If you’ve ever been lost down the beauty guru rabbit hole you’ve probably felt like your favorite YouTuber had something you didn’t and they did-countless hours of trial and error. Curls & Couture’s Courtney Danielle might be known for her signature twist out and awesome curl definition now but there was a time when all she had was questions and a rattail comb like the rest of us. Find out how this popular digital influencer acquired the skills to install her own protective styles, her secrets to slaying on #baecation, and what she loves about connecting with all of you below.

Where did you acquire the skills to do your own hair?  

That was trial and error. What I started to do when I was transitioning is I got curly hair and I would teach myself how to do curly hair on weave before I fully went into natural. So by the time I was fully natural I had almost a year of practice doing twist-outs, braid-outs, flexi-rods, all of that. And then anything I wanted to learn I would watch on YouTube or I would ask professionals. Whenever I go to a stylist I’m asking them questions. “What are you doing?” “Why are you doing that?” “Why is this important?” “Why are you using this technique over that technique?”

How does it makes you feel now that YouTubers are learning from you?

I think it’s cool. It makes me happy. I love when people tell me “I learned how to do a flexi-rod set because of you!” I’m like “for real?” It gives me the confidence that I’m doing something right.

How do you take care of your hair when you’re traveling?

Protective styles. That is the number one thing to do because it’s easy as long as I have a protective style I’m good.

How do you deal with TSA limits on liquids in your carryon?

Usually I end up taking a combination of travel size and full time products depending on where I’m going. When I went to Bali I took a full size conditioner but I usually take only one full size product. Whatever styling product I can get hold and moisture with I bring. If I’m doing braids, faux-locks, or crochet I take travel size products.

What are some of your favorite travel-size products? 

Girl+Hair. It’s what I travel with. That and Jane Carter they have a whole travel line. Oh and Devacurl, their super cream, It’s not travel size but it’s a small bottle and it won’t spill in your bag.

How do you use Girl+Hair?

I use it when I go away on vacation I like the ease of it. When you’re doing protective styles you have to really get in between each braid. For me, having that applicator bottle, having the ability to just get up and go and not worrying about diluting my shampoo or diluting conditioner enough so I won't get build up, things like that are important to me. It was really easy to use. I also like companies that start in the home. It’s not a big manufactured product. And I like that she has a science background. The people behind the brand are important to me too.

What made you want to work with Girl+Hair?

They reached out to me sometime last year when I had faux-locks. I liked what they stood for and the fact that they were solely dedicated to under care. There weren’t any brands that did that so that was interesting to me. I thought it was different.

Your boyfriend was featured in a video where he styled your hair. Do you guys share products? How does that work?

Girllll! In the beginning he used to take all my products. He was literally taking products as I was using them. Then I got the Jane Carter men's line and now we both love Jane Carter and I don't have to worry about him taking my stuff!

Do you think that’s a good way to bond in your relationship?

Oh my gosh yes! He loves it. He comes to me like “my curls are popping today!” I have to tell him “alright relax!” Beyond the hair he’s a videographer so he can relate to the creative aspect.

At last year’s Curlfest you wore really long cornrows what are you planning on rocking this year?

I want to do that style of like cornrows in the front with boxbraids in the back or to the side with the hair jewelry. I’m feening to do that! I love charms. I did a festival look for a video and I used them.

One last question. HOW did you create that halo braid?

Haha. I have a fake halo braid I made.

 It’s fake?!

 Yeah. I put my hair in a bun then I use chunky braiding hair and I secure it to the back of the bun and wrap it around. It takes me thirty minutes. If my hair is stretched it takes probably fifteen minutes.

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*This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.  

Photo Credits: Curls & Couture

The glory that is black girl magic is peeking out from behind Ivy covered walls, stomping through the courtyards of historically black college campuses, and taking a strong stance on serious issues. It’s also getting ready to slip on caps and gowns. But as easy as it is to walk single file across that stage to finally collect what’s yours on graduation day it’s not as easy to fit your curls under that cardboard contraption.

But that doesn’t mean you have to cast aside your personal style to be considered suitable for this special occasion. We’ve got a few suggestions for working with your mortarboard instead of against it.

First consider working with the current trend of half up/ half down styles. Celebrities like Issa Rae, and Anika Noni Rose have embraced this look for personal appearances, premieres, and award shows. This style will allow you to slip the cap over the top of your head while allowing the back and sides of your hair to spring free.

This style also works really well with locks (authentic or faux). So feel free to get a protective style for your #gradcation before the big day. 

You can also pull your hair to the side and let a voluminous ponytail flow over one side of your robes. Or even slip charms or ribbons into an oversized braid or some Zoe Twists so that they can catch the camera flashes as you have your moment. Check out how Mini Marley pulled this off the perfect side pony here. 

Plan on sticking with your fail-proof twist-out routine? Twist the sides towards each side of your head and have them meet with bobby pins to accommodate the mortarboard without crushing it.

Looking to show up and show all the way out? Stand out by boldly puffing up your ful fledged fro for all to see and simply pinning the mortarboard to the top of it. The trick to making this option work? Choose straight pins instead of the traditional bobby pins so they will reach all the way into the middle of your fro. Just make sure to remove them and reshape it with a comb before it’s time to pose for pictures.

The number one accessory that you’re going to need is confidence. Since we were little girls we’ve been taught that special occasions require press and curls but what we really need to feel special is self-love.

Congrats to the class of 2017. May your curls shine as brightly as your futures!

Photo Credit: Essence 

While formal events like the Academy Awards and the Met Ball bring out wig snatching couture and breathtaking ball gowns from some of our favorite stars less formal occasions provide the perfect platforms for sharing their personalities!

On-trend styles like mini dresses and metallics may have ruled the night at Sunday night’s 26th Annual MTV Movie Awards but supermodel Jourdan Dunn made a splash by choosing to combine textures. She crushed it in wide legged satin trousers and a velvet off the shoulder blouse from designer Johanna Ortiz.

But what really made the brown British bombshell stand out wasn’t her supple skin or snatched waist it was her showstopping waist-length ponytail. Recreate her look for your next big night out with our kinky bulk hair using the steps below!

1. Start out by washing and blow-drying your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.
2. Part your hair to one side of your face. Don’t forget to place the part on your best side for selfies (and don’t you dare try and act like you haven’t figured out which one that is)!
3. Treat your hair with a leave-in conditioner and then brush it down on both sides with a bristle brush. Remember the focus is on the added hair here so make the base of your initial ponytail as neat as possible.
4. Slick your hair down with an edge control. Try Palmer’s Coconut Oil option if you don’t want one that makes your hair hard and inflexible.
5. Secure your hair with a ponytail holder.
6. Wrap the edge of ponytail with strand of kinky bulk hair.
7. Add additional bulk hair to ponytail. Secure the hair to the initial ponytail with bobby pins. Be careful not to poke yourself by jamming the pins into your head. Insert them at an angle and check to make sure they're secure. 
8. Moisten your fingers with oil or leave-in conditioner and separate hair with your hands.
9. Tease your hair to add volume with a rattail comb.
10. Top off with your favorite lightweight finishing spray!

Finish the look by adding your favorite oversized hooped earrings and a bold lip. We like The Lip Bar’s “Bawse Lady”. Try this look the next time you’re trying to spend your Saturday night styling like one of the original “ Yonce’ “ girls.

Photo Credits: Marie Claire, Malayan Mail, FashionBombDaily

Everyone from the notable to the notorious flooded the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of art for the annual ball of it's costume institute. Feathers and fanfare were plentiful on the first Monday in May but so were kinks and coils as natural hair took it's rightful place at center stage.

Shutting down the stairs was Zendaya. The young woman whose style is no stranger to scrutiny looked like she'd Fluffed her fro with the tears of former fashion police. As the face of Dolce and Gabbana Zendaya has been choosing winner after winner from the iconic label. Her printed gown was no exception but it was her hair that really stole the show. She has really set the standard for how to turn an unfortunate incident into a learning opportunity with her graceful reaction to being discriminated against for wearing faux locks. Clearly the young lady knows that you can slay while turning the other cheek.

Lupita Nyongo complimented her sorbet colored frock with confectionary colored eye shadow and a simple chignon. The hairstyle itself may have been a classic but the texture screamed modern #blackgirlmagic.

Solange Knowles might have taken us back to the 90’s with her interpretation of the night’s theme but her brushed out curls were very now. Some think natural hair has to be uniform to be acceptable but sometimes it's most beautiful when it's allowed to do it's thing. Of course Knowles is no stranger to wearing textured hair on the carpet she wore a similar style to the ball in 2014.

In a choice as unexpected as the ones the woman of hour is famous for actress Ruth Negga rocked cornrows with her Valentino Couture. Negga was accompanied by the brand’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli and pictures of her staring defiantly at the camera beside him nearly broke the internet as black girls the world over rejoiced at her elegance. The Met Ball is a place to branch out and bring your a game but we at Latched and Hooked have always known that natural hair is suitable for any occasion.

If the looks at the 2017 Met Gala are any indication natural hair is here to stay at the First Monday in May.

Photo Credits: New York Times, Daily Mail, Cosmo UK

The number one question we hear from customers is how to keep their scalp clean while wearing synthetic hair extensions. Unlike human hair extensions, synthetic hair can become tangeled and unruly when it gets wet. However, over the years the fiber used to create synthetic hair has gotten a lot more sophisticated and can withstand a lot more than you think. 

Unfortunately beauties, you can not wear any for of protective style for any long period of time without treating your scalp. Imagine if you did not drink any liquids for 3-5 months what would happen to you. Now imagine what your scalp is going through. 

After launching Latched + Hooked we searched for solutions on the market that would help our consumers keep their scalps cleansed, nourished and help with restoring moisture. When Girl + Hair found us--it was like a match made in heaven. 

This product line works! The cleansing shampoo is not a dry shampoo, you have to wash it out. We suggest that when washing out the cleanser that you direct the water on the scalp and not the hair itself. The hair will get damp but do not intentially try to wash the hair, but focus on getting the product out of the scalp. Of course we put it to the test before we decided to make it available to you, so check out our video below on how we use Girl + Hair to not only keep our scalp cleansed but to expand the time in which we can keep our style. 

You can now find the entire Girl + Hair product line in our shop! 

Now that we’ve finally gotten over the fact that Beyonce is sidelined with a case of the baby bumps we can acknowledge that Coachella is coming and with it so is the kick off of festival season! This means lots of denim cut offs, flash tattoos, and Essentia water-- but it also means lots of protective styling. The last thing you want while twirling to DJ Snake and Travis Scott is to worry about whether your curls are still popping.  Festival style is all about low maintenance looks with a big impact so we’ve chosen five ways for you to easily upgrade your look this season. 

1. Slip In Some Flowers

The prolific snapchat filter that’s invaded all of our Instagram profiles, signals the end of the traditional flower crown style. Instead place small flowers like baby’s breathe strategically all over your oversized curls or tuck two or three behind your ear with the help of a few bobby pins. Be sure to tuck a few extra into your clear knapsack in case you over do it at the Future set while you're sharing a coke with your homegirls. 

2. Add a Pop of Color

Not only is protective styling the perfect way to test out a shade you’re considering it can create an instant statement. Weave some pink and purple ombre bulk kinky hair from our Fox Collection into the protective style you choose to light up the night at an EDM show.

3. Stack Up on Charms

While you want your style to be easy you also want it to stand out. Try stacking charms on your twists or faux locks. Check out our selection of hand made charms to personalize your style. 

4. Add a Hat or Visor

No longer just for dejected ladies who lunch, hats are making a comeback. Can’t fit one over your curls choose a neon colored visor.

Many people think you can’t pull up protective styles but that’s definitely not true with Latched and Hooked Hair. Our twists, curls, and bulk hair can be clipped and coiffed to your heart’s desire. Pull your twists up into two oversized knots for a fun style like shoe designer Akilah Stewart did at last year’s Afropunk. This look keeps your hair off of your face; a plus because the sweat that is so disrespectful during the Summer month's is enough to keep you annoyed and searching for cold water--or a fan!

 Bonus: Check out our video below for 5 extra styles you can try with our help!

Photo Credits, Pop Sugar, New York Magazine 

While we absolutely love directly connecting with our customers new and old there is no more effective marketing than word of mouth. We know that your beauty is our biggest billboard and that’s why we’re willing to reward you for sharing how you style your Latched and Hooked curls , twists, and kinks with your friends, family and clients. Our affiliate program provides you with a customized affiliate link, extensive resources and a 10 percent commission on all of your sales! We’ve listed three reasons why you should consider earning some extra cash with our program below!

Because Summer Requires Extra Coins!

There are a ton of great things about summer but a good deal of them require coins. Whether it’s a seasonal beach pass so you can keep cool seaside, a night out on a turned up booze cruise or a dope music festival all that summer fun can come at a steep price. Stay ready so you ain't gotta get ready by stacking up with your sales from Latched and Hooked!

Because It Qualifies as a Resume Booster

Not only does the Latched and Hooked affiliate program give you the potential to finance all those snapchat worthy al fresco brunches you’ve been dreaming of showing off all summer it can potentially contribute to your career! These days everyone is seeking unique methods to supercharge their professional portfolio. What better way to stand out from other candidates than by emphasizing your people skills and marketing savvy while gaining commission on a product that you truly believe in? Use the stats from our live progress monitoring resources to add concrete examples of your achievements.

Because You Can Share Your Slay

Friends that slay together stay together! So convince your friend who is constantly threatening to go natural to do a test drive by assembling a crochet wig from our Mckenzie collection and let your cousin who can recite the dialogue of every Nollywood movie they keep in rotation at her local braiding salon know that with the Zima wig there’s a better way.  The best part? You'll never have to hit your homegirl with a “where you think you goin?” when she matches your fly. 

Photo Credits: BET, Splendidly

So you’ve done it. You ignored your bossy bae, skipped consulting with your stylist, sought blogger inspiration and you just cut it all off. Now you can start rocking that tapered cut you’ve been ogling on Pinterest for six months. There’s just one problem now that you’ve finally shed the dead weight-what do you do with your hair in the meantime! Don’t let being stumped about your current style suck the fun out of your transition. Latched and Hooked’s protective styling options are the perfect hack for you to fake it until you make it. Here are three products that can help you skip from stressed to cute.

Extra Small Curl

Fast forward a full nine months in your natural hair journey by recreating a tapered cut with our extra small curl. This pre-curled textured hair is available in two lengths that can easily be snipped to suit the style of your dreams. See how our model slays sporting them below.

Zima Wig

A woman’s hair is her crowning glory and the time right after a big chop can be very unsettling even for those who have gone through the process before.The Zima Wig is a complete immediate hair style customized to your needs. It’s available with micro-size braids, straight twists, and kinky twists. Having a go to back up hairstyle on deck is a great way to ensure that you can get out of the house in five minutes at all times, at least the times when you’re not trying to get the line of your liquid liner as perfect as our model’s. Unsure how to style it? Check this tutorial. 

Custom Crochet Wig

 Life is so much easier when you can shake, fluff, and go and you can do that with textured hair in braided or wig form. Consider creating a customized crochet wig to imitate the big fluffy curls you had to let go off in favor of creating healthier ones. Use hair in an unexpected color or simply stick to your natural hair texture. Experiment by manipulating the hair at different angles to get different looks. There's nothing you can't accomplish with a latch hook and a little ingenuity-- just ask Chimere Nicole. 

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