Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Identifying split ends
• Part 2 of 2: Treating and preventing split ends
• Tips

You may think split ends are just a nuisance. But split ends are actually damaged strands of hair. This fraying or splitting of hair is known as trichoptilosis. It is important to trim split ends to prevent the split ends from moving up the hair strand towards your scalp. Since you need to know whether or not you have split ends, you should check your hair regularly and know what split ends look like.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Identifying split ends

1. Learn the difference between split ends and frizz. You can have frizzy hair regardless of the health of your hair. If your hair is frizzy, it is likely that your hair will be consistently flared. At the same time, dry, tangy and unmanageable hair is often a sign that the hair is damaged. In this case, only the damaged part of your hair will be affected.
   • For example, if you have a hard time keeping your hair flat and it's humid weather outside, then you're probably dealing with frizz.
   • If your hair gets tangled up easily and looks dry at the ends, you probably have split ends.
2. Notice when your hair feels dry and difficult to style. Damaged hair does not retain moisture, so it feels dry, even with good hair care. In addition, it does not retain volume and is difficult to control. It can be difficult to comb.
   • You may notice that your hair never feels smooth, or that the top of your hair feels smooth, while the ends feel rough and dry.
3. Check your hair often. It's easy to fall into a hair routine where you use the same products and treatments over and over. Take a good look at your hair at least once a week. This way, you can catch split ends early before they spread the length of the strand.
   • If you notice a lot of split ends, use straightening agents such as heat or chemicals less often. If you do use heat, make sure to apply heat protectant beforehand. In addition, make sure to treat hair often with conditioner and replace old or bad brushes and combs.
   • You still need to trim the split ends, but changing your hair care routine can prevent split ends from forming in the future.
4. Braid your hair if it is all in one length. Divide sections of your hair into braids that are about 2-3 cm wide. Keep the tension even while braiding so that the braid doesn't taper strangely. Examine your braids to see if they are the same thickness from top to bottom. If they are tapered, the hair is damaged and you probably have split ends.
   • This method of finding split ends will not work if your hair is weighted or layered. If your hair is more than 12 inches long, it may taper from normal wear and tear (without split ends).
5. Look for common split ends. Wear your hair loosely so that you can pull strands in front of your face. Study the ends of different strands. Each strand of hair should be straight at the end. But if the hair is split, the strand of hair will split in two or three different directions.
   • It is easy to remember that common split ends create small "Y" shapes at the ends of your hair strands.
6. Examine your hair for different types of split ends. There are more variations of split ends than you may think. If your hair has more complex split ends, your hair may be even more damaged and should be trimmed:
   • Triple / Multiple Split Ends: These look like regular split ends, but there can be three, four, or even five split ends on the same side.
   • Branches: These are split ends that can be seen all over a strand of hair, either all on one side or as branches.
   • Y-junction: This happens when another junction forms from a junction.
   • Long or deep split ends: If a regular split end is not trimmed, but continues to grow, one end of the split will continue to grow.
   • Baby Split Ends: This is the start of a new split that will develop into a larger split.
   • Tapered split ends: these are regular strands of hair that get thinner towards the end of the hair.
   • Split ends with white tips: White dots appear on the hair when the strand of hair tapers in and out repeatedly.
   • Thickening: The split has formed, but the ends are not yet separated.
   • Offshoots: a white spot has formed from which a thickening has formed, which, however, has not yet branched.
   • Incomplete Cleavage: The split has formed but merged at the end and continued to grow.
7. Use a magnifying glass. Take a strand of hair or keep your hair in front of you. Examine the hair with a loupe for signs of splitting, fraying, or fanning. Realize that looking at one or two hairs on its own will not help you find the split ends. However, it can give you an idea of ​​how healthy your hair is.
   • For example, if you check five strands of hair under the magnifying glass and four of them are split, your hair is probably quite damaged overall. But if you find none or only one hair, then your hair can be quite healthy.

Part 2 of 2: Treating and preventing split ends

1. Talk to your hairdresser. If you are still unsure whether your hair is fraying at the ends, ask your stylist to take a look the next time you get your hair cut or styled. You can also ask a friend to look at your hair and keep an eye out for frizz. This can be especially helpful if you have short hair and cannot pull the hair between your fingers to check it.
   • Consider how often you tangle hair. If it needs frequent tangle or brushing, your hair likely has split ends that contribute to the tangles.
2. Learn what causes split ends. Research has shown that excessive use of anti-dandruff shampoo with 2% ketoconazole can lead to split ends. Blow drying, curling, using a flat iron, and chemically treating your hair (such as bleaching, coloring, or perming) can all damage your hair over time.
   • Even a simple hair routine like brushing your hair can damage your hair if you brush your hair when it's wet. Likewise, pulling your hair too hard can also cause split ends.
3. Remove the split ends. Since hair is made up of non-living tissue, you cannot heal the split ends. Although you can keep the split ends closer together by moisturizing them properly, the hair is still damaged. To treat split ends, leave your hair at least 1 cm on the ends (depending on how severe the situation is). If you have a lot of split ends, consider keeping all your hair at least 1/2 to 1 inch at the ends.
   • Always use scissors to cut your hair in a straight line. Never pull the hair apart.
4. Prevent split ends. Be careful with your hair. Avoid repeated hair treatments that can damage your hair. For example, don't brush your hair forcefully or the ends may break. You should also avoid chemically treating your hair too often. This could mean following your hair's natural tendencies instead of fighting them. Don't forget to trim your hair at least every few months to get rid of split ends before they damage your hair.
   • For example, if you have curly hair, don't use a flat iron every day. This can damage your hair over time and cause split ends.
   • You can also add healthy fats (such as avocado or olive oil) to your diet. This can improve the health of your hair and make the hair strands stronger.

Tips

• Go to the hairdresser regularly (if possible), especially if you have curly hair or want to keep a specific model.
• Trim your hair even if you are trying to grow out your hair. Keeping your hair healthy and free from split ends will encourage growth.