Split ends are an inevitable part of every person with long hair’s life – once you start to notice them, it seems they never end. It’s instinct to think that with a fresh cut, your split ends will go away. But that’s not always the case – the cause and resolution can go so much deeper than that. This article will dive into the cause of split ends, how to prevent them, and the best treatment for them so you can put a stop to them once and for all!
Preached about by your hairstylist and targeted ad campaigns, the issue of split ends is a universal experience. The degrees in which you get them vary from person to person, depending on hair type and lifestyle choices.
Goldilocks.com explains the science behind split ends as when “the protective cuticle is worn away from the end of hair fibers, they begin to fray and split, signaling distress within our strands. Left untreated, split ends can pave the way for further damage, leaving hair looking lackluster, dry, and lifeless”.
Heat can also be a culprit of split ends. The more heat and the hotter your tools are, the more damage you are likely to cause, breaking the hair fibers and causing split ends. You’re equally as likely to develop them if you have prolonged exposure to the sun and various other factors.
Here’s a list of things to avoid if you want to prevent split ends at the source
Avoiding triggers of split ends isn’t always possible, so how else can you prevent split ends? The biggest reason your split ends are happening is because of low moisture in your hair. Dry hair = fragile hair.
This is the main reason hair stylists recommend washing your hair less often, keeping your natural oils building up and moisturizing your hair. It’s also recommended that once a month, you follow up on your routine with a hair mask or deep conditioner to help your hair maintain its oils and moisture and break less.
It is also wise to avoid the chemicals in chlorine, hair dyes, and other products that can be the main cause of split ends. The best practice is to use hot tools and dyes as sparingly as possible and let your hair dry naturally instead of using excessive heat. Always ask your stylists before your session how you can limit the damage to your hair, and they will advise you on the best practices based on your lifestyle.
Another cause of split-ends is throwing your hair up in a ponytail before you sleep. Often thought of as a good practice to get it out of your face and protect it from the tossing and turning the night could bring – it can damage your hair while you sleep. Invest in yourself by buying satin or silk pillowcases that prevent friction so you’re not causing damage overnight. Tie your hair up with a gentle hair tie that doesn’t hurt your scalp or pull on your hair, and sleep peacefully at night knowing you will wake up with fresh and healthy hair.
While prevention is crucial, sometimes you need to treat your split ends to get back to healthy hair and restore moisture. You can start small by investing in quality products with minimal chemicals that will leave your hair soft and moisturized and bring quality hair masks and conditioning treatments into your routine. You can avoid heat triggers by always using a heat protectant spray and choosing heartless options like air drying your hair or sleeping in heatless curlers.
Getting frequent haircuts will also help maintain your hair and its health. The more often you see a professional for a touch-up, the stronger your hair will grow and the healthier it will look. Not all triggers of split ends are avoidable or treatable, but with a few small steps of prevention, your hair can look healthier and happier than ever.
Healthline.com says the best treatment for split ends are a few things, but their favorites are hair masks; they offer “ deep conditioning treatments that help restore moisture to hair and strengthen hair shafts. They’re great for concealing split ends and improving your hair’s overall appearance”. They also recommend using leave-in conditioners and applying them to “clean, gently towel-dried hair. Sectioning your hair during application may help you apply the conditioner correctly from roots to tips. You can find hair masks and leave-in conditioners at most drug stores and beauty supply stores, or you can make your own”.
