Split ends are also known in the beauty industry as ‘trichoptilosis’ and is the fraying of hair strands. Split ends are a natural part of life, which is why hair stylists suggests 6-week trims. One of the biggest myths of the hair industry is that split ends can be treated with the use of a shampoo or conditioner. Once you have split ends you can either style your hair so that they are hidden or head to the salon for a trim. You only need to cut 1/8” – ¼” off to remove the unhealthy split ends which means you can have healthy hair without sacrificing length.
The Cause of Split Ends
The causes of split ends are mechanical, chemical, and environmental. The most common causes include:
Mechanical
- Over washing
- Excessive use of heat (hair straightener, curling iron, blow dryer, hot rollers)
- Improper brushing techniques
- Inferior hair care tools (synthetic hair brushers, etc.)
Environmental
- Exposure to sun
- Swimming in chlorine
- Salt water
- Sand
- Hard water
Chemicals
- Hair color
- Perms
- Relaxers
- Inferior hair care products
- Excessive use of hair care products
How to Prevent Split Ends
Lower the heat
A lot of women turn their flat irons on the highest temperature, which can reach more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering the fact water boils at 212-degrees, you probably don’t need heat more than double that. It’s a good idea to stick around 210-degrees, if you have unruly and curly hair then you might need a little more but avoid going over 330-degrees. Always use a heat-protector whenever you doing any styling with heat.
Detangle Properly
A lot of us simply run any hairbrush through our hair and call it a day. Our hair is extremely fragile and should be treated with some tender, love, and care. If you have just showered then use a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair. There are a lot of brushes that are safe for detangling your hair when wet on the market today or you can always use a wide-tooth comb and find a hairbrush that works with your hair type. When you are brushing start at the bottom and work towards your roots, when you meet a knot, don’t aggressively rip through it but rather untangle with your fingers and continue.
Washing and Drying
Improper shampooing is one of the main causes of split ends. After shampooing the roots you should move the shampoo through the rest of your tresses rather than rubbing. After you’ve shampooed you should gently caress conditioner through the tips and mid-shaft of your hair to remove the knots. It’s also a good idea to skip a few washes per week and wash your hair with cool water because hot water strips away moisture. Rough towel drying also causes split ends so rather than rubbing dry, simply wrap your hair gently in a towel.
Minimize Environmental Effects
Spending long days by the ocean or near a swimming pool is rejuvenating for our mind and souls; unfortunately it doesn’t have that effect on our hair. It’s essential to protect your hair when you’re spending the day in the sun, in the pool, and in cool temperatures. Buy yourself a stylish hat that protects all of your hair and work in a leave-in conditioner to help protect your hair against salt, UV, and chlorine.
