Understanding and Preventing Split Ends

Fed up of your hair feeling uneven and flat? Split ends could be the cause! Split ends occur when a hair strand splits into two distinct directions near the end, forming a Y-shape and creating a forked appearance. You may be left with lots of questions such as ‘Do split ends stop hair growth?’ and ‘How can I prevent this from happening?’ Let’s look at the causes of those pesky split ends and find the best ways to keep your hair healthy and sleek.

What Causes Split Ends?

Split ends are caused when the strands of your hair become dehydrated or damaged through weathering and chemical processing (like dyeing or perming) to the extent that they weaken, causing them to fracture. Other potential causes of split ends include excessive heat, overwashing your hair, brushing your hair too vigorously, having a poor diet, and not getting a regular haircut.

Split ends can make your hair look dull and frizzy and, in some cases, extend up your hair shaft leading to hair breakage. However, it’s important to note that they don't stop hair from growing, as hair grows from the root. However if left untreated, the ends can break off, resulting in some strands of your hair being shorter than the rest.

Prevention Techniques

You may be wondering how to get rid of split ends. Unfortunately, you can't "fix" split ends once they appear - there is no way to make the two parts of the split hair reattach to each other. The good news is you can ask your hairdresser or stylist to cut off the damaged hair and try to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Our top tips for preventing split ends:

• When brushing your hair, work up from the ends to gently detangle it. This will prevent damage from vigorous brushing.
• Apply heat protection when using heat-styling tools. This can involve simply spraying your hair with protection before styling it. TIGI Bed Head Some Like It Hot Heat Protection Spray 100ml has been specially developed to protect your hair against heat at temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius.
• Use hydrating products, such as shampoos and conditioners, to smooth and disguise split ends. The Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo & Conditioner Twin 2 x 266ml offers a thick, concentrated formula that optimises moisture levels in normal to dry, thick and colour-treated hair.
• Applying deep conditioning products, such as hair masks, can prevent and conceal split ends. The K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 15ml increases the overall strength and elasticity of your hair, which can help prevent split ends from occurring.
• Get a micro-trim instead of a regular haircut. Unlike normal haircuts, micro-trims only remove a small portion of hair - typically less than 1/4 of an inch. By removing split ends, it prevents them from travelling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. It can also help maintain the thickness and length of your hair.

Maintenance and Styling Tips

Establishing a regular hair care routine at home that includes washing, conditioning and deep conditioning treatments will help to prevent split ends. Serums, oils, creams and leave-in treatments are also great additions to your hair care routine.

The Indola Repair Split Ends Serum 75ml helps prevent split ends by sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing breakage by up to 95%. If it’s a leave-in treatment you’re looking for, the Redken Extreme Length Sealer Split End Leave-In Treatment 150ml is a hair-strengthening treatment that fortifies damaged hair to help reduce split ends. Alternatively, you could try the Fanola Nutri Care Restructuring Split Ends Cream 100ml, which treats dry, frizzy and dehydrated hair, providing a nourishing boost that seals the cuticle thanks to its frizz-control action.

Several hairstyles and techniques can also help minimise damage and breakage. Try loose braids, a low pony tail or wearing a claw clip. Consistently taking hair supplements can also be used to help strengthen hair, providing it with vital nutrients. Hairburst Healthy Hair Vitamins x60 help replenish vitamin deficiencies in your hair, encouraging healthier, longer and stronger hair growth. Always follow the directions on the product for dosage.

As shown, there are many ways to combat and stop pesky split ends from ruining your look. If you’ve just discovered you have them, don’t worry! Your hairdresser should be able to get rid of them with a trim. However, the main way of preventing split ends is to have a regular, thorough hair care routine. By using hydrating, nourishing hair products regularly, you can easily make split ends a thing of the past.