[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Split ends are a side effect of damaged hair that’s become dry, thin and brittle. There are a few reasons why breakage happens and results in split ends. It may be due to mechanical damage, such as brushing aggressively or using hair ties that pull or snag on hair. “Rough handling can fray the hair shaft,” explains Kate Ross, hair specialist at
Irresistible Me.
Another cause of split ends is heat styling. “Regular use of blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons can weaken your hair over time, leading to split ends, as high heat damages the protective outer layer of hair,” Ross says. Decreasing frequency and ditching tools a few days in the week will promote healthier, stronger hair, minimize breakage and
help tame split ends.
Chemical treatments, such as coloring, perming and chemical straightening, also weakens hair follicles, which causes split ends. This is due to harsh chemicals found in these treatments, as they tend to break down hair proteins, leaving hair more prone to damage and dryness, thinning and splitting. Lastly, environmental stress including sun exposure, wind and dry air sap moisture from hair, leaving it coarse and dry, which
increases risk of splitting.
How to Prevent Split Ends + Tips to Keep Hair Strong
The only way to treat split ends is to trim and remove them. “
Regular trims every 6-8 weeks can prevent splits from traveling up the hair shaft,” Ross suggests, so make sure to adhere to a consistent schedule with regular appointments for optimal maintenance and healthy hair, and less visibility of damage, breakage and split ends. Once trimmed, hair can start fresh, split end free, and rebuild and strengthen to better prevent splitting in the future. A good tip from Ross is to lengthen time between coloring and chemical treatments and use gentler, natural products.
Use silicone-free products, since they’re most effective for treating split ends. “Silicone-free shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments are great because they let hair really soak up moisture, whereas silicones make hair feel smooth and shiny at first, but can actually create a barrier on hair that might prevent moisture from getting in, and over time, make hair drier and more prone to breakage and splits,” Ross explains. Silicone-free gives hair the good stuff from products without any barriers, so it stays more hydrated, healthy and strong.
Shampoos,
conditioners and
conditioning masks or treatments, substantially help decrease breakage and splitting, and leave hair soft and strong. “Deep conditioning treatments weekly restore moisture and elasticity to hair, which helps to prevent future splits,” Ross says.
You can also reduce breakage by limiting use of heat tools and using
heat protectant spray to help shield hair from damage when styling with flat or curling irons and blow dryers. Be mindful of environmental heat exposure, too, and wear a hat or leave-in conditioner with UV protection in the sun. Similarly, you can protect hair from wind and cold by tucking it inside a hat or scarf.
Best products for split ends
There are certain ingredients commonly found in hair care products that are particularly useful for reducing breakage and split ends. “Natural oils like
argan or coconut oil can help keep your hair flexible and moisturized, reducing the likelihood of split ends,” Ross says. A
conditioning treatment or
detangling spray with coconut milk or oil can soften, hydrate and moisturize hair so it’s easy to comb or brush through and free of knots, which create breakage. An
overnight DIY treatment with argan oil works, too.
A shampoo or
conditioning treatment with argan oil offers many benefits. “
Pura D'OR Original Gold Label Shampoo is great because it's made mostly from plant-based extracts and is very natural, and it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens, which is good for your hair,” Ross says. Leave-in treatments, such as the
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner, provide moisture and nutrients to dry, damaged hair, thus restoring hair's natural protective layer, and reduce friction to protect hair from environmental stressors.
“Sheamoisture Bond Repair Leave-in Conditioner is a great choice for its nourishing ingredients like shea butter, natural oils and vitamins that help to repair bonds in the hair, moisturize, reduce breakage and protect hair from future damage,” Ross says. Leave-in conditioners work without needing to be rinsed out and offer continuous nourishment, which keeps hair more manageable.
One with argan oil is a bonus, as it’s packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, all of which help moisturize hair, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of split ends by smoothing the hair cuticle and giving hair a healthier, more vibrant look. To boost glossiness and shine, apply
anti-frizz serum with argan oil and other properties, like shea butter, vitamin E and rosemary extract, to combat and tame frizz for smoother strands and ends.
Also, consider a thickening spray with biotin and keratin for strengthening and repairing. “
Derma E Keratin Thickening Spray is good because it's packed with vegan Keratin and Biotin and gives hair more volume so it looks fuller right away,” Ross says. Biotin supports hair growth to make it thicker and stronger, which reduces split ends. Hair is made up of keratin (a protein), so keratin products will help repair damage and improve hair’s structure, making it less prone to splitting.
Lastly, apple cider vinegar balances pH levels in the scalp and hair, thereby improving overall health and reducing breakage to prevent split ends. It’s also a natural detangler to smooth hair's cuticle and give hair a shinier, less frizzy appearance. “
Pacifica Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic is good as it cleanses deeply and uses natural and effective ingredients to remove unwanted buildup, which helps refresh the scalp and make hair look healthier,” Ross suggests.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174861" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1715013094874{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/the-seaweed-bath-co-heat-care-conditioner-lime-papaya"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174860" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1715013110911{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pacifica-coco-peptide-damage-care-shampoo"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174858" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1715013128959{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/desert-essence-anti-breakage-hair-mask"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
