Causes of split ends: tips for treatment and prevention

Beauty always attracts attention. Rarely, however, does it come with the understanding that beauty is linked to health, especially when it comes to hair.

Creating a beautiful hairstyle involves using various styling and fixing products. For those who like to experiment with their hair and styling methods, a multistyler is indispensable, along with the use of a hairdryer and active dyes.

All these factors affect the condition of the hair: they become brittle and split. You can improve the condition of your hair, and it's best to do so before the problem becomes very noticeable.

Signs and Diagnosis of the Problem

Brittle hair is observed in every third woman. Trichologists cite these data as an illustration of the prevalence of the problem.

Common signs of split ends include:

• Dryness and split ends;
• Splitting of damaged hair in multiple places;
• Presence of breakage points in the form of knots.

You can confirm or rule out hair brittleness yourself. Simply separate a strand of hair, twist it into a rope, and carefully examine the bends. If you notice hairs sticking out, you have discovered split ends.

With significant damage, combing becomes painful as hair easily tangles and breaks. Attempting to solve the problem with a haircut only provides a temporary effect.

In such cases, it is recommended to undergo an examination. Hair and follicle microscopy will help assess their condition, exclude/confirm chronic diseases, and identify any issues with the sebaceous glands. Spectral analysis can reveal/exclude mineral metabolism disorders.

External and Internal Factors Affecting Hair Health

Brittleness occurs due to adverse external factors, body malfunctions, or a combination of both.

Hair health depends on several factors, including:

• Frequent coloring with aggressive products;
• Chlorinated or hard water for washing hair;
• Temperature fluctuations;
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• Regular use of medication;
• Unbalanced diet;
• Lack of vitamins A, C, E, and B in the body.

The problem can be solved with a comprehensive approach, including diet correction, proper scalp and hair care, and minimizing external factors.

Main Causes of Split Ends

Much depends on following or ignoring care rules. Here are several main causes:

1. Incorrect care or use of low-quality products. Cheap shampoos and conditioners with many aggressive ingredients harm hair and scalp, causing additional problems.
2. Insufficient hydration. Hair that lacks moisture loses its elasticity and becomes more vulnerable. It's recommended to regularly apply a natural-based conditioner after washing.
3. Cutting hair with blunt scissors. This can increase the number of split ends and cause problems on new parts of the head.
4. Cutting long hair with clippers. Using this tool can pull out hair and damage its structure.
5. Frequent use of hairdryers and flat irons. High temperatures and excessive moisture evaporation damage hair. To reduce hair damage, apply a heat-protective product before styling.

Choose care products that provide active hydration. They will not only moisturize but also nourish the hair.

How Often Should You Trim Your Ends to Prevent Splitting?

It's recommended to trim hair ends at least once every two months. Trimming every 6-8 weeks will make your hair healthier and more groomed. Even if you want to keep the length, trimming the ends is necessary.

Hot scissors cutting is also practiced. This method is believed to seal the hair, retaining moisture and preventing split ends.

Methods for Treating Split Ends

The main goal is to protect strands from further damage. To achieve this, you should:

• Avoid using hot air for styling;
• Minimize or eliminate the use of styling products;
• Wash hair no more than twice a week with soft water;
• Do not comb wet strands; let them dry naturally;
• Use wide-tooth combs or brushes made of natural materials for combing;
• Protect hair from ultraviolet rays;
• Avoid coloring with aggressive products and chemical perms.

Effective restorative products are also advisable, such as shampoo and conditioner for brittle, split, and damaged strands, moisturizing hair masks, and treatment oils and serums.

Professional Procedures for Hair Restoration

Special procedures are recommended to improve hair structure. They benefit not only the hair and scalp but the whole body.

1. Mesotherapy helps eliminate several defects, including skin dryness/dehydration and scars.
2. A course of hair filler injections improves hair nourishment and hydration, promoting intensive restoration.
3. Using ultrasound and infrared light in hair treatment promotes deep penetration of keratin and protein molecules into the hair shaft, as well as quick healing of treated areas.
4. Laser therapy for hair is used as an additional method. It is painless and has no unpleasant side effects.
5. Plasmolifting involves the use of plasma containing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Vitamin injections, including vitamins C, PP, and group B.
7. Scalp massage is also recommended. It improves blood flow and metabolism.

Treatment procedures can significantly strengthen hair health.

To improve the appearance of your hair, you can consider hair extensions. At Hairsstudio, there is a wide selection of premium-quality hair extensions. A broad palette of shades allows you to choose the perfect option for you. Our specialists can also consult you on the extension procedure.

With hair extensions, you can effortlessly grow your healthy locks with the help of special care.

Home Care for Split Ends

An essential part of comprehensive treatment is home care. This involves not only choosing the right combs and brushes but also properly using the necessary care products.

Choosing the Right Products for Damaged Hair

Opt for products with natural ingredients. When selecting, pay attention to the position of important ingredients on the list. A product where they are in the top three is considered more effective.

1. You need restorative shampoos suitable for your hair type. It's good if the product contains lecithin, vitamin B5, natural extracts of medicinal herbs, and wheat sprouts.
2. Special cream or balm with soft plant proteins can help protect hair ends. This product helps glue breaks at the ends and cover them with a protective film. Apply the treatment cream after washing, rubbing it into the ends, without rinsing.
3. Olive or almond oil masks help protect hair. They are recommended to be applied 30 minutes before washing.
4. Keratin cream does not contain oils, so it doesn't weigh hair down or make it greasy. Strands become elastic and are easy to comb.
5. Beer masks also help strengthen hair. They provide the hair and scalp with B vitamins, amino acids, and potassium, promoting protein absorption, collagen synthesis, and making strands more elastic and resilient.

Henna has been considered one of the best hair care products. However, it turned out that this is not entirely true. Although it is gentler than regular dye, it can cause harm. It should not be applied to thin hair as it can lead to further brittleness due to the presence of acids and tannins that dry hair out.

Preventing Split Ends: Effective Strategies

You can prevent or reduce split ends with simple methods. It's recommended to trim hair ends by 3 cm every 2-3 months, limit the use of heat tools, and brush your hair before showering.

Pay more attention to proper nutrition.

Nutrition Tips for Strengthening Hair

When forming your diet, get rid of "junk food." Add more vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, seafood, nuts, and grains.

Red meat, turkey, spinach, broccoli, and legumes are rich in the iron needed for hair.

Vitamin A can be obtained from liver, tuna, salmon, mackerel, and goat cheese.

Vitamin E, which serves as a barrier against harmful substances, is found in vegetable oils, avocados, and red bell peppers.

To replenish B vitamins, add brown rice, barley, millet, chicken eggs, dairy products, and legumes to your diet.

Maintaining water balance is also important, and you can do this by drinking 30 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight.

A useful method is to give up bad habits, as toxins disrupt the entire body's functioning.

Valentyn Evgenovich

Director

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#Hair