Wondering how you can possibly win the famous battle of split ends?
Do not despair, help is on the way!
We all suffer from split ends at some point or another, and there are different options to prevent and treat dry, brittle ends which threaten to split up.
Keep reading to find what causes frayed hair ends, as well as how to work on your locks to revive their shine and health, and prevent their ever reaching the splitting point.
What Causes Split Ends?
All hair is subject to suffering from everyday wear and tear. This easily affects the ends which tend to be the most vulnerable and the first to have to endure dryness, brittleness and breakage. Eventually it can lead to your ends separating at some point along the hair shaft.
Some most common causes for split ends are:
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Blow drying, straightening and curling hair
- Chemical hair products
- Over-brushing
- Forceful towel drying
Types Of Split Ends
There are different ways in which your hair may split, which is why it is important to know what kind of damage to expect and how to treat it.
Here are some of the most common examples of split ends:
The Double Split
The Double Split may be the first sign that your hair is suffering from strain, most commonly caused by friction.
This might be due to a series of factors such as over-styling and brushing your hair, or leaving your hair to get tangled and damaged while sleeping.
When under strain, the hair’s cuticle will shred to expose the cortical cells underneath. These cells are much more fragile and will cause the hair to split.
The Partial Split
The partial split comes from dry, damaged hair, most times caused by exposure to heat. Unlike the double split, it is much easier to backtrack and repair.
Avoid using heat styling if you have partial split ends, and by using leave-in conditioner and hair mask, you’ll make sure to better protect your hair from further splitting.
The Fork
This type of split looks like a three-pronged fork, a clear sign of damaged and dehydrated hair.
These splits may cause frizziness and an unruly look due to the number of frayed strands. The best way to fix these fork-splits is to cut just above the damaged section of the strands, allowing the hair to regrow strong and healthy.
The Tree Split
With tree split ends, the damaged cuticle has been unable to sustain the strain and its cortical cells have been exposed and divided into several splits.
Having tree split ends means your hair is at its worst, and will only recuperate with a much-needed, good old trim.
Taper
Though technically not a split, the taper will have weakened the strand, causing the end of the strand to thin out. This is another result of dry and strained hair.
It isn’t easy to recover the weakened bit of hair strand which has tapered, but to recuperate, you might want to start thinking of trimming it.
Incomplete Split
An incomplete split happens when your hair strand breaks in the middle and loops back again to the main shaft, creating a whole.
The strand might continue growing normally after the whole, so make sure you take care of avoiding your hair creating more. Again, the best way to take care of this type of split is by getting a trim.
Does Split Ends Stop Hair Growth?
Split ends will not cause your hair to stop growing, though it will weaken your strands, and will make it quite difficult for your hair to grow strong and healthy.
If left unattended, split ends will eventually spread further up the hair strand continuing fraying and splitting.
6 Tips To Get Rid Of Split Ends
If you’re suffering from split ends and you’ve reached the point where your hair isn’t getting any better, then it’s time to do something about it!
There are several ways that might help you get rid of those frayed strands:
Tip #1: Visit Your Stylist - Get a Trim!
The truth is, the most effective way of getting rid of split ends is by cutting them off. In some cases it might be best to start over and get your hair a well-deserved trim.
Tip #2: Hair Dusting
If you’re not sure you can go for a full-on trim, then hair dusting is a great alternative. Dusting will remove your split ends without giving up length.
Tip #3: Deep Hydration
Split ends come from dehydrated hair, so you’ll need extra hydration products to take care of your strands. A good way of providing extra hydration to your hair is by using Goldie Locks® Ultimate Hydration Bundle. It has everything you need for healthy, hydrated hair and protects hair from future damage.
Tip #4: Hair Masks
Weekly hair masks will ensure your hair stays protected from external aggressors which dry out your strands. Goldie Locks® Ultra Hydrating Signature Hair Mask instantly restore hydration, repair damage, and add intense shine without weighing things down. Its highly concentrated formula is rich in proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants to repair and restore dry, damaged hair.
Tip #5: Avoid Heat
Avoid using heat to treat your hair - heat styling tools will reinforce dryness and prove to be hostiles for your hair. Go for an air dried look, or wait until your hair is mostly dry before introducing it to a blow dryer.
Tip #6: No Picking!
Do not pick at your split ends! This will continue damaging your hair strands!
How To Prevent Split Ends
Let’s go through 6 crucial tips on how to prevent split ends:
Tip #1: Go For Regular Trims
Trimming your hair regularly is the best way (and healthiest) of preventing split hairs! Your locks will grow stronger with each trim.
Tip #2: Consider Clean Hair Care
It’s important to pay attention to the kind of product you're applying to your hair, and how you're using said product. Shampoo needs to be more natural, with no harsh ingredients which may cause dryness.
Use clean conditioners or leave-in conditioners with natural ingredients to continue a healthy, moisturizing treatment. Goldie Locks® developed clean, luxurious, result driven hair care to unlock your best hair.
Tip #3: Be Gentle
Be gentle with your locks! Do not over-brush or comb aggressively since this will cause friction and breakage. Consider using a wide-toothed comb and avoid washing your hair every day.
Tip #4: Stay Hydrated
Hydration starts internally. Drinking plenty of water daily will help with circulation, release of toxins and general hydration, including that of your hair.
Tip #5: Think Of Eating Protein And Greens
Diet is another crucial part of healthy hair. Include foods with protein, vitamins B and C to your meals, to promote strong hair growth as well as a well-balanced diet.
Bonus: Goldie Locks® Hair Growth Supplements contain B & C vitamins and focuses on the health of your hair from the inside-out.
Tip #6: Careful With Hair Processing
Coloring, bleaching, perming and keratin treatment can increase hair friction, dryness and breakage, leading to the splitting of your hair. Avoid these if/when possible and make sure you are properly treating your hair both before and after chemical processing.
What Products Are Good For Split Ends?
The best way of taking care of your split ends is by using products which contain natural ingredients, moisturizers, oils and serums.
Goldie Locks® Ultimate Hydration Bundle contains moisture-rich formulas that deeply penetrate your hair to restore hydration, mend split ends and protect against further damage. Don't settle for anything less than perfectly hydrated hair. Goldie Locks® will leave your hair hydrated and healthy with results that speak for themselves.
