Does your hair fray in 2-3 directions towards the ends, in the shape of a Y? Are you fed up with having hair on your comb, towel, and pillow? These are clear indicators that you have weak hair that’s prone to splitting and breaking. Now the question is: how to prevent split ends and breakage? From the best product for split ends to diet for healthy hair – we’ll share with you the most effective hair care tips for split ends.
Causes of Split Ends and Breakage
To get rid of split ends, first you need to discover the causes of split ends. The end of the hair is the oldest and therefore, more susceptible to wear and tear. That’s why you always get split ends at the tip of your hair. As an outcome, your hair looks frizzy and damaged. Several habits and factors can cause split ends like:
- Not keeping hair adequately hydrated
- Not oiling hair at least once a week
- Not applying conditioner after shampooing
- Rubbing shampoo rigorously throughout the length of the hair
- Using hot combs, curling irons, and blow dryers regularly
- Brushing wet hair
- Overbrushing and overwashing
- Bringing hair in contact with toxic chemicals when swimming
- Rubbing wet hair with a towel to quickly dry it
- Wearing weaves and hair extensions frequently
- Repeated color treatments
- Chemical treatments like straightening, perming, etc.
- Excessive weather to the UV rays and harsh weather conditions
- Bad nutrition
Types of Split Ends
You will be surprised to discover that there are several types of split ends, and they all have diverse causes. These include:
1. Tree split
Do you have strands split into multiple places, resembling a tree whose branches are sticking out? Then it’s called a tree split. It’s a sign that it’s time to visit your salon for a trim. In the next section, you’ll find healthy hair care tips for this problem.
2. Double split
Double split is the most common split type and is easy to recognize. If the tip of a hair bifurcates into two parts, it’s termed a double split. It looks like a Y and it occurs when the hair cuticle is damaged due to overbrushing or over-styling.
3. Fork split
As is evident from the name, a fork split features 3 splits, like a pronged fork. It means your hair craves moisture and hydration. Getting a hair spa done once a month can protect your hair from fork splits.
4. Partial split
Although similar to the Y/ double split, partial splits are not serious as they don’t happen on a larger scale. To stop it from worsening, simply avoid heat damage.
Now scroll down to learn how to begin your split ends treatment at home.
Why Get Rid of Split Ends?
Besides being unattractive, are there any other side effects of split ends? Should you be concerned if you have too many split ends?
When a hair splits, the damage will continue spreading up your hair shaft. So, your hair may experience more breakage and hair thinning. On the other hand, if you remove the damaged ends, you will create a healthy environment for fast hair growth. Doesn’t that adequately explain why you need to rely on natural remedies for hair breakage?
Can You Conceal Split Ends?
Deep conditioning treatments and nourishing hair masks can transform hair with split ends into lustrous, smooth hair. Leave-in conditioners don’t just hide split ends but also are the best products for preventing hair breakage.
But how to trim split ends? When it comes to split ends removal, there are natural solutions like velaterapia/ candle cutting.
Candle cutting means taking small sections of hair and twisting them, then carefully burning away the split ends. While some believe velaterapia will keep your hair healthy and free of split ends, others are skeptical. In some cases, candle cutting has resulted in hair follicle damage. So, don’t attempt it at home and consult a reliable hair specialist.
How to Prevent Split Ends and Hair Breakage
What if we told you that a low-maintenance hair care routine can erase your worries like dry hair, split ends, and breakage? The best part is that we will suggest only natural remedies to repair and prevent split ends. So, without further ado, here’s your step-by-step ultimate guide. Try these tips to avoid split ends as well as breakage:
1. Don’t wash hair everyday
Start your journey towards gorgeous hair by washing your hair 2-3 times per week. That’s because washing hair daily has been identified as the biggest reason for hair breakage. Not sure why?
According to dermatologists, washing strips off all the natural oils from the hair. So, with daily washing, your hair will turn brittle and break.
2. Use products for dry hair
Oily and hydrated hair doesn’t have split ends. Since you have split ends despite applying serum and conditioner, it’s evident that your existing products aren’t ideal for your hair type. So, to get a long-term solution, you need to arrive at the root of this problem.
How to prevent hair breakage without digging a hole in your pocket? Switch to products designed specifically for dry and damaged hair. There are many good hydrating shampoos that are devoid of sulphate and paraben. An anti-frizz leave-in-conditioner can also be a gamechanger.
3. Use a wide-toothed comb and detangle daily
Hair usually breaks when it’s tangled, and you comb it forcefully. The outcomes are appearance of split ends and hair loss. So, take a wide-toothed comb or a soft hairbrush and begin with brushing the ends. Slowly move upwards to lessen damage and breakage. Use a serum or oil and detangling won’t be a hassle anymore.
4. Don’t overbrush
Brushing hair daily should be part of your hair care routine for damaged hair. It is a good habit as it promotes circulation and distributes oil evenly. But overbrushing can have adverse effects like breakage. So, brush only when you think your hair needs detangling. To decrease tangling, make a loose ponytail.
5. Air-dry your hair
One of the hair breakage prevention hacks is let your hair dry before you detangle your hair. As you’re dealing with split ends, using blow dryer or standing under the sun should be avoided. For heat damage prevention for hair, just let your hair air dry.
If it’s too wet, take a microfiber towel as it quickly absorbs the excess water. You can also use a cotton t-shirt.
6. Stay away from hair treatments
Regular styling and heat application takes a toll on your delicate strands. You will have n number of issues like split ends, dull hair, baldness, etc. So, to strengthen weak hair strands, give a break to your hair.
Moreover, hair styling can be done even without heat application. Watch some YouTube tutorials on how to style wet hair without causing any damage.
7. Alter your hairstyle
Did you know that even tying your hair too tightly can cause hair damage? Yes, tying the hair up in a ponytail or bun isn’t that great. Any kind of tight updo exerts unwanted stress on hair roots and strands. So, sometimes, make a loose braid as it’s among the simplest ways to keep your hair from breaking.
8. Provide nourishment
With rough and frizzy hair, hydration is the key. Hair becomes dry when you forget to oil it for days at a stretch. So, have an oiling routine for your brittle hair. After applying oil, massage gently and warp a warm towel around the head. This will lock in the moisture and prevent damage while shampooing.
For deep moisture, use a nourishing hair mask once a week. You can prepare the mask at home with simple ingredients like honey, banana, egg, aloe vera gel, and vitamin E capsules.
9. Use silk pillow cover
Do you wake up every morning, do your hair appear messier and duller? Then it’s high time to bid adieu to your old pillow covers. Hair experts recommend silk pillow covers for their smooth texture. The silk fabric will minimize friction and retain the natural oils of your hair. Hence, there will be less breakage and split ends.
If you have curly hair, silk pillows will all keep your curls soft and defined. In addition to the silk pillow, you can get some other hair products like silk bonnet and silk hair ties for extra protection.
10. Use beneficial oils
Essential oils have many proven benefits like hair growth. They are also safe and affordable. But how to strengthen weak hair and protect the ends of your hair with essential oils?
Take some carrier oil of your choice (like coconut oil). After that, add, the following essential oils to your regular hair oil: rosemary essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and castor oil. As essential oils are highly concentrated, you cannot take equal quantity of carrier oil and essential oil.
Now comes the application part. Before going to bed, take a few drops of the powerful, mixed oil, rub it on your palms, and apply to the ends and lengths of the hair. Do this dedicatedly and you will see noticeable results.
The Bottom Line
Lastly, anyone can get split ends at any point in their life. So, the next time you see split ends, don’t let it affect your confidence. Instead, just trim those unappealing ends and follow some easy hacks. Then try the above-mentioned natural remedies for split ends to repair damaged hair naturally.
