Split ends these are two words you prefer not to hear if you have long hair. Or have been patiently waiting for your hair to grow longer.
How often do you find yourself checking the tips of your hair. Just to see if they are lighter colored than the rest of your hair. Because lighter colored tips are good indication of split ends.
Unfortunately most people with longer hair will have a problem with split ends at one time or another.
If your hair happens to be fine or on the dry side. It can be more susceptible to split ends than if you have a head of thick hair.
The key to healthy looking hair ends is trying to eliminate any habits that may contribute to the splitting of the ends of your hair.
How Your Hair Protects Itself.
Everyone of your hair strands has a protective cover known as the hair cuticle.
Like the scales on a fish they are meant to lay flat and closed.
So protecting your inner hair from damage from the environment, heat, chemicals etc.
Why Do Split Ends Happen.
The reason why split ends tend to develop on your hair strands is due to damage.
As the ends are the oldest part of your hair strand.
Over time they become dry and brittle.
Due to your hair’s cuticle layer getting damaged and slowly wearing off.
This then leaves the inner layer of your hair exposed. Allowing the moisture your hair needs to stay healthy to escape which in turn causes split ends.
If left untreated you will find that the split ends will encroach further and further up the hair shaft. Eventually leading to hair breakage.
If you happen to be able to get your hands on a microscope to view one of your split ends. You will see that the ends of hair will have many jagged edges.
Reasons That Can Lead To Your Hair Ends Splitting.
If you have long hair or are concentrating on growing your hair long. Here are five helpful tips to follow to protect your hair ends from splitting to much.
Reason 1. Not Moisturizing Your Hair Often Enough.
Because hair like your skin needs regular moisturizing to stay healthy. With not enough moisture your hair will become fragile and brittle.
Which in turn will cause your hair to split or break very easily.
Tip. Moisturize your hair from the mid lengths to the tips once a week.
Reason 2. Sun Damage.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun do cause your hair to lighten.
And at the same time break down your hairs protein which is keratin causing the hair to weaken.
Tip. When you are looking at spending prolonged periods in the sun. Do spray on a strong UV protectant onto your hair before venturing out. Or best of all wear a hat to cover your hair.
Reason 3. Using Heated Hair Tools Try To Keep The Heat Low.
Whe using heated tools such as flat irons always start off with a low heat.
Because the higher that you have the heat on these tools. The more damage it will do to your hair.
Tip. Always using a heat protectant spray before using the tools will help to protect your hair.
Reason 4. Detangling Your Hair Aggressively.
By using force to brush or comb through your hair when it is either wet or dry.
Will increase the likelihood of hair breakage and damage your hairs cuticle which will lead to split ends.
Tip. When removing any tangles from your hair always start brushing or combing from the bottom of your hair length. Gently working upwards towards the scalp.
Reason 5. Your Health.
The strength of your hair is dictated a lot by your daily habits. Such as the amount of water you drink.
Also if your body lacks certain vitamins and nutrients can also have an impact on the ends of your hair.
Tip. Eat a healthy diet and drinking several glasses of water a day. Foods such as eggs which contain protein. As well as fish like salmon and mackerel which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Are great hair health foods.
Why It Is Important To Have A Regular Hair Trim.
As I have mentioned above your damaged or split ends can occur for many reasons. From harsh climates to grooming and styling.
Most people will notice the split ends on their hair when they are overdue for a haircut.
Which if you are keeping your hair long or trying to grow your hair. Would be around three to four months.
Although if you happen to style your hair with heated tools on a very regular basis. You may find that split ends may occur sooner.
Do split ends disappear?
No they do not. In fact the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off.
If left untreated the split on the ends of your hair will slowly travel up the hair shaft. To a point where it will break.
When you visit your hairstylist for a trim every three months or so to get rid of your split ends. Let them know that you want to keep the length. A 1cm trim should be all that is needed.
You can also ask them to use a hair dusting technique.
Where your hair is coiled into sections. Then the tips of the hair that peek out are snipped off.
Note You maybe someone who likes to trim their own split ends this way.
If so please do not use the kitchen scissors as they are not sharp enough. And will only tear and damage to ends of your hair.
Do purchase a pair of hairdressing scissors to use instead.
Four Common Split End Questions & Answers.
Q 1. Can you repair split ends?
There are products that say they do. But these products only coat the hair until the next one or two hair washes.
There is nothing yet that can fix your split ends together forever.
Q 2. Does everyone get split ends?
They are common especially if you have longer hair. This is because the lower portion of your hair has been exposed for many years to the environment.
As well as any heat styling and all sorts of other causes that will damage the hair.
Q 3. Will split ends stop your hair growing?
No split ends will not stop your hair from growing.
Because your hair grows from your scalp.
What can happen is that your split ends if not trimmed work up your hair shaft and eventually break.
Meaning that your hair maybe breaking almost as much as it is growing. Hence you feel that your hair is not getting any longer.
Q 4. How often should you trim your hair?
For longer hair or if you are in the process of growing your hair. I would say that every three to four months is ideal.
If you have long hair or happen to be in the process of growing your hair. You may find my post on tips to strong healthy hair of interest.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post. I hope that you found it of iteresting.
