The phenomenon of split ends, which from a clinical point of view is called trichoptilosis, is a very common hair blemish, more visible on average in women who have long hair. To be precise, it is a bifurcation of the terminal end of the hair, which makes the tip appear as if it were double.
Even if the actual blemish appears only on the tips of the hair, it is actually a problem that affects the structure of the hair from the root. In fact, except in rare cases, it is not only the tips that are affected, but the entire hair that is weakened.
But what are the possible causes of hair weakening that can cause split ends? And how can you try to remedy it? Here are the answers to all the questions, along with some tips for taking care of your hair.
Split ends: some causes
So, why do split ends form? There are multiple causes, and often multiple factors intertwine in determining the problem. Among the main ones we can mention:
- Treatments chosen: There are many products and treatments for hair. In the haircare sector we can in fact think of masks, liquid crystals, homemade creams, or dyes of every color. In any case, it is advisable to try to use products suitable for your type of hair and scalp.
- excessive washing. Especially in the case of fine or weak hair, it is better to limit washing to a maximum of two or three times a week, and always using shampoo suitable for your hair, especially if delicate. Also be careful when using the hair dryer: it is better to keep it at the right distance from the base of the hair and not set the heat to the maximum level;
- blow-drying and styling. If possible, we recommend styling based on your hair type. It is therefore important to choose the most suitable type of brush or comb to avoid breaking or further fraying your hair.
- Atmospheric or environmental factors. Chlorine in the pool, or even salt water, can have an impact on your hair; therefore, after swimming, it is advisable to rinse it thoroughly. But UV rays could also weaken your hair: before tanning (in the sun or with lamps) it is best to use specific products or means to protect your hair;
- diet and lifestyle. Although the correlation does not seem to be immediate, the health of the hair depends largely on the health of the entire organism and, therefore, on the presence of the right nutrients. Therefore, a poor or unbalanced diet is often one of the main causes of weakened hair and split ends. The same can be said of an unhealthy lifestyle (little physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress), which does not help to keep the body in shape nor, in particular, the hair.
Split Ends: Does Cutting Your Hair Really Help?
At this point, we cannot fail to talk about remedies for split ends. Generally, the main remedy that has always been recommended is only one: cutting your hair, using the classic "trim". Many women, but also men with long hair, make a regular appointment every two or three months at the hairdresser to shorten their hair, in the hope that this will work and solve the problem of split ends. But does this method really work?
In truth, the issue must be approached from two different points of view. On the one hand, it must be said that, obviously, cutting the ends of the hair temporarily solves the problem, since for some time the hair will appear less damaged, having eliminated the most damaged ends and part of the lengths. It can even be said that cutting the hair is the only solution that guarantees 100% elimination of split ends.
However, on the other hand, it is not a useful system to solve the problem in the long term. It must be remembered that strengthening the hair through cuts is a false myth: it is not proven that shortening the hair increases its growth or resistance. If the hair appears stronger and firmer after the cut, it is an optical effect, due to the hairstyle and the elimination of the most damaged part, namely the end with split ends.
In truth, the cause of split ends is probably the structural weakness of the hair, as we have seen: the hair splits in half because it is frayed, and for various reasons has undergone a process of weakening. Cutting the lower ends cannot automatically make the hair stronger.
For this reason, in summary, if you want to act on split ends, it is not enough to cut your hair: trimming the most damaged parts is advisable to stem the problem and temporarily resolve the aesthetic aspect, but to really give strength and energy to the hair, thus eliminating the root causes of split ends, it is necessary to act with prevention, through targeted solutions.
How to eliminate split ends: the remedies
But then how can we prevent split ends? As we have seen, we must act on the possible causes of hair weakening, identifying our mistakes and trying to remedy them. In this way, we can strengthen the hair and, in the long term, obtain better results and a better look.
In the meantime, however, you can try to solve the problem of split ends directly, without cutting your hair. Let's clarify right away that there is no truly decisive and unique method: you cannot repair split ends!
For example, there are many products and professional treatments aimed at reducing split ends. Their effectiveness lies in the nourishing and hydrating effect of some ingredients and additives, which can actually benefit the hair and, to some extent, improve the condition of dry and damaged hair .
Secondly, there are many dedicated products that can be purchased in specialized shops or online. It is important to choose to use a treatment that is suitable for your hair type, and in some cases you can achieve some results in terms of softness and shine of the hair.
The haircare routine can be of support, for example with hair masks: there are many types (with a hydrating, emollient, restructuring effect, etc.) and suitable for all types of hair (curly hair, straight hair, etc.). Just apply the cream with your hands on wet hair. In addition, during the application time, the masks also guarantee a bit of relaxation in your beauty routine.
Finally, remember that diet and lifestyle are fundamental: For ideal hair health, it is always good to maintain a healthy and varied diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, but also cereals, white meat and dairy products, to take vitamins, mineral salts and nutrients necessary for the well-being of the hair. It is also essential to drink plenty of water every day, to promote hydration, and to do regular physical activity.
In this context, even food supplements for hair health can provide significant help in having hair that looks fresher, softer and healthier, as well as nourishing the scalp.
Split Ends: Small Tricks
If you are trying to put into practice a remedy to eliminate split ends, you can try to avoid some attitudes and see if you notice any differences. For example:
- too high temperatures. Hairdryers, straighteners or curling irons can be used for styling, but not at an excessively high temperature so as not to alter the keratin structure that makes up the hair shaft with too much heat;
- the products chosen, including shampoo, conditioner or mask, but also professional treatments such as coloring, bleaching and so on. It is necessary to understand which product is best suited to your hair;
- excessive hairstyles, either because they are too tight or because they are too laborious in terms of the use of combs and brushes. Being gentle on the hair is the best way to avoid stressing it and not risking it breaking or becoming frizzy. We therefore recommend using a wide-toothed comb or a non-hard brush depending on the type of hair and without exaggerating;
- heavy exposure to sun, chlorine, salt water. As we have seen, these are some of the main environmental dangers for the health of the hair. It is always good to use hair protection during the summer, and always rinse well after swimming;
- an unbalanced diet. A healthy diet, which includes foods rich in mineral salts, vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients is the first thing to think about for the well-being of your hair and to prevent hair with split ends.