We all suffer from split ends, no matter our hair types. And while we’d love to believe that split ends can be magically mend back together, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. But don’t fret, because there are things you can do to mask frayed ends and get them looking their very best, from getting regular trims to using good-for-your-hair products.
1. Get Regular Trims
No matter how well you look after your hair, the everyday combing, washing will cause some wear and tear, and therefore you can’t prevent split ends entirely. Inevitably, a trim will be necessary at some point to control split ends. But, proper care will allow you to stretch trim appointment to every eight to twelve weeks, or may be even longer. Keep a regular check on them. If you happen to see a random split end, take a pair of scissors and get rid of it. Leaving the split end uncut is not a good idea, as it could potentially get worse and travel all the way up to the root.
2. Avoid Over-Shampooing
Avoid over shampooing your hair as it can get rid of the natural oil in your hair and can be the cause of brittling your hair. Shampoo your hair twice in a week and be sure to use conditioner after shampoo.
3. Avoid Super-Hot Showers
It’s tough letting go of that cozy feeling hot showers evoke, but the truth is, scalding hot water doesn’t allow the hair cuticles to rid themselves of split end-causing buildup. When showering try to use lukewarm water or the coldest water you can stand. Hot water is damaging to your hair since the cuticle swells, making it more prone to splits. Especially when it comes time for rinsing, he recommends using cold water to close the cuticle, which will seal the outer layer of the hair.
4. Avoid Blow-Drying Your Ends
The more heat you apply to your ends, the more they’ll be exposed to damage. For this reason, we recommend concentrating the dryer on the roots and upper lengths of your hair rather than the ends. There’s no need to dry your hair completely with the blowdryer—letting some of it air dry will save you from more damage in the long run.
5. Use Metal-Free Hair Accessories
Whether you’re donning a top-knot, ponytail, or half-up half-down style, turns out the accessories you put in your hair could contribute to damage—metal ones included. We recommends using hair accessories that don’t contain metal, as the metal pieces can snag and break your hair, causing split ends, broken pieces, and uneven strands.
6. Don’t Overheat Your Hot Tools
If you’re used to cranking up your straightener to its highest setting, we recommend taking it down a notch (or two). Overheating your hair with styling tools causes damaged areas and split ends.Try to use the low or medium setting when possible, and limit the use of hot tools on the vulnerable parts of your hair.