Why do split ends happen?

Split ends—those dreaded frayed tips that seem to appear out of nowhere—are a common frustration for many people. Whether you’re trying to grow your hair out or just keep it looking healthy, split ends can make your hair appear dull, frizzy, and unmanageable. But why do split ends happen in the first place, and how can you prevent them?

In this blog, we’ll dive into what causes split ends, how to minimise the risk of them, how to fix them, and what treatments like keratin and botox can do to protect your hair. We’ll also explore what to do if you’re regularly experiencing split ends and why you might want to visit a Solihull Hairdresser, like Salon No. 100, to help keep your hair in top condition.

What Causes Split Ends?

1. Environmental Damage

Environmental factors are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to split ends. Exposure to the sun, wind, and pollution can weaken the outer layer of your hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Over time, this damage results in the hair shaft splitting at the ends.

2. Heat Styling

Using heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers regularly can be tough on your hair. The high temperatures weaken the structure of your hair, making it more prone to split ends. If you frequently style your hair with heat, you’re likely to see more damage over time.

3. Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments like colouring, bleaching, perming, and relaxing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and, ultimately, split ends. These treatments weaken the hair shaft, leaving it more vulnerable to splitting.

4. Friction and Tension

Brushing your hair too aggressively, sleeping on rough pillowcases, or wearing tight hairstyles that tug at the roots can all contribute to split ends. The friction and tension can cause hair to break, leaving you with those familiar frayed tips.

5. Skipping Regular Trims

One of the most common causes of split ends is simply going too long between haircuts. If you don’t get regular trims, the ends of your hair are more likely to become dry and brittle, eventually splitting.

How to Minimise the Risk of Split Ends

1. Use Heat Protectant Products

If you regularly use heat styling tools, applying a heat protectant spray before styling can help minimise the damage caused by high temperatures. This acts as a barrier, reducing the impact of heat on your hair.

2. Opt for Gentle Brushing

Being too rough when brushing your hair can lead to breakage and split ends. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed to minimise tugging, especially when your hair is wet and more prone to damage.

3. Limit Chemical Treatments

To reduce the risk of split ends, try to limit how often you use chemical treatments like colouring or relaxing. If you do get treatments, be sure to follow up with deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and strengthen your hair.

4. Wear Protective Styles

Loose, protective hairstyles can help reduce friction and tension on your hair. Consider wearing your hair in a low ponytail or braid, especially at night, to prevent split ends caused by friction.

5. Get Regular Trims

To prevent split ends from taking over, schedule regular trims with your hairdresser in Solihull. A trim every 6-8 weeks can help keep your hair healthy by removing the damaged ends before they have a chance to split further.

How to Fix Split Ends

1. Trimming Them Off

Once split ends have formed, the only real solution is to trim them off. No product can fully repair split ends; instead, it’s best to nip the problem in the bud by cutting away the damaged parts. Regular trims will help maintain the overall health of your hair and prevent splits from travelling further up the shaft.

At Salon No. 100, our skilled stylists will ensure that your hair is trimmed carefully to remove only the damaged ends while maintaining the length and style you’re after.

2. Hydrating Products

While you can’t reverse split ends, using hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and treatments can help reduce the appearance of them and prevent future damage. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin, which help moisturise and strengthen the hair.

3. Leave-In Conditioners and Serums

Using a leave-in conditioner or serum can help smooth the hair cuticle, making your split ends less noticeable. These products also provide extra protection against environmental damage and heat styling.

What to Do if You’re Regularly Getting Split Ends

1. Evaluate Your Routine

If you’re consistently struggling with split ends, it’s time to evaluate your hair care routine. Are you using too much heat? Skipping trims? Overusing chemical treatments? Pinpointing the root cause can help you adjust your routine to minimise damage.

2. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Treating your hair to a regular deep conditioning mask can help replenish moisture and strengthen the hair shaft. These treatments can help prevent split ends from forming in the first place by keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.

3. Consider Professional Treatments

If your hair is prone to split ends despite your best efforts, you might want to consider professional treatments like keratin or botox. These treatments work to strengthen the hair and seal the cuticle, making your hair more resistant to breakage and split ends.

Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatments smooth and protect the hair by infusing it with keratin—a natural protein that helps strengthen and repair. It’s particularly effective at reducing frizz and preventing split ends, leaving your hair silky smooth.

Hair Botox

Hair botox works by filling in the gaps in the hair’s cuticle, making it look smoother and healthier. It’s a great option if your hair is damaged from colouring or heat styling and needs extra protection against split ends.

At Salon No. 100, we offer both keratin and botox treatments to help keep your hair healthy and strong. Our team of professionals will assess your hair’s needs and recommend the best treatment for you.

Conclusion

Split ends are a common issue, but they don’t have to be a constant battle. Understanding what causes them and taking steps to minimise damage can go a long way in keeping your hair healthy and free from splits. From avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments to opting for protective hairstyles and regular trims, there’s plenty you can do to prevent split ends. And if you’re still finding split ends a persistent problem, professional treatments like keratin or botox can provide an added layer of protection.

For expert advice and care, book an appointment with a Solihull Hairdresser at Salon No. 100. Our team is here to help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from Olton, Shirley, Knowle, Elmdon, Eastcote, Hall Green, Bickenhill, Cheswick Green, Sheldon, Dorridge, we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966105306 and book your appointment today!