Irrespective of hair texture, split ends are more common than colds or headaches. Although we would love nothing for the split ends to disappear magically, the chances of that happening is very low. However, by making some simple yet effective changes in your hair care routine, you will be able to remove and prevent split ends from forming.
We all know that maintaining perfectly healthy hair is very tough. But don’t fret! This article guides you through some of the simple tips you need to follow to avoid the formation of split ends (trichoptilosis) altogether.
Why Do You Get Split Ends?
Improper brushing your hair, improper hair care, and harsh chemical treatments can lead to damaged hair which in turn causes split ends (1). Split ends can also occur if your body doesn’t get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, making you malnourished (2). This will make your hair look dry and frizzy because the natural oils produced by the hair follicles cannot travel down the length of the hair. If you don’t take care of your hair externally, it adds to the damage.
Tips To Avoid Split Ends:
As mentioned in the above section, malnourishment and improper care for your hair care routine can cause damage to your hair resulting in split ends. But you don’t have to worry anymore! We present you with some of the tips that act as a natural treatment for split ends.
1. Don’t Over Shampoo:
Although many of us love washing our hair, you may deplete the natural oils present in the scalp if you over-shampoo your hair. Instead, use a mild shampoo and wash your hair twice or thrice a week to avoid hair damage. Although washing your hair too often can do more harm than good, it is also necessary to clean your scalp to eliminate dirt and grease.
[ Read More: Best Hair Wash Tips ]
2. Avoid Super Hot Showers:
We all love to take a hot shower to make our body relaxed, don’t we? Although hot showers can be relaxing, they can weaken the hair roots by drying out your scalp. In addition, hot water makes your hair more prone to splits by swelling your cuticles. Experts recommend using lukewarm to cold water when it comes to washing your hair. Coldwater seals the outer layer of the hair, which helps prevent split ends and works as a perfect treatment for split ends and dry hair.
3. Get A Cut With Heated Scissors:
Traditional scissors leave the hair susceptible to environmental stress causing frizz and dryness, which opens the cuticle causing split ends. In contrast, hot scissors are a process where you can get rid of split ends without getting rid of too much hair. In addition, the heat of the scissors helps retain moisture in a better way by helping seal the end of the hair shaft, making it an excellent hair treatment for split ends. Although it is not a permanent solution to split ends, you can keep looking fresh with regular and consistent haircuts.
4. Try Argan Oil:
Argan oil is extracted from argan kernels and is also called liquid gold. It helps prevent split ends by reversing hair damage (3). In addition, Argan oil is considered an excellent rehydrating agent because of the vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids present in it. Therefore, it acts as an effective hair treatment for dry hair and split ends.
Ingredients:
- One to two drops of argan oil.
What You Need To Do:
- Wash your hair using a mild shampoo and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply one to two drops of argan oil from the mid-shaft of your hair till the end while your hair is still damp.
- Let your hair dry.
- Use this remedy every time you shampoo.
5. Use A Microfiber Towel:
Microfiber towels are more gentle and dry your hair in a better way post-shower. It helps cut down your drying time in half and promotes moisture retention preventing dry and brittle hair. Irrespective of the hair type, a microfiber towel is a perfect addition to your hair care routine.
How to use:
- Wrap your wet hair in a microfiber towel and pat it gently.
- It helps absorb all the excess moisture.
6. Don’t Blow Dry Your Ends:
Blow drying is an integral part of the hair care routine for many of us, but did you know it harms your hair? A blow dryer singes the hair, especially if you put it too close to the hair. Instead of blowdrying the ends, concentrating on the roots and upper length of your hair. If you want to save your hair from damage, in the long run, it is always better to air dry it rather than blowdrying it completely.
7. Get Regular Trims:
If you have too many split ends, it will stunt the growth of your hair. By trimming your hair a little, you will eliminate the split ends and therefore promote hair growth. You can prevent further damage to your hair and prevent it from becoming dry and frizzy by getting your hair regularly trimmed. Consult a hairstylist who will help you get rid of the split ends without causing too much damage. Be patient and take care of your hair both health-wise and externally.
8. Use Metal-Free Hair Accessories:
Whatever hairstyle you are donning, the accessories you put into your hair, especially metal ones, play a significant role in causing damage. The metal present in the hair accessories can cause split ends, uneven strands, broken pieces. But if you still want to style your hair, use accessories without any metal in them, and it is a perfect split ends hair treatment at home.
9. Invest In Argan Oil Products:
Argan oil is a miracle hair elixir and is considered haircare’s liquid gold. Unlike any other oil product in the market, argan oil offers weightless hydration. Argan oil penetrates the hair shaft since the oil molecules are tiny. Using argan oil products will camouflage split ends by providing instant moisture. There are several hair masks infused with argan oil available in the market that help reduce split ends.
10. Avoid Overheating Your Hot Tools:
Tools for hair straightening are a must-have in every girl’s makeup box. But cranking up your hot tools to the maximum temperature cause split ends and damage your hair. Therefore, leave the vulnerable parts of your hair from the wrath of the hot tools. But if you still have to use hot tools, use a heat protectant spray as a barrier between the device and your hair that help to cure split ends.
11. Don’t Pick On Your Split Ends:
When you look at split ends, all you feel like doing is to break them off. However, if you start breaking off the split ends, there is a scope for more split ends to emerge, wreaking havoc on your hair strands. So visit your hairstylist instead of picking on your split ends and trim your hair regularly to remove split ends.
12. Stay Hydrated:
One-fourth of the weight of our hair strands is made out of water. So, to keep your hair healthy and gleaming, drink at least eight glasses of water daily. In addition, keeping your hair moisturized plays a crucial role in keeping your hair shiny and beautiful and keeps split ends at bay. Therefore to repair and avoid split ends, you need to stay hydrated internally and use natural ingredients in preparing home remedies for a boost of moisturization.
Summary:
The neglect we all often show our hair comes out in the form of split ends. They not only ruin your look but are also quite annoying. However, with the help of the tips mentioned in this article, you can prevent the formation of split-ends and take care of your hair before the damage is permanent. In addition, you can consult a doctor if you don’t find improvement in your hair condition to rule out any underlying issue.
Recommended Articles:
- 10 Amazing Home Remedies to Get Rid of Split Ends!
- 9 Best Shampoos for Dry Damaged Hair with Split ends!
