What to Know About Split Ends

Split-end hairs can happen to anyone at any time—they do not discriminate when it comes to race, age, or gender. While hair is generally strong, it is still susceptible to damage from wear and tear. This damage, known as split ends, occurs at the end of your hair since that is where the oldest and most fragile strands of your hair reside. 

What Are Split Ends?

In an attempt to maintain beautiful-looking hair, you may end up using products that claim to promote healthy-looking hair but, unfortunately, may end up doing the opposite instead. When damage occurs to your hair, it results in your hair becoming weak and prone to breakage or splitting. This can lead to unhealthy or frizzy-looking hair. Eventually, thinning of the hair and bald spots may occur as a result of the continuing and untreated damage. 

What Causes Split Ends?

There are several factors and habits that can lead to the development of split ends. These factors and habits include: 

• Rubbing shampoo throughout your hair during the washing process

• Not using conditioner 

• Allowing your hair to come into contact with harsh chemicals such as the chemicals in swimming pools 

• Using a towel to rub your hair dry

• Brushing your hair after a shower while it’s still wet 

• Using blow dryers, hot combs, and/or curling irons frequently and on high settings

• Applying long-lasting hair styling products 

• Securing your hair in a tight ponytail, bun, braids, or other updos 

• Wearing hair extensions and weaves 

• Using professional hair treatments such as perming, coloring, or relaxing your hair 

• Overbrushing your hair 

Aside from those factors, split ends can also occur from environmental, nutritional, and genetic causes.

Are Split Ends Bad?

Split ends are generally bad and signal a problem with your hair that should be addressed. Split ends also can prevent hair growth and may even cause your hair to snap.

Split ends also point to hair that has become damaged, weakened, and unhealthy.  

Split Ends Treatment

Despite the fact that there are products marketed and geared toward fixing split ends, they do not provide enough help. Since there are no treatments or cures for split ends, the only way to get rid of them is to get your hair cut or trimmed. By trimming your hair, you’re able to prevent your hair from splitting further up the strand, avoiding further damage to your hair.