Your hair is fragile and has to endure a lot! Split ends occur when the cuticle of a hair follicle (which is outside the protective layer) begins to fray due to normal wear and tear…washing, heat products, brushing, etc. The frayed cuticle then exposes the inner layer of the hair follicle, making it prone to damage and thus, split ends. What can one do to prevent such a tragedy?! Read on to find out!
Trim Your Hair Often
Getting regular trims are really the only way to fully eliminate split ends. Regular trimming keeps your hair healthy and hydrated, and makes your hair appear fuller, too!
Use Leave-In Conditioner
Are you prone to split ends? Leave in
conditioner will help protect your hair from styling. Consider using an oil-based conditioner, like coconut or olive, or a butter, like shea or aloe. To use, take a dime size amount and rub it gently onto the ends of your hair. This will not only help prevent split ends, but will help your hair feel silky and look shiny and healthy, too!
Drying Hair
Drying your hair can also cause unnecessary stress on your hair, leading to split ends. When drying, use a cotton based towel (they’re softer and absorb more, making hair dry faster). According to Hair Buddha, wrapping your hair in a soft cotton towel for 5-10 minutes and then letting it air dry is the way to go!
Brush Carefully
When picking out a brush, be sure to avoid plastic or rough bristles, these will pull and tug at your hair and can leave split ends and damage. Instead, use a paddle brush with thin bristles, starting to brush by your ends moving up to the roots. If you start from the top down in one full sweep, you’ll tangle your hair and create knots, leading to further damage.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is your friend! It’s not good to wash your hair everyday, as it strips your hair of its natural oils, and hot water is one of the worst things you can put on your hair. A good dry shampoo will not only leave your hair looking freshly washed, but it’ll add some volume and texture too!
Avoid Heating Products When Able
Styling products like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons rely on heat, which can easily damage hair. Go without them when you’re able to. If you have time, let your hair air dry. If you absolutely have to straighten your hair, brush it out first, which will help prevent hair from going in a bent position, which can easily break when styling. For an easy wave, try spraying in some sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunching. Not only will you avoid heating products like a blow dryer and a curling iron, but you’ll have flawless, beautiful beach waves!
Consider Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are a great way to cover up any split ends or hair damage. Be sure to choose
real top pieces that are made from human hair, and ones that can be easily used and don’t have to be glued or sewn in.
Damaging your hair is so easy to do, but luckily, it can be repaired!
