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How Do I Stop Split Ends?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

The best ways to stop split ends include having your hair trimmed on a regular basis, reducing your use of drying chemicals and high heat appliances, and using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. It is also important to reduce the amount of time that you spend brushing and combing your hair and to always use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair so as to avoid ripping and breaking strands. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop split ends once the damage begins other than to cut the ends off to prevent further damage.

Over time, the daily routine of washing, brushing, and styling causes people's hair to becomes damaged, resulting in split ends. This damage can be exacerbated by typical hair care procedures, such as perms, straightening, and coloring. If possible, you may wish to simplify your hairstyle and hair care regimen to stop split ends. For example, you may wish to choose a shorter hairstyle or to forgo frequent color touch-ups. You may also want to reduce the frequency with which you blow dry your hair or use a flatiron for styling. Although taking these steps won't stop split ends entirely, you can reduce them significantly by engaging in less damaging hair maintenance.

Split ends occur when the protective cuticle layer of the hair shaft is damaged, which causes the middle layer to become dry and split.
Split ends occur when the protective cuticle layer of the hair shaft is damaged, which causes the middle layer to become dry and split.

If your hairstyle requires the use of heated appliances or chemical processing, you can help stop split ends by developing a protective hair care routine. By getting frequent trims, you can halt the progress of split ends up the hair shaft, reducing damage and improving the appearance of your hair. It is important to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner whenever you wash your hair and to be very careful when combing your hair while it is still wet, as it is very susceptible to damage at this point. Avoid brushing your hair during the day unless you have to, as this can cause additional damage.

Getting a haircut every six weeks may help prevent split ends.
Getting a haircut every six weeks may help prevent split ends.

Another option is to talk to your hair stylist about your options. If your hair is prone to damage, you may be able to stop split ends by choosing a hairstyle or routine that minimizes hair damage. Your stylist may also be able to recommend products that give you the look that you want without forcing you to use chemical treatments or high-heat appliances on a regular basis. You may also want to adapt your current haircut to styles appropriate for different events. For example, for everyday wear you could wear a simpler style that requires only moderate brushing and styling, while choosing a more elaborate look for special events and evenings out.

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    • Split ends occur when the protective cuticle layer of the hair shaft is damaged, which causes the middle layer to become dry and split.
      By: Nobilior
      Split ends occur when the protective cuticle layer of the hair shaft is damaged, which causes the middle layer to become dry and split.
    • Getting a haircut every six weeks may help prevent split ends.
      By: fmarsicano
      Getting a haircut every six weeks may help prevent split ends.
    • Hair stylists can provide their clients with information on how to best treat and stop dead ends.
      By: Rido
      Hair stylists can provide their clients with information on how to best treat and stop dead ends.
    • Changing hair brushing habits can help prevent split ends.
      By: bedov
      Changing hair brushing habits can help prevent split ends.
    • Using a wide toothed comb to work out tangles can help minimize breakage.
      By: Syda Productions
      Using a wide toothed comb to work out tangles can help minimize breakage.