June 2020 – Softbootrain.com

Easy Tips You Should Know About Natural Hair Growth

Natural hair has found a firm place in the spotlight and more women than ever are shunning chemical relaxers in favour of their natural manes. But nobody likes the sight of their strands breaking or, equally, having to deal with them being excessively dry and fragile all the time. So if you’re ready to put down the relaxers and promote your natural hair growth but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are natural hair growth tips you should take into account before taking the leap.
You don’t have to cut everything off straight away
When you’ve sported long, relaxed hair for a while, the thought of going super short can be quite worrying – especially if you never tried it before. While going for the ‘big chop’ (cutting off all of your hair in one fell swoop) is the fastest and boldest way to transition, rest assured and know that you don’t have to take this route.
Change it up
All the products that you’ve used on your relaxed hair won’t benefit your natural mane as much, so you’ll need new ones that specifically target the needs of your brittle, dry, and dehydrated strands. It’s easy to get carried away and become a product junkie, but generally, sticking to the same products will help your hair in the long run.
Expect a lot of breakage (but don’t panic!)
Nobody likes the sight of their strands breaking, but it is something you’ll experience a lot during the journey. As your natural hair growth comes through, dealing with two textures will start to become a challenge.
The line between these two textures (relaxed and natural hair) is often referred to as the ‘line of demarcation’ (where your hair is at its weakest and extremely prone to breakage). In order to reduce breakage as much as possible, you’ll need to build up your mane’s strength by keeping it in tip-top shape and following a strict natural hair care routine.
It’s all about moisturising
When you relax your hair, all your protein bonds are broken down and it loses its moisture. So the aim of the game is to restore both moisture and protein with weekly deep conditioning treatments. And it’s all about balance. If you add too much protein, your hair will become brittle while too much moisture will make it go limp.
Scalp care
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp so it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that the key to natural hair growth starts with proper scalp care.
To encourage healthy hair growth ensure your scalp is nourished by stimulating blood circulation with daily scalp massages. Simply use a hair oil and your fingers to massage your scalp in a circular motion for a few minutes a day.
Heat doesn’t have to be the enemy
When thinking about how to grow natural hair, using a hairdryer or a straightener every so often for a change of style isn’t sacrilegious. Just make sure to always apply a heat protecting spray before using any heated styling tools, and that includes a hairdryer and diffuser.
Protective styling
When thinking about how to grow natural hair, we recommend opting for hairstyles that will protect your hair from everyday elements.
From box braids, twists to cornrows, there is a number of stunning protective hairstyles waiting to be discovered. Not only are they incredibly stylish and versatile, but they’re low-maintenance too
All it takes is a little faith
Transitioning is a timely process that will involve a lot of trial and error, but it will be so worth it once your stronger, natural hair growth comes through. So don’t give up! Trust us, you’ll have beautiful, healthier-feeling and less damaged-looking hair in the end. Besides, it also gives you time to perfect those protective hairstyles and become a hair care expert.

Healthy Hair Habits You Should Practice

The resurgence of women rocking their naturally textured hair is a beautiful thing! But somewhere along the line, many have become more preoccupied with length than with the health of their hair. What they don’t realize is that once you focus more on maintaining its health, length will come. Here are some healthy hair habits you should practice, which will ultimately help you reach any hair length goals you might have.

Feed Your Hair
This can’t be stressed enough: healthy hair starts from within. We’re not saying you have to become vegan, but you should include healthy fruits and veggies in your diet and drink lots of water. If you’re someone who has a hard time with vegetables, blending up a fruit and veggie smoothie is an easy and tasty way to get your daily dose. This will give your hair follicles the nutrients needed to help your strands thrive.
Take Your Vitamins
A daily supplement like our Advanced Healthy Hair Vitamins will work along with your diet to fill in whatever nutrients you might be lacking and promote healthy hair growth.
Be Careful with Heat
As the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Too much heat too often can lead to damage, and eventually your hair won’t revert back to its natural state. Also, too much or improper use of heat can lead to dry, brittle hair, breakage, and split ends.
Cleanse Hair & Scalp Regularly
Yes, healthy hair starts from within, but it also needs a clean, healthy environment from which to grow. A dirty scalp full of buildup can clog pores and follicles and essentially slow down healthy growth. And frankly, dirty hair is just not sanitary!
Use Fingertips When Cleansing
Depending on how your scalp feels come wash day, a good scratch might feel really good. But using your fingernails could cause unnecessary damage to the scalp. The pads of your fingers, along with a little pressure, is all you need for a thorough cleanse.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Shampoos containing sulfates strip the hair of its natural moisture. Instead, reach for a moisturizing shampoo like our Babassu Oil Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo to gently cleanse while moisturizing the hair.
Deep Condition
Our hair needs help in the moisture department because of the shape of our hair. So, as the final step in your wash routine, follow up with a good deep conditioner to infuse moisture into the hair.
Use Deep Conditioner As Directed
Overnight conditioning may be popular, but it’s unnecessary, and it could cause damage to your strands. There’s no need to leave your deep conditioner on for longer than the time period recommended in the directions. Check out our post on deep conditioner to learn more!
Gently Detangle From End to Root
Curly and kinky hair needs lots of TLC. When getting the tangles out, start from the very ends, then slowly and gently work your way up to the roots to cut down on breakage.
Moisturize & Seal
Continuing the process, applying product to your hair while it’s still damp is the most effective way to retain moisture. Use a leave-in conditioner with your choice of styler, along with an organic hair oil to seal in moisture, to keep your hair healthy, soft, and manageable.
Get Regular Trims
Some may find this counteractive to growth, but trimming your hair gets rid of broken and split ends that could lead to more damage. Nipping damage in the bud with a trim about once every season (or as needed) will keep the hair at its healthiest.
Wear Protective Styles
Tucking your hair away in styles that require little to no manipulation for a few days or a few months will help you retain lengt
Protect the Hair at Night
Keep hair moisturized and less prone to breakage by wrapping it up with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night. If you prefer to leave your hair free, a satin pillowcase will do just fine! Check out our post on protecting your natural hair for more tips.
Massage Your Scalp
A soothing scalp massage every few nights will help stimulate the hair follicles and help with blood flow to the scalp to encourage healthy growth..
Don’t Stress
This is easier said than done, but the best thing you can do for your hair is to simply relax. Whether it’s worrying about your hair length or anything else, stress will often show up in our skin as well as our hair. So try to reduce your stress as much as possible.

How to Choose the Best necklace for any occasion

Who said that perfect jewelry doesn’t exist? If you have a great taste in necklaces, you can rock every occasion with the right type of necklace. Choosing the best type of necklace is not some rocket science; all you have to do is keep in mind which outfit you are wearing and for what occasion. With a perfect necklace, anyone can enhance or complete an outfit. They really are a great accessory, but you have to be careful while combining it with your clothes, because the right necklace looks depends on the type of dress you wear.
We all keep the occasion in mind before selecting a piece of jewelry. So, here is the guide on how to choose the best necklace for different occasions to complement your beauty
For Office
With formal wear, it is always a difficult task to select a neckpiece. Formal occasions include conferences, funerals, office meetings, etc. where you can’t overdo anything with your look. Wear a minimalist piece of the necklace when going for any formal occasion.
There is nothing better than the platinum or silver chic chain. They can easily go with a regular shirt and formal pants or skirts. Choose from the stunning collection of the necklace from sterling silver necklaces wholesale showroom. If you want to be unique, then break the rule of wearing only a plain necklace in the office, by simply putting a choker or rope chain with your favorite work outfit.
For Wedding
Weddings and receptions are occasions where you can wear intricate and heavy necklaces. But always think about the balance between everything, including the size and length of your necklace. If your dress has a round neckline, choose a piece of medium-sized jewelry that matches with the overall look.
If you are a guest at the wedding, do not exaggerate your jewelry. You can wear a locket or light pendant, but wearing an appealing necklace may not work as the entire focus would go to the necklace rather than the outfit.
If you are the bride, keep in mind that your necklace should primarily match with your gown. Wear a pearl necklace if you want to keep your look simple. Pearl necklaces are best if you want to accentuate your gown.
For The Party
If you have decided to wear a strapless dress for the party, then try chokers and short necklaces. With plunging or V necklines, wear lengthy chains or single strand chains. You can also layer two or three chains together on top of each other to increase the visual look of your upper body. Organize the chains by their lengths. Start with the shortest chain first and then wear the long ones. Two to three chains are the least you can go with, but four or five chains look more fantastic. Always choose to wear the latest and conventional designs in necklaces.
For Casual Gatherings
Long necklaces with a bold pendant add the right amount of edge to a simple shirt, t-shirt, or dress and give it an elegant and casual look for the day. If your dress is already colored and has details with a specific shade, choose a necklace with the same shade to ensure a balanced appearance.
The design of the necklace you wear determines the look you want to present to others. Simple shapes and textures, like the large color beads, are ideal for staying simple and providing a limited touch of sophistication. In any social gathering, one should try to showcase their own style and taste.
For a Date
For a memorable date, wear something classic yet sexy. Find the perfect pendant to match with your taste in jewelry and wear it with your best possible outfit. For a movie date, wear something bold and dazzling because when the lights will off, there would be a focus on you.

How to Choose the Correct Kitchen Style for Your Home

The kitchen is the main gathering place and the central hub of any home. Cooking and eating is merely a limited perspective on the workings and functionality of a kitchen area. It is often used as a gathering area for friends and family and is the most used room in the household. Choosing the right style to fit in with the rest of the house and also maximise its potential can be daunting. In this article, I will go through different factors that you should consider when choosing your kitchen style.
Architecture
The architecture of your home can play an important factor on the right kitchen style for you. If the kitchen theme you desire conflicts the overall build of the home, incorporating elements of both modern and traditional kitchens is the best solution for you. These two combined will create a transitional effect that complement each other and bring the two themes seamlessly together.
If your home displays elements of the Victorian Era, then a contemporary kitchen with contrasting colours and a somewhat minimal design would look out of place. On the contrary, a traditional kitchen would also look out of place in a new build home. Once you have the history of your home, the rest will easily fall into place.
Kitchen Functionality
Bypassing all of the home styles that are currently determining the style of your kitchen, take a step back and think about how you will use your kitchen. If you are an individual that likes to entertain in the kitchen and have guests round to gather in that area then having a special design is essential.
If you live in a busy family home then the best tip I can give you would be to stay away from high gloss and stainless steel. If you have little ones running around then you will find your children’s fingerprints get everywhere!
If you’re a chef in the making and absolutely love cooking then ensuring you have a large amount of counter space is an intelligent choice. Also consider integrating your appliances into your kitchen in a place that suits you. You might even want to get an AGA or a range cooker!
Other Rooms in the Home
This tip is more common sense than anything…take a look at the other rooms inside your home. Do they follow a similar pattern? If you take a look inside the other rooms and find that they follow a similar style and colour scheme, you should format your kitchen around these. This will ensure that the kitchen fits in and does not appear to be a detached room that doesn’t belong.
Take notes of the colour choices and the furniture that you have in other rooms. If your home mainly consists of neutral colours and patterned furniture then a traditional kitchen would fit in with the cosier nature that your home portrays. On the other hand, modern kitchens seem to be the more appropriate option in a brighter, more airy home.
Home Layout
The layout of your home does play a significant part in the overall style of kitchen that you choose. If you find your home is open plan then a modern and contemporary styled kitchen with a large island would be a perfect match.
A Personal Touch
Don’t just let the factors inside your home determine the overall style of your kitchen. Your personality, likes and dislikes can also play a huge role in choosing your style. If you like bright colours then a contemporary style kitchen would suit you better. On the other hand, if you’re a person that appreciates wood grain and natural colours then a traditional style would probably suit you better.

Tips of Buying Women’s Leggings

There are so many different types of womens leggings that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to buying womens leggings so that you can find what works best for you and your needs.
Womens gym leggings
The leggings you buy will be dependant on your goals and current training style. When it comes to gym leggings, there’s plenty of choice and you don’t need to worry so much about performance, instead focusing on appearance and style.
Womens running leggings
When it comes to running leggings, you need a product that will perform at a high level and will stay comfortable as the miles tick over. There’s nothing worse than heading out for a long run but having to turn back early because your leggings are driving you mad by slipping down or riding up. Your running leggings also need to have pockets for your valuables and reflective trim for running at night.
Black leggings
Everyone needs their staple pair of black leggings. The worst thing is buying a pair and then discovering they go see-through when you bend over due to cheap or thin material. That’s why it’s important to read reviews and to invest in a quality pair of black leggings made from premium materials.
Capri leggings
Capri leggings are a typed of cropped legging which are perfect for training in warmer weather. If you don’t want to wear heavy, thick gym tights, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good pair of cropped leggings. Most sportswear brands will have a cropped version of their long leggings.
High waisted leggings
We all love a good pair of high waisted sports leggings to flatter our figure and skim our curves where it matters. High waisted leggings are also perfect paired with a stylish sports bra or crop top for effortless style which can translate to casual everyday wear as well as gym attire. Make sure the leggings come as high as you want without being too high so as to restrict your movement.

Get the right fit for your workout

Wearing the right gear isn’t just about fitting in at the gym – it can actually affect your performance.
Difference the right kit can make to your workout is significant.
“Put simply, purpose-designed clothing enhances your workout and makes you perform better, while poor quality or poorly designed clothing works against your body,” he says.
“Purpose-designed clothing moves with you through whatever activity you’re doing. So, for example, I design our training and running apparel to be featherweight, flexible and seamless to deliver maximum comfort (and minimum chafing!) while out on a long run or doing a hard session in the gym.
“The technical details are really important. Features like all-way flex (or four-way flex) fabric that stretches left and right and up and down, means your movement isn’t restricted, moisture wicking technology that draws moisture away from your body, keeps you cool, welded seams reduce chafing, while treatments like Polygiene assists odour control by breaking down certain bacteria that cause you to stink.
“If you’re not wearing clothing that features at least some of these technical components then, trust me, you’re going to feel it and it’s not going to be pleasant.”
While many men aren’t fans of shopping, Colin says wearing old or ill-fitting clothing isn’t doing them any favours.
“Also, guys wearing the most random colours, or buying things that are too young for them. It’s OK to be 35-years-old and wearing more sophisticated gear,” he says.
“Rather than looking at the latest colour or print that’s in style, my inspiration comes from working with our ambassadors, like we recently did with our collaboration with Australian landscape photographer William Patino .”
When it comes to that much-debated trend of taking activewear out of the gym and on to the street, Colin says it’s not just acceptable – it’s kind of the point.
“More and more men are looking for clothes that are multifunctional; that is, gear that they can work out in and then wear to catch up with their mates afterwards, or vice versa,” he says.
“We were seeing guys come into our stores with shopping bags from athletic brands and lifestyle brands, so we created a collection that includes tees and chinos that can be worn casually or in the gym and on the golf course.
“Our SQUAD tees are another great example. While they’re geared more at the lifestyle category a lot of our customers are wearing them in the gym. It’s all about personal preference at the end of the day.”
If that’s convinced you to upgrade your kit, here are three things to look for when you hit the shops:

FOCUS ON FIT
Colin says the No. 1 mistake men make when shopping for activewear is buying garments that are too small. “A bit of room is OK, particularly when you’re working out, as otherwise you chafe,” he says. “You want a fit that works with you, not against you. Like for running, you want something super lightweight that gives you freedom to move, whereas when you’re in the gym you’re probably going to want something that’s really flexible that’s not going to ride up or pull when you’re squatting.”
FEEL THE FABRIC
“Pay attention to not just feel, but how it stretches – is it flexible? All our training and running shorts are built with all-way flex fabric, which stretches in every direction. This is the kind of fabric you should be looking for if you want maximum flexibility. Also, look at how lightweight it is – will it move with you or feel like a ton of bricks? The easiest way to do this is to obviously pick it up and try it on. Finally, look to see if the fabric is ‘moisture wicking’ as this will help control sweat and keep you cool.”
FAVOUR FUNCTION
Colin says this will depend on your purpose for buying the gear, but an important feature to look for in nearly all activewear is breathability. “This one’s a bit trickier to tell right off the bat. If the label doesn’t tell you, then look for mesh panelling or little perforated holes that allow for ventilation. Another one, and one that often gets missed, is the seams. How the seams are constructed will affect whether or not you get chafing when you work out. Look for seamless construction, or welded seams. Finally, look for treatments like Polygiene to help control how much you stink after a workout!”