Treat Split Ends

Split ends occur when hair becomes weak and begins to break near the end of the hair shaft. Too much heat styling, sunlight, or harsh styling products can all cause split ends. Fortunately, there is a way to manage those split ends; keep in mind, however, that you will need to trim your hair in order to completely eliminate split ends. This article will show you how to treat and care for your split ends to keep the damage at bay.

Steps

Using Salon Products and Treatments

1. Use the right type of shampoo and conditioner. Look for something that says restructuring, repairing, nourishing, hydrating, or moisturizing on the label. These types of shampoos and conditioners are designed to add extra moisture, proteins, and vitamins to your hair, making it healthier and stronger. They won't necessarily seal the split ends back up, but they will help manage them and prevent the split from going further up the hair shaft.
2. Use a deep-conditioning hair mask. Wash your hair as your normally would, but instead of using your usual conditioner, use a deep-conditioning hair mask. Do not rinse it out; instead, squeeze the extra moisture out of your hair and put it under a shower cap. Leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it out using cool water. If you can't find a hair mask designed specifically for split ends, look for something that says:
   • Deep repair
   • Hair repair treatment
   • Restorative
3. Apply a hair serum on the ends of hair once a week. Find one that has a conditioning agent and ingredients that gives hair a shine. Apply a generous amount of this serum to damaged split ends. Style the hair as usual. The serum works to help treat and smooth split ends. Serums for split ends will typically include anything of the following on the label:
   • Split end cream/mender
   • Pure oil treatment
4. Try a Brazilian blowout split end repair treatment. You will need to find a certified salon to get this treatment. It will take about 10 minutes, and is most effective right after a haircut or trim. The combination of product and gentle heat styling will help seal the split ends for up to four weeks.

Using Natural Products and Treatments

1. Apply ½ teaspoon of olive oil onto your hair. Pour some oil into the palm of your hand and gently massage it into your hair, focusing on the ends and working your way up. Do not rinse out the oil. If you do not have any olive oil at home, here are some other great options:
   • Avocado oil is moisturizing, making it ideal for dry and frizzy hair.
   • Castor oil tends to be slightly drying, but it also adds strength, making it great for oily hair as well as brittle hair.
   • Coconut oil is moisturizing and suitable for all hair types. It will leave your hair soft and shiny.
   • Jojoba oil is weightless and ideal for oily hair.
   • Sesame oil is great for all hair types. It will condition your hair and add shine.
2. Use an oil treatment. Warm ¼ to ½ cup (60 to 120 milliliters) of olive oil in the microwave; you want it to be very warm, but not hot. Apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and leave it there for 20 to 60 minutes. Once the time is up, take the shower cap off and wash your hair. You may need to wash it a few times to get all of the oil out. If you have particularly weak hair, consider adding any of these strengthening ingredients to the olive oil:
   • 1 teaspoon of neem oil
   • 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
   • 4 drops carrot seed oil
3. Make a nourishing hair mask using an egg and oil. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 egg in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and wait 30 minutes. Remove the shower cap once the time is up, and wash your hair using cool water; do not use hot water or you may get scrambled eggs in your hair.
   • Olive oil is very moisturizing. It is also full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
   • Coconut oil is not only moisturizing, but it is also full of proteins and vitamins E and K, all of which are important for keeping hair healthy and strong.
   • Egg contain vitamins A, D, and E, which are important for hair health. They also contain moisturizing fatty acids and plenty of protein.
4. Make a moisturizing hair mask with honey and coconut oil. Mix together 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Massage the mixture into the ends of your hair and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes; you can tuck your hair under a shower cap to prevent the mixture from drying out or getting everywhere. Once the time is up, wash your hair.
   • Coconut oil is full of proteins and vitamins, all of which are important for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Coconut oil is also very moisturizing.
   • Honey will help draw moisture into your hair. Split ends usually happen to hair that is brittle and dry, so keeping your hair hydrated can help prevent split ends—and keep existing ones from getting worse.
5. Mix avocado, some egg whites, and olive oil for a nourishing hair mask. You will need 1 avocado (pitted and skinned), 2 tablespoons of egg whites, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mash the avocado with the rest of the ingredients until you get a smooth, creamy texture. Spread the mixture throughout your hair, and tuck everything under a shower cap. After 45 to 60 minutes, take the shower cap off and wash your hair as usual. Avoid using very hot water, or the eggs may cook in your hair.
6. Blend a papaya with some yogurt for a healthy, protein-packed hair mask. You will need 1 papaya (skinned and with the seeds scooped out) and ½ cup (125 grams) of plain yogurt. Mix the two ingredients using a blender until you get a creamy consistency, then spread it throughout your hair. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and leave it there for 45 minutes, then wash it out using your usual shampoo.
7. Use gelatin to make a healthy hair mask. Wash and shampoo your hair first, then mix 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water with 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup. Spread the mixture throughout your hair and leave it on for five minutes. Rinse the mixture out after the time is up. This will help strengthen your hair and prevent the ends from getting split. It may also help prevent existing split ends from worsening.

Caring for Split Ends

1. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton and linen pillowcases may be more affordable, but the coarse texture can snag and tear your hair, making existing split ends worse than they already are. Consider investing in a satin or silk pillowcase.
   • If you cannot find a satin or silk pillowcase, consider getting a cotton one with a high thread count, such as Egyptian cotton.
2. Consider trimming your hair once every six to eight weeks. This will help prevent the ends of your hair from splitting. If you already have split ends, then you will need to cut 1 ½ inches above the split; this will prevent your hair from splitting further up the shaft.
3. Eat plenty of protein-containing foods. Protein is very important for strong, healthy hair. It may not cause the split ends to seal themselves back together, but it will help make the rest of your hair stronger, and prevent the damage from becoming worse. Here are some foods that have lots of protein:
   • Beans
   • Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
   • Eggs
   • Fish and seafood, including halibut, salmon, and tuna
   • Meat, including chicken, lean beef, turkey, pork, and veal
   • Nuts and seeds, such as pistachios and pumpkin seeds
   • Soy-based products, like tofu and soymilk
4. Eat plenty of vitamin and biotin-rich foods. Some examples are, proteins, vitamins are important to maintain strong, healthy hair and thus prevent the damage from getting worse.
   • Try adding some citrus, broccoli, or spinach into your diet, all of which are rich in vitamin C.
   • To add more biotin to your diet, eat more berries, fish, and nuts.
5. Protect your hair from environmental damage. This may not necessarily fix the split ends, but it will help prevent them from getting worse. There are different ways in which you can protect your hair from the elements. There's a list to get you started:
   • Wear hats and scarves when going outside, even in the winter. The cold air can be just as damaging as the hot sun. Consider using a UV-shielding spray for your hair if you are going to be outside on a hot, sunny day for a long time.
   • Protect your hair from chlorine when swimming by wearing swim caps.
6. Avoid hair products containing sulfates, silicones, and parabens. These ingredients are very damaging to your hair, and will make your split ends worse. Here is what you should try to avoid and why:
   • Sulfates, sometimes listed as sulfites, are harsh detergents also found in commercial cleaning products. They give shampoo that nice lather, but they can also strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle.
   • Silicones are plastics that help your hair become smooth. Unfortunately, they can only be removed with sulfates; a buildup of silicone can lead to limp, dull hair.
   • Parabens are preservatives and may lead to cancer. It is best to avoid them.
7. Avoid heat-styling your hair and use protective sprays when you do. Try to air dry your hair when possible; if you must use a hair dryer, then turn it on to the lowest setting. Also, avoid using hair straighteners and curling irons every day. Excessive heat can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, which will make split ends worse than they already air.
   • Always your hair with a heat protection spray before straightening or curling it. This will protect it and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
8. Brush properly to avoid tearing your hair. Start from the ends ad work your way upward, brushing in small sections at a time. If you have curly hair, consider using a wide-toothed comb. Never brush your hair from the roots straight down; this can cause your hair to snag and tear, which will make the split ends even worse.

Tips

• When trying a new treatment or product, be aware that it may not work right away; try using it several times or for up to two weeks. Some products and treatments need a little bit of time before you start seeing any results. Sometimes, your hair needs to adjust to the new product.
• To completely eliminate split ends, you will need to cut them off. Left untreated, split ends may continue creeping up the hair shaft, causing more and more damage.

Related Articles

• Detect Split Ends
• Remove and Prevent Split Ends
• Treat Split Ends with an Avocado Treatment
• Deep Condition Hair With a Cotton Turban and No Heat Dryer
• Apply Castor Oil for Hair
• Trim Dry Ends of Long Hair

Sources and Citations

• Total Beauty, 16 Best Hair Care Products for Split Ends

See also

• Remove and Prevent Split Ends
• Trim Your Own Split Ends
• Detect Split Ends

What links here

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