March 28, 2011 – Split ends are a common problem that every woman and even men face. Split ends, known also as trichoptlosis, usually occur when the cuticle is damaged and the fibres of the cortex (the inner layer of the hair) are unraveled. Split ends are more likely to develop in long, dry and brittle hair. Once your hair is weakened by coloring, heating, UV damage the cuticles will start to lift, leaving the cortex vulnerable to splitting.

What causes split ends?
• frequent blow-drying
• using curling iron
• using straightening iron
• vigorous brushing
• excessive dying of hair
• not trimming your hair regularly
• insufficient conditioning
• excessive heat styling
• using too much hair coloring products
• using a wrong hairbrush
• frequent chemical treatments
• improper hair care
• over washing

You probably know that regular use of straightening iron (flat iron), blow-dryer, curling iron, and hot rollers can seriously damage your hair, making it brittle and dry, especially if your hair is fine. The intense heat may encourage split ends, since the heat dries the hair’s cuticles and makes your hair prone to breakage. It’s essential to use heat protecting products every time you blow-dry or straighten your hair. There are some wonderful products on the market that provide a great protection against the heat while nourishing the hair at the same time.

Another cause of split ends is vigorous brushing or combing the hair. Many women brush their hair straight after washing it but this seriously damage the hair and causes split ends because the hair is more vulnerable to splitting after shampooing. Never brush wet hair, never. Use a wide-tooth comb instead and comb your hair very gently. Choose a natural-bristle brush that won’t pull on hair and stay away from metal, nylon or plastic brushes.

Not trimming your hair regularly is the main cause of split ends. If your hair is prone to splitting you should trim your hair regularly (every five of six weeks) to get rid of split ends and prevent further breakage.
The harmful UV rays and the wind cause split ends to travel up the hair shaft causing a fracture in the hair. That is why it’s essential to protect your hair all-year-round, especially during the summer months. Use hair products with UV filters and wear hats or head scarves.

How to get rid of split ends

There is no need to tell you that the best way to get rid of split ends is to trim your hair regularly. Have your hair trimmed by a hairdresser every five or six weeks; this way you will keep the ends neat and prevent further breakage.
Use a conditioner every time you wash your hair to nourish your hair, keep it hydrated and healthy. Apply the conditioner over the entire hair, concentrating on the ends. Look for a moisturizing conditioner containing essential oils and natural ingredients. A good conditioner will feed the roots and repair the structure of the hair. It will leave your strands shiny and manageable and will sooth the hair’s cuticles.
Use products (shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums, creams, mousses, sprays) designed for treating split ends. These products seal split ends and prevent further splitting. Most of them contain high-density fluids and silicone which draw the splayed ends of the fibres together and hide the appearance of split ends.
Use a mild shampoo that is suitable for your hair type. The best choice will be a mild moisturizing shampoo with ceremides and essential oils that will nourish and moisturize your hair deeply. Stay away from harsh shampoos that can leave your hair dry and brittle. Never shampoo your hair every day, even if it is oily.

Useful Tips:
• Split ends occur when the cuticle is damaged, so avoid damaging your hair by taking a proper care of your hair.
• Always detangle your strands with a wide tooth comb.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to comb your wet hair in place of a brush.
• Limit the usage of blow-dryer, curling iron, flat irons.
• If you color your hair use products formulated for color-treated hair.
• Do a deep-conditioning treatment once or twice a month to nourish your hair and avoid damage.
• If your hair is prone to splitting use a leave-in-conditioner.
• Use styling products with silicone to style your hair and to smooth the look of split ends.
• Minimize the use of heat appliances to prevent split ends and breakage.
• Use products designed to seal split ends and prevent further splitting.
• Avoid using nylon or plastic brushes.
• Use an olive oil and rub it into the ends of the hair two times a week to nourish and hydrate your hair.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use hair products with UV filters.
• Apply an intensive conditioning hair mask twice a week.
• Sleep with a satin pillow case.
• The only and the best cure for split ends is trimming your hair.

 

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