What are Split Ends?
Split ends are the curse of every woman! The scientific name for them is Trichoptilosis. Split ends happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair. Hair splits into two or three strands.
The hair usually splits at the end of the hair forming a Y-shape. Split ends can travel up the hair.
The split may be two or three centimeters in length. Split ends are more often in long hair but can also be found in shorter hair. You cannot repair them; nothing will fix split ends once they are formed.
What Causes Split Ends?
• Excessive hair coloring
• Vigorous brushing
• Perming solutions
• Hair Straightening
• Heat during hairstyling work
• Not trimming your hair regularly
• Sleeping with your hair in a ponytail
• Too much sun
• Poor health
Treatment for Split Ends
So, how do I mange my split ends? The best treatment is to cut off the split end. Get a trim every six weeks. Get a trim of at least 1/4 to 1 inches.
You can do this at home but we recommend that you visit your favorite salon. Do not cut your hair without sharp scissors. Dull scissors will only encourage the hair to split further. Regular trims will keep the ends neat and help prevent them from splitting further.
Treat split ends by doing a light trim:
How to Prevent Split Ends
You can prevent split ends by keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.
• Don't brush your hair too often or too extensively.
• Don't brush wet hair.
• Use brushes and combs with smooth, flexible, wide-spaced teeth.
• Avoid nylon bristles.
• Condition after shampooing, and use a deep conditioner once a month.
• Apply conditioner only on the tips after you dry your hair.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and wind.
• Wear a hat to minimize sun damage.
• Use shampoo rich in ceramides.
• Avoid products that claim to "heal" split ends. They will only temporarily glue split ends together.
• Try not to use chemicals. If you must use them, be sure to condition your hair more often.
• Protect your hair before swimming using a leave-in conditioner, oiling your hair, or using a swim cap.
• Use hair friendly accessories. The big scrunchie is very hair friendly.
Here is how to use home remedies to help prevent split ends:
• Rub olive oil into the ends of hair 2-3 times per week. Leave the oil overnight and wash out in the morning.
• Use mashed up avocado on your damp hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
Here are two more remedies for preventing split ends:
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of mustard oil, castor oil and olive oil. Massage the scalp for 30 minutes and apply it to the full length of your hair. Cover the head with a hot towel later.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of almond oil with 1 egg yolk and apply it to your hair and scalp. Wash it after 30 minutes.
