Split Ends

Split Ends Driving You Crazy?


Split ends on hair are unsightly, irritating and can’t be completely fixed, but split ends can be treated and prevented by using the correct hair products.

How to fix split ends


The simplest way to fix split ends is to trim them off. If a split ends haircut isn’t an option, you can temporarily seal the strands and keep your hair looking healthy and sleek to prevent further breakage by using the right hair products.

For in-depth information about what causes split ends, see our split ends FAQ below.

Split Ends FAQ

Although it may seem like split ends appear overnight, it takes a while for the damage that causes them to build up. It’s important to identify the causes of your split ends and to strengthen your hair over time to stop future damage.

Information

A simple split ends definition is to say the tip of a person’s hair literally splits in two from dryness or damage. Another split ends meaning is that the hair shaft cleaves at the ends creating a fork or V-shape.

If you understand how split ends form, it’s easier to know how to treat and prevent them. Split ends happen when the outermost layer of the hair shaft, the cuticle, is damaged. The cortex of the hair is exposed and this can lead to breakage, dry hair ends, dead ends and, ultimately, to split ends.

The end of the hair strand literally splits into two or more pieces, similar to a frayed end of a rope or piece of string. Unfortunately, split ends are more common and visible in certain hair types, colours and styles.

Split ends in natural hair are less common than in colour-treated hair because the chemicals used in colouring products can damage and dry the cortex. Split ends on short hair and styles are less likely because frequent cutting removes the broken hair.

Splits ends all over hair that’s long and badly damaged are, unfortunately, easy to spot, as are split ends on wavy hair.

On black hair, split ends tend to show quicker. They often start as white dots that look like specks of dust that subsequently fray further. Split ends on black hair can be caused by improper detangling, brushing wet hair or harsh hair treatments.

Split ends in 4C hair happen often because it’s very fragile. Luckily, due to the hair’s frizzy appearance, split ends can be well hidden if the damage is at an early stage.

There are several reasons for split ends. Some people are genetically more prone to getting them. Also, split ends are most likely on colour-treated long hair that’s cut infrequently.

But the causes of split ends are really down to how you treat and care for your hair. The main split ends causes are:

  • harsh brushing and detangling
  • heat styling
  • chemical and colour treatments
  • frequent washing
  • tying hair with rubber bands
  • using incorrect hair products.

It’s normal to get split ends after bleaching or colouring your hair. Split ends after colour treatment happen because the chemicals dry and damage your hair. If you colour your hair frequently, you should trim the ends often and regularly use nourishing and protective hair treatments.

Although split ends due to heat styling is another main cause, you can still get split ends without heat. Don’t pack away your hair dryer or iron. Instead, improve the overall condition of your hair by using core hair products. Heat protectant products will enrich your hair and shield it from heat damage.

No. Split ends and dry hair go hand in hand. Both are common among people with different hair types. Split ends and frizzy hair are common, but so are split ends and long, straight hair. It doesn’t indicate anything about your health or physical wellbeing.  

Split ends and breakage are easy to treat with good hair products and by adopting healthy hair habits.

They won’t go away without being trimmed, but split ends can be made to look and feel better.

With a good treatment regimen and a little patience, you can seal and bind split ends to the point where they’re practically invisible.

Tips

Step 1: Cleanse gently

Existing split ends on the cuticle surface can be treated with a moisture injection of hydrating ingredients and natural oils. Choose a sulphate-free shampoo with moisturising keratin, vitamin E or natural oils. Rinse with cold water.

Wash your hair only when necessary. Over-washing can dry out the hair and worsen split ends.

Step 2: Condition

Conditioners with a hydrating cocktail of ingredients will flatten the hair cuticles and make your hair appear less dry, split and damaged.

Remember to condition your hair after every wash. Leave the product in for as long as possible. Rinse hair with cool water, as it’s less harsh.

Step 3: Treat the damage

Add a split ends repair treatment that corrects moisture imbalances to your cleansing routine. Consistent use will help bind frayed cuticles and prevent split ends from forming in the future.

Step 4: Protect

Avoid excessive heat by using a cooler setting on your hairdryer, straightening iron or curling tongs. Protect your hair with heat-protective products such as spray, leave-in serums and styling creams.

Even if you have split ends all over your hair, there are fantastic products available to mend dry, frayed hair from root to tip.

Generally, products should be free of sulphates and harsh chemicals, and contain moisture-enhancing ingredients to repair and protect the hair at the same time.

Have a look at these core products.

You may ask, why cut split ends? It’s important to remember that once your hair is split it can’t be completely repaired. Split ends can be improved and temporarily sealed through gentle care and the use of good hair products.

So, try to have a gentle trim every four to six weeks. The timeframe will depend on your hair type and style.

If you have very fine or very coarse hair, or frequently dye or heat style your hair, you might need more frequent trims. These hair types are prone to breakage and splitting. Colour-treated hair should have a split ends trimmer with every treatment.

Bear in mind that over-trimming with a razor or thinner can split and damage already weak hair further.

Cutting is a short-term solution. A split ends trimmer will remove broken tips, but they’re likely to return if your hair is damaged.

The best split ends remedy is to fix the overall health of your hair with a regimen of moisture-enhancing products. Once your hair’s moisture balance has returned, split ends shouldn’t reappear.

Focus on achieving healthy hair as a long-term split ends treatment.

Misc

It’s not always necessary to cut split ends. However, the condition of your hair will worsen if you don’t use any split ends repair treatments.

The main reason to cut split ends is to stop the hair shafts from splitting further. Hair that’s severely dry and damaged will benefit from a good trim.

Split ends won’t stop your hair from growing longer. But can split ends grow? Yes. Split ends can grow very long and your hair break off. This makes it appear as if split ends have stopped hair growth.

There are quite a few split ends home remedies, but hairdressers recommend using specially-formulated products with a combination of moisture-enhancing ingredients.

Look for treatment products that contain natural products such as coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba and vitamin E to repair broken hair bonds and seal cuticles to prevent further damage.

You don’t want to fix split ends, look for a split ends cure or know how to get rid of split ends. What you need to know is how to prevent split ends.

The best way to prevent split ends is to treat your hair gently, have a professional trim every four to six weeks and to nourish it with the correct hair products. Simple.