Should you peel apart split ends?

Let’s face it, we’ve all spotted one before. You’re sat in traffic or scrolling telly with your hair in your lap and suddenly you see it — a tiny fray at the end of your hair that’s practically begging to be pulled apart. It’s oddly satisfying. But before you start dissecting your strands one by one, let’s take a second to talk about what split ends actually are.

Split ends show up when the outer layer of your hair — the cuticle — has worn down or snapped. This usually happens from heat styling, chemical treatments, harsh brushing, or skipping your trims. Once the cuticle is damaged, the inner part of the strand (the cortex) is exposed, and from there it begins to split. Some splits are small and manageable, but others travel far up the hair shaft. And that’s when the real trouble starts.

The frustrating thing about split ends is that they’re not picky. Whether you’ve got thick curls or fine, straight strands, if your ends are dry or stressed, they’ll likely split at some point.

Why peeling split ends makes things worse

We get it — it’s tempting. When you peel apart a split end, it feels like you’re taking control. In reality, you’re causing more damage than you started with. Pulling the ends apart doesn’t fix the problem. It creates a rougher edge and can even cause the split to travel higher up the strand, making your hair appear thinner and more frizzy over time.

Think of it like this: if you had a small tear in your top, picking at the threads doesn’t repair it — it just makes the hole bigger. The same goes for hair. What starts as a small split can become a much larger problem, especially if you’re regularly tugging at it. Some people don’t even realise they’re doing it, but over time, it adds up. You might find your hair looking duller, less bouncy, or just refusing to hold a style the way it used to.

Instead of picking, try popping in to see your hairdresser in Solihull. A sharp pair of scissors in the right hands will do a far better job at keeping those ends healthy — and your hairdresser won’t silently weep at what you’ve done.

How to get rid of split ends the right way

Here’s the truth: once a strand has split, there’s no miracle product that can glue it back together for good. Some serums can temporarily mask the damage, making the ends look smoother, but it’s like painting over a crack in the wall — it’ll still be there underneath.

The only real way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. That doesn’t mean you need to chop loads off your length. A regular trim, even just a dusting, helps keep your ends strong and prevents splits from travelling further up the strand. A good Solihull hairdresser will know how to remove just the damaged bits while keeping your overall style intact.

If you’re trying to grow your hair, trimming might sound counterproductive. But hear us out. Letting split ends linger won’t help your hair grow longer — it’ll just break higher up. You might feel like your hair’s not growing at all, but really it’s just snapping off at the ends.

Booking in for a trim every couple of months can actually help your hair grow better in the long run. It’ll feel softer, look glossier, and behave much better on those days when you need it to.

Tips to stop split ends from returning

Now that we’ve cleared up why peeling them is a no-go, what can you do to stop them from coming back in the first place?

First things first — step away from the cheap plastic brush. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair and detangle gently, starting from the ends and working your way up. Try not to brush your hair when it’s soaking wet, as that’s when it’s at its weakest.

Heat styling is another big culprit. Straighteners, curling wands, and even hairdryers can cause dryness and brittleness over time. We’re not saying you have to give them up entirely, but it’s worth using a heat protectant spray and turning the temperature down a notch when possible. And remember, the less often you reach for the straighteners, the longer your ends are likely to last.

Condition regularly and use a hair mask now and then — especially if you’ve coloured your hair or had a treatment like a keratin blowout or hair Botox. These services can do wonders for smoothness and shine, but they need follow-up care to keep your hair strong.

And finally, if you catch yourself peeling a split again, stop and tie your hair up. It’s a hard habit to break, but it’s one worth ditching.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!