No matter how coarse, kinky* or smooth our hair is, one thing is for sure: split ends are an issue that plagues ALL hair types.
Frizzy and unkempt split ends are not only deterrent to maintaining a beautiful hairstyle, but they also damage the health of our hair as well.
Split ends have been noted as the leading hair complaint faced by women throughout the world. While it is impossible to eradicate the problems of split ends once and for all, it is certainly possible to reduce their occurrence and maintain healthy hair by following a few simple and at-home hair treatment techniques.
What causes split ends?
So, why does our hair split at the ends? Several factors tend to cause split ends. The primary cause of split ends is due to the hair losing its moisture and its protective overcoat, which in turn exposes the internal structure of the hair, leading to weakened, dehydrated and damaged hair.
When this happens, the hair withers down into several layers, resulting in a phenomenon that causes split ends at the tip of the hair.
There are multiple reasons why our hair is stripped of its protective coat. Harmful chemicals, heat, dust, pollution, overuse of hair heating and straightening tools, hair treatment and coloring agents, and the use of pins or narrow-toothed combs which cause wear and tear and ultimately excessive hair dryness.
Together with a lack of proper maintenance, the hair strands lose their moisture along with its protective coating, which leads to hair splitting up at the ends.
How can I prevent split ends?
Split ends can be prevented to an extent by keeping our hair moisturized. There are several DIY protein treatment products available off the shelf that can be used to treat your hair within the convenience of your home.
(Check out our article on homemade protein treatments here!) You can also apply good quality conditioners and avoid shampooing your hair excessively.
By limiting the use of harmful chemicals, hair colors, or other treatment products, you can control split ends to a large extent.
If you are in doubt about your in-home prevention methods, you can always consult professional services to help you to analyze the condition of your hair. Your stylist will tell you the best course of action to repair those split ends and prevent them from recurring.
Amen