How to Treat & Prevent Split Ends
- Split ends happen to the best of us, but are they really unavoidable? Read on to learn more about what split ends are and how to treat them.
- Not sure what your hair needs? SpoiledChild’s™ SpoiledBrain™ quiz matches you to your perfect hair sequence in just 90 seconds.
Take a look at the ends of your hair. Do you notice that some strands are beginning to fray and unravel into thinner pieces? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have split ends. A common issue that plagues many of us, split ends can in fact be preventable if treated with proper care.
What are split ends? Split ends occur when the hair becomes dry and brittle and the hair shaft begins to taper off, reminiscent of an old rope that begins to unravel. The longer the split is, the more dry and damaged the strand is.
Hair that is frequently heat-styled, dyed or chemically treated is more prone to split ends due to the damaging effects of these practices. While limiting or ceasing these practices altogether is certainly the best solution for your hair, there are simpler & more realistic methods of treating & preventing split ends that we break down below.
If you’re noticing split ends and other telltale signs of hair damage, take this short quiz and get matched to the best hair solution for you.
how to treat split ends
The worst part is you might actually be causing damage to the hair cuticle itself - making your hair even weaker and more susceptible to breakage.
SCHEDULE A HAIRCUT. Cut your losses (literally).
The only way to ‘repair’ split ends is to
get them trimmed, once every 6-8 weeks.
Don’t worry - this doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same hairstyle or length forever. The good news is that split ends - and big chops at the hair salon (if you hate them) - are preventable with an inch-long trim once every few months or so.
Use a nourishing hair mask
Any product that claims to reverse split end damage only conceals the damage for a short time, meaning your frayed strands will continue to get worse. Ditch the phony miracle workers and opt for a deeply hydrating hair mask to prevent split ends before they happen.
Dehydrated, dull hair is more likely to become brittle and weak, causing significant hair breakage and split ends. Adding an ultra moisturizing hair mask with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter to your weekly routine can protect hair from dryness and damage.
Ready to try out a new hair mask or find your perfect hair sequence? Take this quiz to see what products are right for you.