How to Manage Hair Split Ends

When your hair becomes frayed, dry, and brittle, split ends are said to have happened. Split ends are a popular hair condition and people who are experiencing this go to any length to seek reparation. While this condition may be difficult to repair, some recommendations can help you with effective management.

Split ends have become common with the increased use of hair products and it is speculated that almost every user will have to deal with this condition at some point. To explain further, here is what causes split ends: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, hair straightening, blow-drying, and curling.

As earlier mentioned, split ends are difficult to repair as there are no clear-cut procedures that have proven to be effective in the cure. The ultimate cure has always been to cut off the hair completely. However, there are methods that you can use to effectively manage split ends. We have outlined some of these methods in this article. Please read on as we give more details.

Are there People that are Prone to Split Ends?

It is common to find most people with this condition, Africans are considered to be prone to split ends. According to research conducted in 2015, Afro-textured kind of hair is exposed to the risk of getting damaged. Afro-textured hair has a lower density, retro curvature with slower growth. These factors are responsible for the fragility of this kind of hair.

Also, women who are experiencing menopause can develop split ends. With the dropping of estrogen levels, the natural and pure oils that come up in the scalp reduce and this leads to a separation.

How to Manage Split Ends

The following are some methods you can use to manage this condition:

Candle Cutting

This process requires folding a portion of your hair and using a candle to burn it halfway. It is assumed that burning the affected part creates a seal that shields the ends and this prevents another split. Some professionals worry that this procedure damages hair follicles.

For those seeking to try this procedure, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of experienced experts before you go ahead with your plan. This is because trying it out on your own without guidance can lead to burned skin.

Hair Masks

This is another method most people use to manage split ends. Masks moisturize hair in a way that conceals or even prevents split ends. However, it is not a complete cure as most marketers claim. These masks do not just moisturize your hair, they also strengthen the shafts in a way that improves the appearance.

Leave-in Conditioners

This is the use of effective conditioners to manage split ends. Usually, these conditioners are applied to the hair after using a dry towel to clean it. You will also need to section the strands when you are applying the conditioner so that you can easily cover every part, from the roots up to the tips.

If you are looking to purchase a conditioner, here are some ingredients to look out for as they are very essential in the maintenance of your hair.

Sweet Almond Oil

This ingredient is extracted from almonds. It is completely hydrating and doesn’t weigh the hair down. To achieve maximum effectiveness, you need to rub it into wet hair.

Panthenol

This is an extract of pantothenic acid. It helps with strengthening the hair, retaining moisture as well as the improvement of texture for damaged hair. This is the major ingredient in most conditioners so you have to look out for it. If you need more information about this ingredient, you can read this article.

Argan Oil

This oil comes from argan trees that are found in Morocco. It has high moisturizing effects and makes the hair shine. To use this oil on the affected part, rub different drops in dry or damp hair before combing through.

Types of Split Ends

The following are kinds of split ends:

Basic Split

This is the most common type. It occurs in the early stages of the condition and while the cortical cells may still be held together, large portions start separating. You can use good conditioners at this stage to heal the ends before they grow too wide apart.

The Mini

The mini is also a common type of separation. At this point, the ends tend to become edgy but not above repair. The best remedy to use at this point is the sealing method which closes up every separation.

The Tree

This happens when cortical cells begin to separate. Here, more damage is done to a corner of the hair fiber and this causes many branches to separate. To get rid of this condition, get a haircut and start using some products that shield against damages from harsh weather conditions.

Candle

This represents a major loss of the external cuticle that happens without any split at the initial stage. However, a separation is likely to occur after some time. You will need to use a separation treatment or a nourishing oil for damage control.

Single Strand Knots

This is common with curly strands. It involves the tangling of the curl in a way that forms a knot. This knot may be difficult to get rid of and this requires that you become very careful when brushing the curls to avoid any breakage.

Preventing Split Ends

The following are some tips to guide you:

1. Regular haircuts: Ensure that you get frequent haircuts, preferably once in six weeks. Doing this will prevent the growth and development of unwanted problems.
2. Avoid washing your hair on a daily basis. However, if you decide to wash it, ensure that you skip a shampoo occasionally and try to use a good conditioner too.
3. Go for natural shampoos: When choosing shampoos, go for an all-natural option that contains ingredients that are not harsh. Harsh ingredients have a way of aggravating problems and this is not good for your health. If you need tips on natural washing routines, you can watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chq_G72qAHs.
4. Utilize a wide-tooth comb: To detangle damp strands, utilize wide combs that have strong teeth. This way, you can easily cover the entire hair.
5. Use protective spray: Utilize a heat-shielding spray and reduce the use of heat.
6. Take supplements: There are supplements that support growth. Some of these supplements like folic and biotin acid are very effective in strengthening the strands.
7. Avoid some hairstyles: There are hairstyles such as ponytails that cause split ends. Reducing the frequency of wearing some of these hairstyles will go a long way to prevent any damage.

These are some relevant information about this condition. Additionally, there are other problems that one may experience and we have also discussed them briefly.

Common Hair Problems

The following are some issues that one may experience:

Dandruff

This is caused by an imbalanced diet, infection, or slow metabolism. To fix this condition, you can use an anti-dandruff conditioner and shampoo. You can also read up detailed articles explaining natural remedies for dandruff and other related conditions.

Gray Strands

Most people see it as a sign of advancement in age while some are uncomfortable with wearing it around. It is usually more brittle and unruly than you will find with other strands. To fix this, you will have to use demi-permanent dye because of its less harsh features when compared with a permanent dye.

Hair Loss

This affects both men and women. It takes the form of pattern balding in men while women may experience this as a result of medication, stress, menopause, and the use of some products with high chemical concentration.

To fix this, reduce the use of some styling products and also use a shampoo to clean the build-up of residue that is responsible for hair loss.

Conclusion

Split ends affect the appearance of your hair and if it is left unmanaged, it can cause more damages to your hair. Although it is difficult to cure split ends, there are some tips to help you with the prevention. You may have to adjust your styling techniques as well as use conditioners with natural ingredients.

If your condition is severe, you will need to consult a trichologist. Doing this will help with maintenance and also prevent further damages to your hair. We hope that this article answered some of the questions you may have regarding this condition. Feel free to share with family and friends who may need it.