Your hair is strong. It needs to be to survive all the daily challenges you throw at it, from damaging UV rays to temperature changes, dry conditions, and bed head. While your hair is tough, it’s still vulnerable to damage, especially the ends of your hair. Weak hair that’s lost its protective layer is liable to split. This results in split ends, which are technically called trichoptilosis!
Some of the most common factors that contribute to split ends include:
- Weather conditions
- Harsh chemical treatments
- Excessive heat treatments
- Hard brushing, combing, and drying.
There are plenty of products out there that claim to ‘fix’ split ends, but unfortunately, once the damage is done, the only way to fix split ends is to have a haircut. That’s why it’s so important to prevent split ends from occurring in the first place. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the 6 best ways to avoid split ends.
Be gentle to your hair during and after washing
Wet hair is a lot more fragile and more susceptible to damage than dry hair, so it’s key to treat your hair even more delicately while you’re washing it. First of all, brush out any tangles before getting your hair wet. Remember to use conditioner and gently work it through with your fingers before using a wide-toothed comb to avoid tugging or breaking your hair.
Once you’re out of the shower, don’t scrub and rub your hair dry with a towel as this is a guaranteed way to stress your lovely locks. Creasing and twisting your hair in lots of unnatural directions can cause breakage and split ends. Instead, pat and squeeze your hair dry or let your hair dry naturally.
Don’t over-wash your hair
It’s easy to think you need to wash your hair every day. But most people don’t actually need to wash their hair so often. Shampoos can strip the natural oils out of your hair, leaving it unprotected and susceptible to damage from bad weather, UV light, and temperature changes. Most of the time, you only need to wash your hair once or twice a week. Using dry shampoo instead of washing your hair too often is another good way to cut down on oil-stripping wet washes.
Not too hot
Scalding hot showers might feel relaxing, but hot water isn’t good for your hair. Try to use lukewarm water on your hair, or even cold-water during rinsing to seal the outer layer of your hair. Similarly, overly hot hair tools can damage your hair and cause split ends. Always invest in high-quality hair tools like infrared hairdryers and temperature-controlled hair straighteners.
Don’t overbrush your hair
Overbrushing can damage your hair, causing breakages and split ends. Try not to pull or tug on your hair while brushing or combing and always detangle your hair with your fingers first – don’t just rush into a tangled mess with a fine-toothed comb! If your hair is super knotty, consider using a detangling product. And make sure you have the right brush for your hair. When it comes to hairbrushes, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, there are flat brushes, round brushes, fine bristled brushes, and wide-tooth combs. So, make sure your hairbrushes and combs match your hair to avoid adding any split ends.
Silk pillowcases
Believe it or not, silk pillowcases can reduce bed head and split ends! Silk is way softer than satin or cotton and reduces the amount of friction while you move around in your sleep. If you suffer from bed head, sleeping on silk pillowcases helps your hair glide effortlessly over the material, reducing hair breakage and split ends.
Regular trims
One of the best ways to avoid split ends is by getting regular trims from a professional hairdresser. Leaving it too long between salon visits can result in damaged hair, breakages, and split ends. So, why not pop by our beauty and hair salon in Manchester for a trim and some lovely hair TLC.
