchase at Latch N Hooked! A certain vocal segment of our customers have been longing for us to loosen up the reins (and the curls) on our protective styling offerings to allow them the freedom to experiment. With bulk hair you can create the wigs, twists, and updos that you’ve been imagining altering them as you please. Want to know how you can use the freedom of bulk hair to create a style that suits you? Get inspired by these three looks below!

Brushed Out Ponytail

In her recent shoot for Mane Addicts “Black’ish” actress Yara Shahidi shines. The volume of the textured ponytail created for her by stylist to the stars Cesar Ramirez pairs beautifully with the simple look she’s sporting styled by Ade Samuel. Recreate it by slicking down your hair, wrapping the end of the ponytail with hair and adding textured hair to the ends. Don’t forget to add some shine by using some oil from Mielle Organics, which Shahidi identifies as one of her favorites!

Flat Twists

 

Flats twists are a great way to achieve maximum style with minimum maintenance. Just take a comb, some ecostyler gel, some Bobby pins and get to work. Adorn them with beads and charms for special occasions, or buy your second pack in a different shade so you can slip  some color into your style. Looking for a more modern twist on this trend? Pull them up into faux hawk like Tessa Thompson's character did in "Dear White People."

Classic Pompadour

As we reminded you on Valentine’s Day, special occasions no longer require stick straight hair. Use bulk kinky hair to embrace your hair texture with elegance like Teyonah Parris did while slaying on the red carpet in Marchesa and a pompadour at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Or kick it old school and pull the hair up into a firm bun like Auntie Pauletta did at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.

We love seeing how creative you get with our products! Make sure you share the styles you use our kinky bulk hair to create with us on social media using the hashtag #latchednhooked.

 

Photo Credits: Yahoo, People, Blackfilm 

We’re two thirds into the first quarter of 2017 and that fitness plan on your vision board has gone from a generic goal to a regular routine. The only problem? How you’re going to hold that plank pose AND protect your hair! Many women sacrifice cultivating healthy habits for keeping their curls on fleek, but years of prepping protective styles have taught us that you won't have to choose between the two if you follow these steps. 

Invest in a Quality Shield

If you’ve ever had your silk scarf slide off while you were living the #squatlife then you know protective accessories like Slap Caps are a great investment. The sweat induced frizz that comes with intense cardio sessions is no match for these satin lined caps. Thanks to their ability to stretch they can accommodate even the largest curls. Plus they come in a variety of cute colors to match all that those luxe athleisure looks you’ve been rewarding yourself with. Monica of Mo Knows Hair is rocking hers below. 

Keep It Fresh

Having the right products on hand can make freshening up post-workout fros a breeze. Sweating it out in hot yoga? This Mimosa Hair Honey Clarifying Scalp Treatment from Carol’s Daughter can easily slip between even the most binding protective style to soothe and cleanse the scalp. Headed straight to the grocery store from Soulcycle? Lucid Bliss’ hair refresher eliminates any and all odors from both human and synthetic hair so you can leave behind the scent of the weird girl who’s always leaning too close to your station. Snooze button got you in danger of missing your 6am yoga class? Cut down on your prep time with a great low cost dry shampoos like Garnier Fructis’ Volume Extend Instant Bodifier which is only $6!  

Choose Wisely

Protective styling is about what works for YOU. Nobody knows your schedule and needs better than you do and the best fitness and beauty routines are the ones that you’re going to stick to. Experiment with crotchet braids, twists, faux-locks, and other styles until you find the one that suits you and your routine the best. Like protective style goddess badgirlriri says you gotta live your life. 

 

 

Countless childhood hours spent wincing under scorching hot combs on balmy Easter Sundays have conditioned generations of black women to come to the same conclusion- a special occasion demands straight hair.

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4 Times Rihanna was Protective Style Goals

When she’s not bringing home random puppies and helping her niece make executive decisions Rihanna is a massive pop star who rocks whatever she wants. She incorporates protective options without sacrificing style by including curly hair and bantu knots. Want to know how you can get the look? We’ve rounded up four times she was protective style goals below. 

When She Turned the Red Carpet into a Bodega Run 

While media outlets clueless about black culture tried to dub it a “bejeweled faux bob” brown girls immediately recognized Rihanna’s look at the 2013 American Music Awards for what it was- a doobie.  We know this protective wrap style is nothing new and Essence’s Julee Wilson set the record straight for the Huffington Post when she broke this bold beauty choice down and forever ingrained the “doobie” into the lexicon of mainstream culture. 

When She Was a Goth Barbie in Givenchy 

The Barbadian pop princess arrived at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards in a black lace number from the ‘it” designer of the moment and jet black bantu knots. She finished the look by draping herself in long cross bearing necklaces. 

When She Was Unbothered Courtside 

We all know Miss Fenty is unapologetic about her vices and she showed no signs of shame as she sipped a beer courtside at an NBA game. Her ombre curly weave was the perfect complement for her carefree attitude. Get the look by snagging our 20" Large Curl from McKenzie Collection in colors Brown Suga and Sunburst and seperate the curls using a gel oil hair; we love the one from Bumble and Bumble.

When She Was a Lady in Red 

Many have tried on the faux lock trend for size but no one has been able to pull it off quite like Rihanna (other than Dr. Kari who came up with the infamous goddess faux loc method). A master of the effortless slay she counterbalanced a simple red silk slip dress with oversized faux locs as she stepped out in the New York streets. She kept the accessories to a minimum because-- a great hair style speaks for itself. 

We can’t wait to see how Rihanna brings the heat to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards where “Anti” is nominated in eight separate categories!

 

Since starting Latched and Hooked beauty, we've been on a crusade to spread the word about our intentions on creating a brand that's geared to designing chemically free, synthetic hair extensions for black women (and note we do not make any apologies for creating hair extensionas for a particular group of women). 

Our CEO Tiffini Gatlin, reached out to lifestyle blogger and mom of 2, Mimi of Unlikely Martha after noticing her occassional mentions of wanting to create a different hairstyle for herself, but was undecided and defiantely wasn't considering protective styling. 

Tiffini set out to not only change her mind about protective styling using the crochet method, but wanted to educate Mimi on how this low manipulation hair style would free up so much of her time in the mornings as well as reimagine her entire sleep routine. 

Six weeks later, Mimi is not only still rocking her Zoe Bohemian crochet twists, but she's sharing her personal experience with our product and several ways she's been rocking her twists. 

To read Unlikey Martha's full review check our her review here.