Are split end getting in your way of achieving a long and luscious length of your hair? Well, you are not the only one.
Most of us have split ends, and how we deal with them makes the difference between looking amazing, and looking just regular.
Your healthy-looking locks might end up looking like an unkempt mess due to heat styling, towel dry, and even the way you sleep.
With that in mind, today, we will talk about how to get rid of split ends.
Chapter Overview
What are split ends?
Split ends are the result of the fraying or separating of the hair strand into two or more fragments. Why does it happen? It is all thanks to damage caused by excessive stress on the hair follicle, usually by chemical or mechanical tools.
Split ends occur when the protective outer layer wears away because of the stress and trauma. Once the internal structure of the hair becomes exposed, it becomes weak, damaged, and dehydrated, resulting in split ends.
Some might say that the only way for how to get rid of split ends completely is to cut them. But there are other things you can do to prevent split ends, and then try to treat the issue.
Causes of split ends
We mentioned that split ends are caused by chemical or mechanical tools. Here is a quick breakdown of some of the causes of split ends.
Some of our bad hair habits are the blame. For starters, hot shower, brushing out tangles, sleeping with the hair tied back, or even putting the hair up in a towel after a shower.
All of these bad hair habits, which we do on a daily basis, can lead to hair breakage, and eventually, split ends.
The next huge factor on the list is heat styling. If you use styling tools like straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers frequently, you can expect to have split ends.
All of these hair styling products strip the hair of moisture, which will make it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Chemical treatments, including dying and bleaching your hair are two other causes of split ends. Both of these weaken the integrity of the hair strands.
Speaking of hair treatments, even using the wrong hair products can cause split ends. There are many products that are full of drying agents, alcohol, fragrances, and other chemicals that strip your hair of nourishment.
Bad nutrition, while small, it is still a factor. Some might say it is the biggest factor.
Diet low in iron will result in hair loss, hair breakage, and more issues. Your hair needs nutrients to nourish it from the inside. Deliver those.
Last, but not least, there is one factor that might be out of your control. That is the climate and the weather.
Sun exposure, lack of humidity in the air, pollutants in the air, all of these can cause dryness and hair breakage.
Tips for Reducing Split Ends
Use a wide-tooth comb
We mentioned previously that detangling and brushing vigorously can cause split ends.
To prevent that, use a wide-tooth comb for detangling after applying conditioner in the shower. Comb until all of the tangles are out.
Leave-in conditioner
You can say this is a way of faking healthy hair. But use it until you get to healthy hair.
Spraying a touch of leave-in conditioner throughout the lengths of hair while it is still damp will add extra protection to the strands. You can then style it safely, and prevent any damage done by styling tools.
We also recommend using hair oil or serum on the mid-length of your hair to hydrate and smooth down the cuticle.
For a more polished and sleek look, add a bit more hair oil on the ends, once your hair is completely dry.
Hair extensions
Hair extensions are a great way to hide your split ends. You can also use them to add some flair, fullness, and length to your hair.
Hair extensions are great even for healthy-looking hair. If you lack thickness and length, hair extensions can provide that.
Nourish your hair from the inside
We mentioned previously how important it is to nourish your hair from the inside. That means consuming foods that improve the health of your hair. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fat, and protein is the way to go.
Two ingredients you want for healthy hair growth are biotin and folic acid. Biotin can be found in walnuts, brown rice, and lentils. Folic acid, on the other hand, can be found in leafy greens and oranges.
Be gentle with hair accessories
Forget accessories that can harm your hair. We all want accessories every now and then, but they can damage your hair. Use only covered elastics with no metal piece to tie your hair into a pony.
Reduce heat on straighteners
This is a secret tip many stylists will not tell you. You do not need high or maximum heat on your hair straightener to get the result you want.
Many women make the mistake of putting the straightener up to the highest setting. That works when you are in a hurry or your hair is super-thick.
But here is the secret. Putting the straightener to the highest heat setting will not make your hair straight any faster.
The misconception, or the myth, if you like to call it that, is that the hotter the tool, the better and longer-lasting your blow-dry or curly hairstyle will be. Wrong.
The high temperature will only do more damage to your hair.
How to blow dry properly?
Speaking of using heat tools, let’s talk about what is the right and proper way to blow-dry your hair. Always use a nozzle on the dryer to control and direct the flow of hair.
Dry your hair in a downward direction, and then section it off. Dry it completely with a round brush. Using this technique, you will spend less time with intense heat straight on the hair.
We recommend drying your hair up to 90%, before picking up the blow-dryer.
How often to cut Your Hair?
We said previously that for some people, the only way to get rid of split ends is to cut their hair. Well, while that is a nice solution, you should not cut your hair too often. Regular trims are the best protection against split ends.
Many people ask, how often is enough?
Well, that is a question that requires a different answer. We are all different people, and our hair grows at a different rate. Some people consume more foods that support hair growth, others do not.
Generally speaking, when you see that the hair is starting to break, it is time to get trimming. As for timing, trimming every four to six weeks is the recommended timeframe by hairstylists.
However, if you are trying to grow your hair out, trim it for the first time after four months, and then every six to twelve weeks.
