How to Get Rid of Split Ends? Causes, Types of Split Ends

What are split ends?

Split ends, also known as "trichoptilosis" or "schizotrichia" in the medical community, are the consequence of fraying or splitting of the hair fibre, most commonly near the strand's end, though splitting can also occur farther up the hair. However, since hair develops from the root, your ends are the most exposed and fragile section of your hair because they are the oldest. Fraying and split ends are mostly caused by daily wear and strain.

Break ends are most noticeable at the hair's ends, but they can also occur in the middle or top of the strand, and they can split into two or more pieces. You may have split ends if you don't cut your hair on a regular basis, although the number of split ends can vary. A lot of split ends might indicate that your hair is in need of some TLC.

Does everyone get them?

The majority of people have split ends, although not all to the same extent. Split ends can affect any hair type for a variety of causes, including non-genetic or ethnic factors. Because of how you style your hair, how fiercely you style it, what products you use, and whether or not you use hot equipment, you may have more or less split ends than your neighbor.

Pollution, the weather and your way of life may all have an impact on the quality of your hair, making it more prone to damage, which can lead to split ends.

Wait, there are types of split ends?

Believe it or not, split ends come in many different types:

• Tree - The main shaft gives way to several branches of splits in different directions.

• Feather - The end of the strand has split into many small parts, looking very much like a feather.

• Incomplete - The hair strand develops a hole in the middle because it has been split apart.

• Baby split - The end of the hair strand develops a tiny split.

• Taper - Instead of splitting, the hair fibre has thinned out near the end.

• Y split - The hair fibre splits at the end in two equal parts.

What causes these in the first place?

There can be many different reasons why you may end up with split ends:

• Overbrushing your hair - Reduce overbrushing, and if you think your hair needs a little more help detangling, apply a leave-in conditioner after towel-drying to reduce knots and friction on the strand while combing.

• Using heat for styling - Hair can be damaged by using hot styling products such as hair dryers, straighteners, hot rollers and curling irons on a regular basis. The heat from these instruments dehydrates the hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.

• Tying your ponytails with a rubber band - You're probably doing more damage than good to your strands if you don't use suitable hair ties, headbands, or hair accessories.

• Drying your hair with a towel - Even your tried-and-true towel-dry method might harm your tresses. After showering, dry your hair with a micro-fibre towel or a clean t-shirt, which is gentler on your strands and won't produce friction.

• Excess sun exposure - Hair can become brittle and fragile as a result of excessive sun exposure and a lack of humidity. Split ends can occur as a result of the damage produced by these conditions.

• Treating your hair with chemicals - Your hair is harmed by chemical straightening treatments and perms, bleaching, and hair colouring. These treatments weaken and damage the hair, making it prone to splitting.

• Washing your hair too much - While keeping our hair clean and our scalps healthy is crucial, over-washing it can lead it to lose its natural oils, resulting in drier, coarser, and potentially split ends.

• Friction - Split ends are frequently caused by friction and your hair may be damaged by certain textiles and materials. Scarves, cotton pillows, caps, and even rough towels can cause friction, resulting in split ends and damaged hair.

How do get rid of split ends?

You have several options to get rid of your split ends:

• Trim your hair regularly - Split ends may be avoided by trimming your hair on a regular basis, such as every 6-8 weeks and, in fact, it aids in the prevention of additional splintering.  When a hair strand splits at the end, it causes much more damage since split ends will continue to split all the way up the hair shaft if not clipped in a timely manner. The hair strands will be damaged, resulting in brittle and unhealthy hair.

• Use a protectant before applying heat - Avoid using hot tools to style your hair if you want it to be healthy and shiny. Use medium or low heat while using these instruments and before blow-drying, straightening or curling your hair, make sure you use a heat protectant.

• Maintain a healthy diet - It is critical to include foods in your regular diet that contain all of your body's needed vitamins and minerals. Iron, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C and other vital elements should all be included in your diet. Maintaining proper hydration is also essential.

• Avoid sun damage - It's critical to protect your hair, as well as your skin, from the sun, especially during the summer months when the sun is particularly severe. To protect your hair, wrap it in a scarf or use a hair serum.

• Avoid chemicals- Reduce the amount of dyes, bleaches, and other styling treatments you use on your hair and instead, use oils and hair serums created with natural and organic components.

• Get a coconut oil massage - Coconut oil has a long list of hair advantages, including treating obstinate hair growth, dandruff, and even dry ends. While coconut oil will not repair the ends, it will make them look less ragged and smoother.

• Use the right comb - Use a wide-tooth comb or the appropriate brush as it's essential in guarding your hair against damage.  Instead of using a hard plastic brush that might spoil your hair, use a flat paddle brush. Brush the bottom half of your hair first to eliminate knots, then comb the remainder of it.

• Apply a hair mask - Infuse moisture and hydration into your strands by applying a hair mask to give them the care they need. If you have colour-treated hair or use a lot of heat on it, this is extremely vital.

• Don’t overbrush, don’t overwash - While brushing and cleaning your hair is a must, going overboard can increase the damage that leads to split ends. Avoid forceful brushing and too many wash sessions to prevent damaged ends.

• Give your hair a cold shower - Hair that has been washed in extremely hot water tends to dry out and get damaged at the roots, while the scalp also bears the brunt. Even if you start by washing your hair with hot water, finish with cool water.

• Take a biotin supplement - Biotin is very good for the hair and serves to give you healthy, strong hair. It also improves hair elasticity and provides protection against split ends. Try the Carmesi 100% Plant-Based Biotin, which is a great supplement for your hair.