The Ins and Outs of Split Ends

So many of us suffer from split ends but don't know the causes or ways to prevent the problem. When the cuticle is damaged and the cortex unravel, we get the dreaded split ends. But nevermind the technical talk, we want to know what we're doing wrong and what we can do to help solve the problem!

So, what are the common causes of split ends?
Well basically, when our hair is dry and brittle, the ends split. Common causes of dry/damaged hair and therefore hair with split ends are:

• Excessive heat styling
• Bad quality hair brushes/combs
• Lack of good hair conditioning (with a good quality conditioner)
• Rough treatment of hair (for example, harsh towel-drying)
• Over colouring

What can we do to prevent/cure split ends?
As far as a cure is concerned, we are pretty much out of luck. The only solution to get rid of existing split ends is to get a hair cut. However, we can prevent split ends. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Try not to scrunch your hair up too much whilst washing to help avoid tangles.
• Use a good quality, preferably professional, conditioner.
• Comb through a leave-in-conditioner after washing hair on occasion.
• Brush/comb hair very gently (especially when wet) to avoid breakage.
• Don't use heat appliances too often and when you do, use a good thermal protection product.
• Have your hair cut regularly to remove split ends.

Recommended products to help with split ends:

• Keratin Complex Care Shampoo 400ml
• Joico K-PAK Cuticle Sealer Litre
• Macadamia Hair Nourishing Leave-In Cream Natural Conditioner
• Senscience Hair Thermal Design Styling Spray 200ml

Now go fight those split ends!


Picture by *Zara on Flickr, used under a Creative Commons Licence.