Split ends: how to cure and prevent them

Marissa Dickens
Haircare and hair growth
3 min readJul 17, 2024

Did you know that split ends are the signal through which our hair informs us about their health? The appearance of split ends is inevitable when the hair is dry and damaged, and treating them is definitely a very difficult mission. Therefore, the ideal would be to prevent them, and it is only possible if you understand what they are exactly and what causes them. Read on and find out how split ends can be determined by different causes and how you can prevent them while preserving the beauty of your hair.

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What are split ends?

We commonly call them split ends, but they actually have a scientific name: trichoptilosis. It is an alteration of the hair shaft that weakens and divides into two, sometimes even three. The classic split ends are formed when the final outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, is damaged, causing the central part below, the cortical cells, to fall apart. Then there are the triple points, where the strand is separated into three parts because it is extremely dehydrated.

In both cases, the result is an unsightly brittle and disordered effect of the lengths, and the more the hair is brittle and fine, the more they are subject to the appearance of split ends. This fragility is a sign of damage to the structure of the stem, which is usually attributable to a lack or alteration of keratin, the protein that constitutes the entire hair structure. Some of our habits can worsen the situation, such as:

· Frequent use of hair dryer, iron, and straightening iron

· Aggressive treatments, frequent and permanent staining

· Excessive washing

· Atmospheric or environmental factors

Can split ends be eliminated?

An effective remedy is definitely to cut split ends, but when you have a layered cut and split ends also appear at the top, cutting is not the most suitable alternative. It is not possible to eliminate them completely, but it is possible to treat and reduce split ends without cutting them. This can be done thanks to specific treatments in the salon or to products, hair masks and oils that can revitalize the strands. Keratin treatments should be carried out in moderation as they are intense and can further weaken and flake the split ends. Split ends masks and restorative products can be applied more frequently and comfortably in your home, and are the best way to nourish the fiber thoroughly.

Therefore, many professional products and treatments can actually bring benefits to the hair and improve the condition of dry and brittle hair. This is thanks to some ingredients and additives with nourishing and moisturizing action. A proper hair-care routine, accompanied by proper hydration, healthy nutrition and the intake of dietary supplements for the well-being of the hair, can provide important help to have healthier-looking hair.

How to prevent split ends?

Knowing what split ends are and their origin definitely helps prevent them. Here are some tips and treatments that canhelp avoid the appearance of the dreaded and annoying split ends:

· Keep your hair hydrated by choosing the right products. For example, you will need to use a shampoo rich in moisturizing properties and combine it with nourishing masks, balms, serums, or restructuring products for split ends to counteract dehydration. These products must be free of sulfates or other substances that deprive the hair of its natural hydration. Also, it is important to avoid excessive and aggressive washing.

· Limit hot hair styling because the thermal shock strongly damages the stem, dehydrates it, flakes it and then causes the appearance of split ends. It is advisable to apply a heat protector before styling the hair with heat.

· Avoid exposure to UV rays, chlorine, and salt, as they can compromise the health of the crown.

· Don’t brush your hair frequently, because it causes stress on the cuticles, making your hair brittle and vulnerable.

Conclusion

In the case of split ends, being provident, constant, and careful in hair care is undoubtedly the best way to prevent their appearance and prevent it from becoming too late.

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