Split ends – those terrible frayed tips that always seem to happen when you least expect or want them – are a common challenge for anyone who loves styling hair.
Knowing how to manage split ends is crucial for helping keep hair looking healthy and vibrant. Whether you’re just starting out in the beauty industry, going back to school, or simply looking to improve your self care and styling skills, effectively dealing with these can also be a reflection of your expertise.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical tips to prevent, conceal, and treat split ends, ensuring your hair or the hair you work with stays healthy and looks as good as possible.
What Are Split Ends?
Before you can tackle split ends, it’s essential to understand what they are.
Split ends are when the protective outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) wears away. This causes the hair fiber to easily fray and “split” at the end.
What Causes Split Ends?
There’s no single reason responsible for split ends, but there are a couple of common causes, including:
- Excessive heat styling
- Too many chemical treatments
- Environmental factors such as overexposure to sun exposure or air pollution.
- Hair was cut previously with dull scissors or razor
In a perfect world, recognizing these causes can help you or your clients take the necessary steps to prevent split ends from forming in the first place. We’ll walk you through some prevention tips below.
How to Prevent Split Ends?
Preventing split ends typically begins with proper hair care and maintenance.
One of the simplest ways to prevent them is to get regular trims and haircuts, either at your favourite local salon or even with student stylists like those we have here at Modern College.
When the tips of the hair begin to fray, cutting off the damaged ends before they have a chance to split further up the hair shaft is crucial. Ideally, you should aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy ends – and suggest the same to your clients if you’re a stylist yourself!
Another key aspect of prevention is using the right products. No two heads of hair are exactly the same, but there’s a few things that can go a long way to preventing split ends in many hair types.
For one, heat protectants are really useful to use before any styling that involves heat tools like flat irons or curling wands. These products form a barrier that reduces the risk of heat damage to the hair, and by extension less of a chance that it frays.
As well, never underestimate the power of hydration and nutrition. Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to strengthen and nourish the hair, providing it with the moisture it needs to stay resilient.
Your diet can also play a role in the formation or prevention of split ends. Often, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a well balanced diet, can make a significant difference in the health of your hair.
Overall, healthy hair is less likely to break, and therefore less prone to split ends.
Temporary Solutions to Hiding Split Ends
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, split ends still make an appearance when you least expect them. In cases like these, there are fortunately a few temporary solutions to conceal them.
Hair serums and oils can often be your best friend, smoothing the frayed ends and giving your hair a polished look that makes the damage less noticeable. Certain styling techniques can also help to hide split ends. For example, sleek hairstyles, such as straightened or tightly curled hair, can make split ends less visible.
Of course, be cautious with heat styling. While it can temporarily seal the ends, overuse can lead to more damage in the long run and a worse split end to deal with.
How to Deal with Severe Split Ends?
Some people, unfortunately, get stuck with really severe splits. Whether from lack of proper hair care or caused by a hair disorder, if split ends have already taken a toll on your hair, more intensive treatments may be necessary.
Professional salon treatments, like deep conditioning or keratin treatments, can help prevent split ends and sometimes help repair damage and improve its overall health. These treatments work by infusing the hair with moisture and proteins, which can help to restore its strength and elasticity.
Unfortunately the only cure for split ends are to get them cut off and it is critical to do this before they spit further up the hair shaft resulting in higher breakage or having to cut your hair shorter than desired so regular trims are the best defence against split ends.
Of course, if you’re really stuck and struggling with split ends, it’s often best to go straight to the professionals. Speak with your stylist or a knowledgeable hairstyling expert. They should be able to help find a solution that works best for your hair!
Wrapping Things Up
Preventing and managing split ends is all about consistent care and attention.
By improving your hair care routine, you can help keep your hair healthy and strong, ensuring it looks its best.
At Modern College, we understand the importance of hair care and styling techniques in the beauty industry. If you’re passionate about hair and eager to learn more, explore our hairstyling program and take the first step toward becoming a beauty professional.
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