Split ends. The bane of every girl/hair lover’s existence … They sneak up on you, making your hair look frizzy, damaged, and just plain sad. But fear not! Here’s your ultimate 11-step guide on how to get rid of split ends and keep your locks luscious.
1. Regular Trims: Your Hair’s Best Friend
This hack to get rid of split ends is a no-brainer. You should or rather NEED to get regular trims! Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks is crucial.
Those regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more damage. But don´t panic – there is no need for a drastic cut; just a little off the ends will do wonders!
Pro Tip: If you’re DIY-ing, invest in good-quality hair-cutting scissors. Using dull or household scissors can make the problem worse.
2. Condition, Condition, Condition
Dry hair is more prone to splitting. Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner EVERY time you wash your hair. Focus on the ends, where the damage is most likely to occur. You should avoid conditioners that contain silicones, parabens, and other such ingredients! Those will put a layer around your hair.
At first, your hair might shine more and seem healthier, but this is just an illusion. Your hair isn´t able to breathe underneath this layer, which will make your hair break! So, to get rid of split ends, stick to nourishing and, above all, silicone/paraben-free conditioners. Find here some great conditioners!
Leave-In Magic: After your shower, apply a leave-in conditioner to add an extra layer of protection and moisture. You can use a store-bought leave-in conditioner or make it yourself. Here’s a super easy recipe for a nourishing DIY leave-in conditioner!
3. Gentle Handling: Treat Your Hair Like Silk
To get rid of split ends, you have to treat your already damaged hair really gently. Being rough with your hair can lead to even MORE breakage and split ends. Avoid aggressive towel-drying and brushing.
Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel. Microfibre towels are the best for hair. For brushing, you should either use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair and get rid of split ends.
4. Sleep Smooth
No matter how relaxed your sleep is, you toss and turn at night. This movement causes friction between your hair and the pillow. So, to get rid of split ends, switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep.
Satin pillowcases are the cheaper and vegan option, but if you opt for silk, you can reduce hair breakage, frizz, and facial wrinkles. They also help retain moisture better, promoting overall hydration of your hair and skin!
It´s not just your pillowcases that should be satin or silk to get rid of split ends. You should use a bonnet in general for sleeping. But if you choose a silk bonnet, your hair will thank you by being strong, shiny, and split-end-free!
5. Heat Protection: A Must-Have
Heat styling tools can wreak havoc on your hair. Always use a heat protectant spray before using blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. Better yet, to get rid of split ends, try to limit the use of these tools and embrace your natural texture. It´s not just the temporary damage heat can do to your hair: heat can damage the hair structure!
The high temperatures from styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can weaken the hair shaft, causing dryness, brittleness, and split ends. Prolonged heat exposure can break down the hair’s natural proteins, leading to permanent damage and making hair more prone to breakage. Again, using heat protectant sprays and limiting the use of heat styling tools can help limit this damage!
Air Dry: Whenever possible, let your hair air dry to minimize heat exposure.
6. Hydrate from Within
Get rid of split ends from the inside out. Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and flaxseeds are particularly great for hair health.
Supplement Smart: Consider taking a biotin supplement and Omega-3 supplements to support hair strength and growth.
7. Avoid Over-Washing
Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils that keep it healthy and hydrated. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week. On off days, use dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh.
Cool Rinse: Finish your wash with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
8. Deep Conditioning Treatments
Once a week, pamper your hair with a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. These treatments provide intense hydration and repair damage, making your hair stronger and less prone to split ends. Find here some great treatments to get rid of split ends!
DIY Mask: Mix coconut oil, honey, and yogurt for a nourishing homemade hair mask.
9. Protective Hairstyles
Protective styles like braids, buns, and twists can help get rid of split ends by reducing the stress and manipulation your hair experiences.
Loosen Up: Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause breakage and split ends. It´s not just the ends that suffer when you use tight hairstyles. Your hairline and hair follicles can´t handle the pulling, either. Those hairstyles can promote hair loss and damage your hair irreparably.
Pro Tip: Use Silk Scrunchies to style loose hairstyles! As we learned with silk pillowcases, the material is not just soft on your hair. It also helps to moisturize it and gets rid of split ends!
10. Stay Sun-Smart
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when you are spending extended time in the sun.
Chlorine Caution: Protect your hair from pool chemicals by wetting it with clean water before swimming and using a swim cap when possible, plus rinsing it with clean water as soon as you get out of the pool!
11. Say No to Chemical Overload
Chemical treatments like coloring, perming, and relaxing can weaken, I mean, what means can, they certainly weaken your hair and lead to split ends. If you must color or treat your hair, make sure to follow up with intensive care routines and use products designed for treated hair.
Natural Alternatives: Opt for natural hair dyes and treatments whenever possible to minimize damage.
Final Thoughts on how to get rid of split ends
Getting rid of split ends is a combination of regular maintenance, gentle handling, and smart hair care choices. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to healthier, happier hair.
Remember, prevention is key! Treat your hair with love, and it will love you back with strength and shine.