Split ends are very common, so it’s a good idea to know how to tackle and prevent them.
Here, we explore the wonderfully splintered world of split ends – what they are, why they happen, and healthy hair habits you can adopt to help minimise them.
What are Split Ends?
When the tips of our hair become dry, dehydrated or damaged, it causes the strands to weaken, becoming fractured or split. Split ends can leave your hair looking frizzy and dull, and in some severe cases, the damage can travel further up the hair shaft giving a frayed, damaged look.
What to do about split ends?
Unfortunately, once a split end appears it cannot be fully repaired. You can, however, smooth and protect them from further damage using leave-in conditioners, serums and balms, but this is only a temporary solution until the next wash. The only way to treat split ends is to trim them.
Removing split ends
Having a regular haircut is essential, but it won’t eliminate every split end. This is due to the hair’s growth cycle, which means that some splits might remain between haircuts. If the damage is bad, it would be best to consult your stylist who will be able to assess the health of your hair and carefully remove damaged ends while preserving your hair’s length and shape.
There are however plenty of things that you can do to futureproof your hair against split ends and damage…
Brush Gently
A great way to start when it comes to protecting your hair is by brushing gently and using the right hairbrush too! A brush with plastic prongs and round ends, or one with soft bristles, is the best for gentle brushing.
Go Gentle with Tangles
Using a wide-tooth comb is best when it comes to removing knots and tangles. A great way to do it is in the shower when you have conditioner in your hair. Start at the ends and gently work your way upwards to the roots.
Deep Condition
Aim once or twice a week to apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. A deep conditioning treatment will help to keep your ends supple and hydrated – especially for those who have long or chemically processed hair. Well moisturised and hydrated hair is more elastic and therefore less likely to break.
Bond Repair
If your hair is very damaged, a great way to treat this is by using an intensive bond repairing treatment. Bond repairing treatments such as Olaplex and K18 have been expertly formulated to strengthen and repair bonds inside the hair, and with continued use, hair will be less brittle with fewer split ends.
Use Both to Maximise
For the ultimate hair therapy, treat your hair to a mid-week deep condition to tackle dryness, followed by a spot of weekend damage repair with a Bond Repair treatment.
Smooth it Out
A good serum or creme is non-negotiable for your mid-lengths and ends. This will help tackle tangles, smooth interlocked cuticles and reduce friction when combing.
Dry it Gently
If you rub your hair roughly when towel-drying, you can cause knots and breakage, which leads to split ends. Instead, gently squeeze excess moisture from your hair. A microfibre towel can be especially effective.
Go Easy with the Hairdryer
Use a lower heat setting and turn off the heat when your hair is ‘just dry’. Over-drying can scorch and dehydrate your ends, which is one of the main causes of splitting. Always remember to hold the dryer at least 6 inches from the hair. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your hair.
Use UV Protection
UV rays aren’t just harmful for your skin… they can also cause damage to hair proteins leaving it both dry and brittle. If you are in the sun for a long time, shield your hair with a leave-in UV protector. Wearing a hat also helps keep your hair and scalp protected.
Protect Against Heat Styling
Straighteners and tongs reach very high temperatures and are another common cause of split ends. If you are using a heat styler, always apply a heat protector product to help limit the damage.
Split End Q&A
Q: Do split ends affect hair growth?
A: Split ends don’t stop hair from growing at the root, but they can cause breakage that makes hair appear shorter and less healthy over time.
Q: Are there different types of split ends?
A: Yes, split ends can look different depending on the damage, from ‘Y-shaped’ splits to more complex branching types like forked or tree-like splits.
Q: Can I hide split ends without cutting them?
A: You can temporarily conceal split ends with leave-in conditioners, serums or styling balms, but trimming them is the only way to remove them completely.
Q: Does hair texture affect split ends?
A: Yes, certain textures (like curly or fine hair) are more prone to dryness, tangling and damage, which can increase the risk of split ends.