The what, why and how of split ends — answered!

Get all your queries on split ends answered to put an end to this hair problem.

By: Neha Malude | | Updated: April 14, 2015 9:58 am

Your hair is your crowning glory but you are likely to have a bad hair day more often than not if your tresses are damaged. One major factor that makes your hair look unhealthy is when it has split ends. We’ve all had it at some point but do you know why this happens and how you can rectify this hair woe? We give you answers to all such questions. Also Read - From aloe vera to coconut milk: These are the best natural conditioners for dry hair

Also Read - Hair care tips: 5 easy ways to prevent split ends

What are split ends? Also Read - 4 easy egg packs to make your hair healthier at home

It simply means that a single hair strand splits into two at the tip. But in severe cases, the hair strand splits into multiple ends which not only looks bad but also makes your hair unhealthy and damaged. There are more chances that you have split ends if you have long tresses which require more upkeep.

Why do split ends occur?

Your body reacts by exhibiting pain when you put it to a severe mental or physical stress, and so does your hair. When you put too much thermal, mechanical or chemical stress on hair it reacts by becoming too coarse, it loses sheen or develops split ends. And are a few ways you are causing stress and pressure on your hair.

Straightening/Curling/Perming: These appliances work mainly by heating your hair to give it the shape you desire. But they also end up sucking the natural moisture out of hair follicles, leaving your locks dry and brittle an open invitation for split ends. Use these sparingly with the coolest setting possible. They also cause more damage, find out here.

Blow drying: The hot air used to dry your tresses is also making way for split ends. Make it a habit to air dry your hair unless it is extremely important to blow dry it. And keep the setting to the lowest to prevent damage.

Highlights/Hair colouring: Chemicals, chemicals and more chemicals they wreak havoc with the natural chemical composition of your hair. But also end up changing its texture. Coloured hair tends to get rough quickly which also leads to split ends. Try natural colours for a change which do not have chemicals. Here are a few options.

Excessive/Strong shampoos: Chances are if you have had your hair coloured, permanently straightened or rebonded, your stylist would have advised you to use special shampoos and conditioners. Consequently, you end up putting your hair through more chemical torture, making it terribly weak and unhealthy. Here’s how you should pick the right shampoo for your hair.

Brushing/Combing: Combing your hair too vigorously can not only damage them but also make them weak. Brush your hair lovingly, especially if they are wet because that s the time they are most fragile. Vigorous drying and combing is the most common reason for split ends. Follow these 7 combing tips.

Genetic condition: For some, hair with split ends is just a genetic problem. Called Trichorrhexis nodosa, this condition causes a defect in the hair shaft. So the hair is thick at some points and thin at others. This uneven texture causes it to break easily.

How to keep split ends away?

Steer clear of styling.
Find out what your hair needs.
Pamper your hair.
Get a trim every 2-3 months.

In addition to these, eat well and eat healthy. Remember how grandma oiled your hair when you were a kid? That still stands good today. Cover your head when you go out in the sun. It s quite simple really – be nice to your hair and it will be nice to you. Don t stress the tresses! Have you tried these natural remedies for split ends?

Image source: Shutterstock

Published : April 13, 2015 6:55 pm | Updated:April 14, 2015 9:58 am

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