Split Ends

Here you will find a whole bevvy of HAIRY questions we get asked and our honest answers and professional advice. This article is dedicated to Hair, Hair Problems and Tips on getting the best out of your visits to your hairdresser

Do you really want to keep hair like this on your head?

Q: I’ve got long bleached hair and lots of split ends – will this product help get rid of them?  I don’t want to cut my hair.

A: We get asked LOADS of questions about split ends. We could fill a library with all the different ways most women try to get around to explaining that they have split ends but they don’t want to cut their hair.

If this is you, then read on….

We see this all the time in the hair dressing industry and believe it is an undiagnosed form of psychological illness.   SORRY -but please read on.

SPLIT ENDS ANATOMY CLASS – why you should get wise and cut split ends off!

We’re hoping that with the information we’re providing you with, you will save hundreds of dollars in hair product costs and dedicate a good portion of those funds to finding yourself not just a good hairdresser, but a GREAT HAIRDRESSER.  A great hairdresser is someone who can help you manage your split ends problem.  More about this later.

So what is a Split End?

This is what split ends look like under the microscope

All of these could be lurking in your hair!

Split ends, or as the hair experts call it, trichoptilosis, occur when the protective cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair. The hair will then split into two or more strands.

 

 

Diary of a Split End…

a. It may start out looking like this – the classic split end.
b. If the classic split (a) is not stopped it continues to split along the shaft
c. Multiple Splits – worse case when classic (a) and (b) is not stopped
d. The Dot looks like a piece of fluff, but doesn’t brush off
e. The Dot bends at a straight angle. This is not really a split thought, it is Trichorrexis Nodosa and is actually caused by an explosion of the cortex (2nd layer) of the hair in a single spot – see our image at the top.
f. The hole is the most difficult split end to find. The hair shaft has developed a split in the middle. To find this one, look for a small section that is lighter.
g. If you push the two ends of the hair strand together (on either side of the hole), it pushes the split apart and creates and hole.

Can a keratin treatment be the solution to split ends?

Keratin treatments can help make split ends look better, but they aren’t a permanent fix. Here’s how they help and their limitations:

Benefits of Keratin Treatment

• Smoothing and Sealing
  Keratin treatments coat your hair with a protective protein layer, which can smooth and seal split ends temporarily, making them less noticeable.
• Strengthening
  The added keratin strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage and making hair less likely to develop new split ends.
• Improved Texture
  Your hair will feel softer, shinier, and more manageable, improving the overall look of damaged hair.

Limitations of Keratin Treatment

• Temporary Fix
  The effects last only a few months, and split ends will reappear as the treatment wears off.
• Does Not Heal
  Keratin treatments don’t repair hair damage; they only mask it. The only permanent solution for split ends is to trim them off.
• Maintenance
  You’ll need to use sulfate-free and paraben-free products to maintain the benefits of the treatment for as long as possible.

Best Practices when Dealing with Split Ends

• Regular Trims
  Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent them from travelling up the hair shaft.
• Deep Conditioning
  Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to keep hair hydrated and less prone to splitting.
• Heat Protection
  Always use heat protectant sprays before styling to prevent further damage.

In short, while keratin treatments can make split ends look better and make your hair appear healthier, they should be part of a broader hair care routine that includes regular trims and proper maintenance.

So what can you do about split ends?

Honestly, truly and sincerely….

Only a hair cut will solve your problem.  Split ends are like a disease… they’ll continue spreading (up the hairshaft) without you knowing or being able to see this.

PLEASE DO NOT CUT YOUR OWN SPLIT ENDS OUT!