Split ends: The Ultimate Guide with 16 ways to prevent and fix split ends

Whatever the cause, split ends are a real buzzkill that makes hair never feel quite right. But don't worry - there are solutions! In this guide, we'll explain the most common causes, how to avoid split ends and the best methods to fix split ends.

What are split ends?

Before we dive into how to avoid and fix split ends, we need to start with the basics. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle (or cuticula to be more precise), starts to wear down or split. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including heat styling, chemical treatments and general wear and tear. Once split ends occur, they cannot really be repaired - the only real solution is to cut away the damaged hair. But by taking steps to prevent split ends from forming in the first place, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Why do you get split tops?

Heating tools: If you regularly use heating tools such as straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers, you are putting your hair under stress that can easily lead to split ends. This is because the high temperatures from the heating tools can actually damage the protective layer of your hair strands. When this layer is damaged, your hair becomes more sensitive and is more likely to break and split at the ends. Thus, the more you use heat tools, the easier it is for split ends to develop.
Chemical treatments: While chemical treatments like coloring or perms can help you get the look you're after, they're also some of the biggest culprits behind split ends. That's because the chemicals used in these treatments can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. In addition, chemical treatments can weaken the bonds between individual fibers in the hair strands, making them brittle and fragile over time. So if you want to avoid split ends, be careful with chemical treatments and try to give your hair a break from time to time.
Washing too often: You may think that washing your hair often is a good thing, but think again! Over-washing your hair can actually lead to split ends. When you wash your hair too much, you remove the natural oils that keep your strands healthy and strong. Without these oils, your hair becomes dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to split ends. Even the hot water from showering or shampooing can damage your hair and weaken the bonds that hold each strand together.
Environmental factors: It's not just the things we do to our hair that can cause split ends - environmental factors can also play a big role. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, excessive sunlight, cold and air pollution can weaken the protective layer of your hairs. This weakened layer makes it easier for pollutants to penetrate your hair and cause damage, which can lead to split ends. In addition, if you use chemical treatments such as bleaching, perming or coloring, your hair is even more vulnerable to damage from the environment.
Genetics: We all have unique hair, and genetics can play a role in how our hair grows and behaves. While genetics don't directly cause split ends, they can make you more prone to developing them. For example, if you naturally have dry or coarse hair, you may be more likely to also get split ends than someone with naturally oily or soft hair. Some genes may even determine how fast your hair grows and how easily it breaks, which can also increase your risk of split ends over time. But don't worry - with the right care and attention, anyone can keep split ends at bay!
Too rough towel drying: How you dry your hair can actually also contribute to split ends. When you're in a hurry, it can be tempting to grab any old towel and start rubbing your hair vigorously to get it dry. But this can actually cause a lot of damage, making your hair more prone to splitting. The coarse towel fibers can create small tears in the hair strands, weakening them and causing them to break over time. Dry your hair gently instead and choose a towel that is soft.
Tight and tight hairstyles: Maybe you often go for a high tight ponytail or topknot? Be a little careful here too. Tight hairstyles can actually also cause split ends. When you tie your hair up too tightly, you put a lot of stress on the hair strands, making them more prone to breakage and splitting. Over time, this can lead to brittle hair and split ends. Instead, opt for a slightly looser hairstyle, such as a low ponytail or a messy bun to give your hair a break from the stress.
Too long between cuts: The last common cause of split ends is simply that it's been too long since your last haircut. When too much time passes between cuts, your hair is more likely to become damaged and develop split ends. This is because the ends of your hair are the oldest and most vulnerable parts of each hair strand. By regularly trimming away these damaged ends, you can keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends from developing in the first place. Aim to cut your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair in top shape.

How to avoid split peaks?

Here are our top 8 tips to avoid split ends:

Be gentle: Be kind to your hair! Avoid tight styles and over-brushing, and try to use a wide-toothed comb when you can. When brushing your hair, start at the ends and work your way up to minimize split ends. And don't forget to dry your hair gently with a soft towel!
Choose gentle products: Using the right hair care products can make a big difference in preventing split ends. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil or keratin. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or alcohol, as these strip your hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to damage. A sulfate-free shampoo will go a long way!
Chill out with the heat: Heat styling tools such as straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers can all contribute to split ends. Try to limit how often you style with heat tools and always use a heat protectant cream or spray to minimize damage. And when you do use them, make sure to use a low temperature.
Think about your diet: Your hair is a reflection of your overall health, so it's important to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need to keep it healthy. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens, berries and eggs, can all help to nourish your hair and prevent split ends. Read more about which foods are good for your hair.
Protect yourself from UV rays: When you're out in the sun, make sure to protect your hair with a hat or scarf. UV rays can damage your hair just like they can damage your skin, so protecting your hair from the sun will help keep your hair healthy and beautiful and free from split ends.
Review your lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can go a long way to preventing split ends. Regular exercise, stress management and good sleep habits can all contribute to healthy hair and help you avoid split ends.
Practice a little defiance: Split tops suck, but don't let them ruin your mojo! Kindly but firmly tell them to go to hell. It might not solve the problem, but maybe it will feel a little, little better?
Be patient: Preventing split ends takes some time, so be patient and consistent in your hair care routine. By following these tips and taking good care of your hair, you can prevent split ends from forming and keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

How to fix split ends?

If you already have split ends, don't worry - there are still ways to save your hair. Here are some of the best methods to fix split ends:

Cut them off: The only way to completely get rid of split ends is to actually cut them off. You don't have to cut off all your hair - just cut off the damaged ends to prevent the split from going further up the hair shaft.
Try a hair mask: Hair masks are a great way to nourish and repair damaged hair. Look for a moisturizing mask that contains ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or argan oil, which can help hydrate and strengthen your hair.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner: Leave-In Conditioner can help protect your hair from further damage and prevent split ends from getting worse. Look for a lightweight formula that won't weigh your hair down too much. Speaking of conditioners, our moisturizing conditioner containing piroctone olamine, vitamin E, omega 6 and hyaluronic acid will help nourish and hydrate your hair, reducing the risk of split ends.
Cut your hair regularly: Even if you are trying to spare your hair, it is important to cut your hair regularly to keep split ends away. A haircut every six to eight weeks can help keep your hair healthy and prevent damaged hairs from getting worse.
Style with care: Be careful when styling your hair! Avoid using tight strands and pulling your hair too tightly, and always use a heat protectant spray when using heat styling tools.
Don't brush your hair when it's wet: Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so avoid brushing your hair when it's wet. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to untangle your hair and gently dry your hair before brushing.
Review your hair routine: If you're experiencing a lot of split ends, it might be time to re-evaluate your hair care routine. Are you using too much heat? Are you brushing your hair too hard? By identifying the root cause of your split ends, you can make changes to prevent them from occurring in the future.
Don't overdo it: Overtreating your hair can actually cause as much damage as neglecting it. Think about how often you use heat styling tools or chemical treatments and give your hair a break every now and then.

The beginning of the end of on split ends

Split ends are a very common problem, but they are not inevitable. By taking good care of your hair and paying attention to the causes of split ends, you can prevent them from forming and keep your hair healthy and beautiful. And if you do get split ends, don't panic - there are still ways to fix them and get your hair back on track. With these tips and the products below, you'll be well on your way to hair that makes your friends jealous!