How to Get Rid of Split Ends

Split ends, though a fact of life for many, can make your hair appear ragged and unkempt. Learning more about split ends and how they occur can give you some insight into banishing them from your daily look. Though there’s only one real way to get rid of split ends, it’s quite possible to prevent them – or at least prolong them for a while. Below, you will discover these tips and more so you can put your best face forward every single day.

Removing Split Ends

Despite the various products you will find on store and even high-end salon shelves promising to help you “repair” your damaged hair, there is no product that will fix or remove split ends. Once they’ve occurred, the only way to combat them is to snip them off. Split ends occur when hair tips split into two or more strands, typically at the ends. You may notice white dots at the end of your hair, which tend to mark the location where your hair has broken, or you may also find knots in single strands of hair, especially if you have curly or dry hair. Once these are present, a trim is the only way to remove them once and for all.

Split End Prevention Tips

Though a trim is the only way to get rid of split ends once they’ve occurred, there are several things that you can do to prevent them in the first place.

• Get Regular Trims – Trimming hair regularly (every six to eight weeks) may seem counterproductive if you’re trying to gain length, but the truth is that ignoring split ends can cause you to lose more length at the tips than you gain at the roots. Trim your hair regularly, and if your split ends are particularly troublesome, consider cutting your hair in layers so that you can keep split ends at bay without sacrificing length.
• Shampoo Carefully – Shampooing too frequently or too roughly can cause even more breakage. Try to do it no more than three times each week and avoid piling your hair on top of your head to lather it and scrub. You should only shampoo the hair closest to your scalp.
• Rinse with Cool Water – Hot water strips natural protective oils from your hair, which can leave it dry and more prone to breakage. Always rinse your hair in the coolest water you can tolerate to seal the hair shaft and make split ends less likely.
• Never Brush Wet Hair – Though it’s tempting to brush your hair while it’s wet, this is never a good idea. Your hair is weakest when it is wet, so put the brush down and wait until it’s dry. If you have troublesome knots, consider using a wide-tooth comb in the shower while your hair is being conditioned. The conditioner will serve as detangler and help the knots come out far more easily.
• Dry Hair Gently – Though it can be tempting to flip your head over and scrub hair with a towel to dry it more quickly, this can do more harm than good. Instead, try wrapping your hair up in a cotton t-shirt rather than a towel as it dries. The t-shirt is much gentler than a towel.
• Use Heat Tools Sparingly – Though it’s definitely tempting to use a hair dryer on its hottest setting (or a hot straightening iron) to make your hair look sleek and hide the flyaways often caused by split ends, heat damages your hair a great deal and will only make the issue worse with time. Avoid using heat as much as possible so you can save it for special occasions and be sure to use heat protection products beforehand.

Getting rid of split ends is only accomplished with a cut or trim, so your best bet – especially if you are trying to grow your hair out – is to prevent them before they start. The tips above are among some of the best for keeping your hair strong and healthy, which can not only prevent split ends, but can also help you look your very best.