Causes, Cures & Advice for Split Ends

1. Not trimming your hair regularly.
2. Damage caused by colouring.
3. Poor quality brushes and combs.
4. Brittleness caused by extended sun exposure, washing and heated styling.

Some types of hair are more vulnerable to split ends than others. Dry hair is much more likely to split. Over brushing and backcombing is also bad for your hair, as well as chemical hair treatments like colouring and perming.

Removal

The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. While there are products which claim to cure them all they really do is hide them. The product temporarily seals the split end of the hair together and while this can make hair look neater and healthier for a short while it may cause more damage over time. This can be used as a temporary solution if you want to grow your hair a little longer before trimming but should not be used as a solution for split ends.

To remove split ends use one of the following methods:

1. Take small sections of hair and twist them carefully in a downward motion. Any split ends will stick out. Cut off split ends with sharp scissors.

2. Take small sections of hair and hold between three fingers, with the hair section over the middle one and below the side ones. Split ends will stick out. Cut them off with sharp scissors.

You must cut about 1/4 of an inch above the top of the split. You may notice a little ball or dot near the split and if you do not cut above this dot then the damage will not have been removed and the split end will only return.

Prevention

1. Deep condition your hair every week.
2. Trim regularly.
3. Avoid excess heat and brushing. Use a bristle brush.
4. Wash your hair after excess sweating. Salt from sweating will erode your hair.
5. Do not ignore split ends. They will only get worse.
6. Protect your hair from the sun which will dry out your hair.
7. When shampooing your hair only wash the scalp. The roots do not get natural oils and so do not need washing.

If you have curly hair you must be much more gentle. Comb your hair in the shower before rinsing out the conditioner. For dry hair use an overnight deep conditioning treatment. Eat a good diet to ensure your body procuces the healthiest hair possible.