Conditioning and limiting heat, among other habits, may help avoid split ends. Even though your hair is robust, it is susceptible to damage from regular wear and strain. The ends of your hair, which are also the oldest component of the hair shaft, may deteriorate and lose their protective coating. Research (Trusted Source) suggests that splitting the hair may expose the inner cortex.
Several reasons may lead to split ends. Some of the most frequent are:
Chemical processing, such as perms and colouring, heat treatments, and harsh combing or brushing may all harm your hair.
Split ends are a frequent hair complaint, but there are techniques to maintain your hair healthy and prevent them from occurring. Let's see how you can accomplish this.
Tips to Prevent Split Ends
Unfortunately, severed ends cannot be treated or repaired. So, if the ends of your hair get damaged or frayed, the only option to remove them is to chop them off.
That's why prevention is essential for keeping your hair healthy and free of split ends. Although you may not be able to totally prevent split ends, you may be able to restrict how often they occur.
Let's take a look at seven ideas and procedures to help prevent split ends.
1. Be gentle after shampooing your hair.
To avoid damaging wet hair, carefully care for it after washing and conditioning.
Some individuals massage their hair dry with a towel, which may be damaging. Rubbing excessively might lead to hair damage. It may damage hair cuticles, leading to split ends or frizz.
Instead of rubbing your hair dry, use a towel to prevent breakage and damage.
2. detangle your hair.
Tangled hair, wet or dry, is difficult to comb or brush. Always detangle your hair before drying, brushing, or style.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests using a wide-toothed comb. The broader teeth design helps the comb to glide through your hair without harming the ends or creating breaking.
3. Hydrate your hair.
Keeping your locks moisturised is also essential for avoiding split ends. Dryness weakens hair, particularly at the ends, leading to breakage and split ends.
A weekly hair mask may help provide moisture to your hair. A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that adds moisture to your hair while reducing frizz and dryness. A mask may also lessen the chance of hair damage, leaving hair softer and shinier.
A hair mask generally contains more concentrated components than an immediate conditioner. The mask may remain on your hair for up to 20 minutes, many hours, or overnight.
You may purchase a ready-made hair mask or create your own using the following ingredients:
- Coconut oil.
- Aloe Vera
- Honey
- Olive oil bananas
4. Turn down the heat.
Using hot equipment on your hair, particularly on a regular basis, may cause it to dry out and alter the structure of its proteins.
Allow your hair to air dry after washing, then style it without using a curling iron, flat iron, or blow dryer.
If you have to use hot equipment, attempt to reduce the heat setting. To prevent heat damage, add a heat protectant before blow-drying or styling.
5. Avoid over brushing.
Your hair does not require 100 brush strokes every day. That is a myth. In fact, brushing your hair too often might cause breakage and split ends.
Instead, brush your hair to style it or make it seem neater. Avoid pulling or tugging on your hair when brushing or combing it, and use a detangling solution if you need to remove knots.
6. Sleep on silk pillowcases.
Protecting your hair at night may also help prevent split ends. To prevent friction when sleeping, use a silk or satin pillowcase instead of cotton.
Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase enables your hair to slide over the pillow. Reduced friction between the pillowcase and your hair may assist to reduce hair damage and breaking.
To preserve your hair at night, consider using a silk scarf.
7. Increase the period between hair treatments
Chemical treatments, such as colouring, perming, or relaxing your hair, may be taxing, particularly if you are undergoing many treatments at once.
You may take some precautions to reduce the likelihood of hair damage, breaking, and split ends:
Allow longer time between treatments. If feasible, allow 8 to 10 weeks between touch-up procedures.
Only one sort of chemical therapy at a time. The AAD recommends relaxing or perming your hair before undergoing many treatments. If you want to colour your hair, wait two weeks before having it done.
Apply a hair mask once a week or apply quick conditioner whenever you wash your hair.
Is there any way to hide split ends?
Split ends cannot be repaired, however they may be made less visible. Apply coconut oil, almond oil, or any moisturiser to the ends of your hair. These products enhance shine and smooth your hair, helping to disguise split ends.
Another alternative is to choose hairstyles that disguise your ends. You may style your hair in a low or high bun or use hair extensions.
Keep in mind that split ends may spread and damage the hair shaft. To avoid additional damage, you should clip or cut damaged hair.
The takeaway
Split ends cannot be repaired after they have formed; the only alternative is to trim them. That is why prevention is essential for maintaining your hair free of split ends and breakage.
Taking care of your hair and avoiding certain behaviours may help to improve its general health and beauty.