Your hair probably undergoes a tremendous amount of punishment over the course of a year. Whether you are washing it, drying it or dying it, your hair is under siege. Over time, excessive dryness, heat, chemicals and mechanical stress can lead to split ends, which is the splitting or fraying of the ends of your hair. This condition is also called trichoptilosis, and it can have a profound effect on your overall appearance.
But there’s no need to panic. While there is no cure for the feathery tips of split ends, there are steps you can take to keep them to a minimum.
How You Can Avoid Split Ends:
Trim Your Hair Regularly
It doesn’t matter how great you look after washing and styling your hair, the constant stress on your locks will inevitably lead to a degree of damage over time. To control split ends and stop them from increasing, you need to regularly trim your hair. Every morning, take a close look at your hair in a magnifying mirror. Remove even the smallest of split ends with a sharp pair of scissors.
Dry Your Hair Gently
Your hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet, so dry with great care. Instead of vigorously scrubbing your damp hair, dab it gently with a clean, dry towel. Soft cotton towels are kind to hair, and offer a high level of absorbency. Wrap your hair in the towel for around 15 minutes to absorb excess water, and then — if you absolutely have to — use a hair dryer on a gentle setting to finish the job.
Minimize Your Use of Hot Appliances
Heat curlers, flat irons and blow dryers all speed up the formation of split ends. They strip hair of its moisture, which is the single most common cause of frayed hair. Allow your hair to dry naturally whenever possible — which might mean washing it early in the evening, rather than in the morning. Also look for tools and methods for styling your hair that don’t rely on the application of heat.
Apply Oil to Your Hair Before Washing
When you wash your hair, it absorbs water and swells. It is in this state that it becomes susceptible to damage. By applying hair oil before you wash, a protective barrier is created around each strand. As well as providing much-needed nourishment for your hair, this oily coating stops a lot of water from penetrating it. The most effective hair oils are usually formulated with sesame oil, almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb offers a much gentler way of removing tangles and knots from your hair than a brush. Start at the ends of your hair, and gradually work your way up — brushing a small section at a time. When you hit a particularly stubborn knot, gently and smoothly untangle it with your comb. For serious tangles, apply a leave-in conditioner to soften your hair and make combing out the knot a lot easier.
Protect Your Hair from the Weather
A range of weather conditions can lead to the premature drying of your hair. Heat, direct sunlight, wind and cold weather can all dry your hair out and make it brittle. Whenever you step out in extreme weather, wear a headscarf or a hat. It’s also a good idea to wear coats with a protective hood.
Split ends can leave your hair looking tired and unkempt. By taking these vital steps, you can keep your hair looking healthy and in the best possible condition.
At Transitions of Wisconsin, we understand the importance of gentle hair care and preventing split ends as best you can. If you’re suffering from thinning hair or hair loss, we offer proven solutions which are customized and are specific to your type of hair loss. If you’re interested in scheduling a free consultation, contact us today!
References:
http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/989723/how-to-avoid-split-ends
https://laurenconrad.com/blog/2014/09/beauty-911-how-to-avoid-split-ends/
