Split ends are caused when the ends of your hair, which is also the oldest part of your hair, lose their protective layer and become weak and vulnerable. Once the hair splits at the ends, it will continue to split further up the hair shaft if left untreated.A number of things can cause split ends, but they are primarily down to how we treat our hair. Dehydration, heat styling chemical treatments and poor diet are just a few things that can cause split ends. Thankfully, there are solutions! Here are a few things you can do at home to treat and prevent split ends.
How to Prevent Split Ends
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
There is an endless list of hair products out there and even more ingredients! Some ingredients in hair care products can do more damage than good, especially if you are already dealing with split ends. Make a habit of checking the ingredients list on your hair products and avoid potentially harmful ingredients like denatured alcohol, sulfates, coal tar, and synthetic fragrances.
Brush Correctly
Firstly, to minimize split ends, it's important not to overbrush your hair. Also, avoid tugging on your hair while brushing. If your hair knots easily, start brushing from the bottom and work your way up to the top to prevent breakage and split ends.
Limit Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments like straightening, colouring, bleaching, and perming can take a toll on your hair. These kinds of treatments weaken the hair and can lead to damage and split ends. Limit the number of hair treatments you do and, if possible, leave a longer gap between treatments.
Get Regular Trims
Although the old advice that trimming your hair regularly will help it grow faster is a myth, trimming does help with split ends. Regular trims will remove some split ends and prevent others from worsening, making your hair look healthier overall.
Use Heat Protection
Heat styling tools like straighteners and curling tongs are notorious for causing damage and breakage. The heat from styling tools also dehydrates the hair leaving it stiff and susceptible to split ends. If you use styling tools, use a heat protection spray first to reduce the possibility of split ends and damage.
Add Supplements to Your Diet
Supplements are a great way to increase your overall hair health, which should help to prevent split ends. Dietary supplements, including Vitamin B Complex, Biotin, Zinc, and Iron, can all help to increase your hair's strength and elasticity.
Expert Recommended Products
Framesi For Me 117 Shine Me Split Ends EssenceReady to say goodbye to split ends? Framesi's Split Ends Essence is a multi-functional serum that helps to smooth split ends, giving the hair a more even, healthier look. The serum also moisturizes and strengthens the hair fibers to improve the condition of the hair over time.Key Ingredients: Seaweed Extract, Vegetable Keratin, Baobab OilBonacure Repair Rescue Sealed EndsBonacure's Repair Rescue Sealed Ends Treatment is a creamy serum that seals up to 90% of split ends. The serum nourishes the hair, reducing breakage and preventing further split ends. The nutritious formula also adds shine to the hair and has built-in heat protection.Key Ingredients: Vegan Keratin, Arginine, Shea Butter, Citric Acid, Amino AcidsWet Brush Happy Hair FantasyThe right brush is crucial for keeping hair damage and split ends at bay. The Wet Brush Original Detangler is made with super soft IntelliFlex bristles that glide effortlessly through tangles, minimizing damage and split ends. The Wet Brush is designed so that you don't need to use as much force as with other brushes, which reduces pain as well as breakage. Perfect for detangling wet and dry hair.Redken Extreme Length PrimerRedken's Extreme Length Primer is a rinse-out treatment that builds strength in the hair from the roots to the tips. The unique formula provides weightless conditioning and is formulated with Biotin, which strengthens the hair and reduces the possibility of damage, breakage and split ends.Key Ingredients: Biotin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sweet Almond OilMaria Nila Structure Repair Leave In CreamThis nourishing leave-in cream from Maria Nila is made with Algae Extract that rebuilds and repairs damaged hair to seal split ends and reduce breakage. The moisturizing formula also adds much-needed nutrition to damaged hair which helps to prevent further split ends. As a bonus, the cream has an absolutely beautiful Vanilla, Rose and Jasmine scent that will leave your hair delicately scented throughout the day.Key Ingredients: Algae Extract, Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sunflower Seed Extract