Summer is full of barbecues, beach days, and bikini pics. It’s also full of direct exposure to sunlight which can be harmful to even the healthiest of hair. Luckily the entrance of a new season provides us with the perfect excuse to not only freshen up our wardrobes but also change our hairstyles and beauty routines. As our founder proves daily on social media for many creatives and entrepreneurs no two days are alike, so we asked a few of our favorite busy creatives what their favorite protective styles to rock were when giving their hair a break from the routine.

Actress and founder of Leaders in Lipstick Nate’ Jones said “braids and buns” are her got-to. She described buns as “classy and quick” and said “braids can take long but they last longer.”

Recreate her bold box braids with our new colorful selections.

Lit Brooklyn founder Denequa Williams' go to protective style of choice is a well constructed wig “because of the idea that they aren’t permanent.” She describes them as “literally a temporary decision with zero attachment.”  She’s also fond of “braids and faux locks”. She appreciates “the freedom of them and the ability to imitate any hairstyle with them.”

Looking for a way to embrace the freedom of your protective style? Check out the Latched and Hooked Youtube channel for tips and tricks on how.

Beauty vlogger "Delightful" Ace Watson shared why she prefers “crochet styles” above all others. “They look realistic and they they last for a long time. Wigs are fun but I love the freedom of getting up and going, instead of deciding what wig I should wear next.”

Founder of The Editorial Nail and one of the most celebrated masterminds behind the elaborate nail designs on the TNT break out hit “Claws” likes “cornrows”. With the amount of cover shoots and runway prep the in-demand creative is booked for the low maintenance option is a great pick but she says “I can pretty much rock with any protective styling as long as my hair is protected.”

Trainer Kenisha Brockington is rarely spotted without signature her faux locks. As someone who exercises so frequently she relies on them to help her navigate her “active lifestyle as a health and wellness coach.” She says “the older they get the better they look” and claims that they afford her “twenty minutes of extra sleep because I don't have to twist, comb, or separate my hair in the morning!”

We want to know how your routine is switching up with the seasons! Tag us in your new look!

Photo Credits: Nate' Jones, Gracie Jean, Ace Watson Spiked Spin, Ebony.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

This weekend Brooklyn’s Prospect Park was treated to an explosion of sunshine, colors, and curls. Thousands of women from all across the country flocked to the historic green space to celebrate themselves and one another at Curly Girl Collective’s 4th Annual Curlfest, the largest natural hair festival in the country. Latched and Hooked was on the scene to see all the melanin coated beauty on display as the likes of Spike Lee, Michaela Angela Davis, and Ursula Stephen encouraged self-love and community. While the messages shared were truly impactful the fashion was front row center. Both attendees and influencers were impeccably styled from head to toe.

This young lady rocked mirrored sunglasses, matte pink lipstick, and a killer smile with her curls.

These two curly cuties captured their looks on Snapchat. Recreate their sun tinged colors using our medium size sunburst & coffee curls.

We caught up with the DC based blogger behind My Candi Shoppe. We loved her friend’s faux locks and how she accessorized her curls with a vibrant headwrap but the real star of the show was her mini me!

Get into her daughter Kennedy’s rainbow themed curls! Hair chalk is a great way to allow your child to experiment with expressing themselves.

Feeling like a big kid? Try it risk-free on some crochet curls or twist our kinky bulk hair into a fun chignon.

A long braid was the perfect compliment to bold makeup and a minimal outfit.

Christina Brown of LoveBrownSugar arrived with BabyBrownSugar in tow and BabyBrownSugar number two on board! Curlfest is a family friendly environment and all little naturalistas are welcome.

This young lady’s hair style is totally crotchet! The installation was so flawless that we couldn't look away for a second.

Image activist Michaela Angela Davis posed with celebrity hair stylist Ursula Stephen sporting cornrows (is anyone else glad that they’ve made a comeback?)

This attendee showed her curly girl pride in a mint graphic tee shirt.

The 90’s inspired choker is great but the flat twists and flexible curls are the icing on the cake.

As they do every year, the Ques of curlfest, showed up and showed out in support of the women in attendance.

The founders of the event served looks on stage accompanied by CEO of the presenting sponsor Richelieu Dennis.

Ominous clouds loomed in the distance but clearly Mother Nature was smiling on the girls with curls.

Check out more a few more of our favorite looks below! 

We hope to see you all at next year’s Curlfest!