Split Ends: Types, Causes and Effective Ways of Treatment

It’s inevitable to have split ends. Split ends can almost always result from using hot tools for hairstyling, using too many products, and dying your hair. But you don’t have to live with dry, damaged hair. Continue reading to learn what causes split ends, how to cure them effectively, and how to permanently get rid of them.

What are Split Ends?

When the tips of your hair shaft start to fray and separate, it is called split ends. A hair that is broken into two or more pieces will be noticeable. Examining your hair is the best method to determine if you have them.

Just loop one strand around your finger. Examine the shaft now to see if it is ragged. Split ends are most likely the cause of your hair being tangled frequently. During your subsequent appointment, you can also request that your hairdresser examine your ends for any damage.

16 Different Types of Split Ends

There exist an astounding 16 distinct varieties of split ends, ranging from a conventional split to a feather split! Do you want to recognize them by yourself? Continue reading to find out more.

Conventional Split: Hair divides into two sections, resembling a “Y” shape.
Infant Split: Exhibits signs of an impending split end, but the hair hasn’t fully separated yet.
Triple Split: Hair separates into three segments, indicating a triple split.
Double Y Split: A strand divides into two, then splits again from one of the branches.
Partial Split: Hair weakens at a specific point but hasn’t fully split.
Extended Split: Shows initial signs of a split end, with the shaft starting to separate at a specific point.
Deep Split: Hair splits into two with the “Y” shape higher up on the shaft.
Taper: Cuticle begins to peel away, often due to chemical damage.
Thickening: Ends remain intact, but the hair’s texture starts to change.
White Spots: Severe chemical burns can result in visible white spots on the hair shaft.
Right Angle: Hair starts to bend at an angle.
Offshoot: Hair thickens along the shaft and reconnects.
Crimp: Hair appears wrinkled, usually from excessive heat styling or chemical treatments.
Branch Split: Multiple segments of the shaft come apart, resembling a tree and its branches.
Feather Split: Resembles a feather with multiple splits along one side of the shaft.
The Knot: Common among curly-haired individuals, it’s not a split end but can lead to more tangles.

Myths vs. Reality: What Causes Split Ends?

Everyone wants to know what causes split ends in the first place, in addition to knowing how to fix them. In actuality, there are numerous variables that can harm your hair. These are a few of the most typical ones:

damage from heat caused by blow drying, curling, or straightening your hair.
harm caused by chemicals while bleaching, straightening, or perming your hair.
without treating your split ends with a heat protectant product.
sleeping with wet hair or vigorously brushing it.
avoiding frequent trimmings.
washing your hair excessively.

The natural moisture in your hair is evaporated by hot equipment, making your locks fragile and prone to breaking. Chemical hair treatments, such as professional straightening, Balayage, and highlighting, can also cause damage to your hair. If you’re chemically treating your hair, discuss your problems and any necessary treatments with your hairstylist.

To assist you maintain the best possible condition for your hair, your hairdresser might be able to suggest hair treatments and other DIY fixes.

The Best in Split End Treatment

Don’t worry just yet if you have split ends! There are numerous methods for eliminating them. The best approach to achieve this is to maintain your hair by getting regular haircuts, ideally every six weeks. Regular hair clipping will assist avoid split ends and won’t slow down development, even if you’re aiming to grow it out. Here are some other choices to think about:

How to Cut Split Ends?

In addition to taking care of your damaged ends, your hairstylist can suggest a haircut that best suits your face shape and way of life. You won’t be pressured to sport a bob if your objective is growth! By adding layers or using the texturizing method of feathering, a stylist can cut your hair to help you achieve your hair objectives.

How to Get Rid of Split Ends Without Cutting?

Do you get completely panicked by the thought of trimming your mane? Calm down. Split ends can still be removed in a few methods short of a drastic haircut, but a complete removal will require some kind of trim. Take into account the following to decrease or avoid them:

Schedule a deep conditioning treatment at your salon to breathe new life into your hair. Many salons offer Keratin and other intensive treatments that you can enjoy on a monthly basis.
Experiment with hair masks to combat split ends. One favorite DIY recipe involves blending one avocado, one egg, a tablespoon of honey, and three tablespoons of olive oil. Alternatively, you can simply apply coconut oil to freshly shampooed hair, starting from the roots to about mid-shaft. Wrap your hair in a towel for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process every other week for effective results. These home remedies for split ends are both straightforward and wallet-friendly.
Consider switching up your shampoo routine. Opt for a shampoo rich in moisturizing ingredients like argan oil or macadamia oil. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip the hair of its natural moisture and exacerbate damage.

How to Prevent Split Ends Once and for All

Avoiding split ends altogether is the best way to care for them! Fortunately, split ends can be avoided in a variety of methods. Put away the hot styling equipment first. Try using foam rollers rather than hot rollers or your curling iron, and let your hair air dry if at all feasible. To ensure that your hair is in the finest possible condition, schedule frequent haircut sessions with your hairdresser. Additionally, incorporate weekly hair treatments and other at-home cures for split ends into your normal beauty regimen.

Other things to attempt are as follows:

Using satin or silk pillowcases rather than cotton ones for sleeping. Bonus: it has excellent skin-care properties!
Avoid going to bed with wet hair.
Using headgear, hair scarves, or scalp-applied leave-in SPF products to shield your hair from the sun.
Increasing your water intake to stay hydrated.
Tangle tamer on damp hair to avoid breaking it.
Give up overwashing your hair since this may be depriving your tresses of essential moisture.

Best Hairstyles for Split Ends

Which hairstyles or haircuts are more prone to result in split ends? You will undoubtedly be more vulnerable to them if you frequently bleach your hair, spend time in the sun, and use hot tools on it. However, how you handle your hair matters far more than the style you go for. If you have long hair and significant damage to your locks, think about trying a new style like the popular lob. Furthermore, buns are an excellent and simple technique to conceal broken ends!

Split ends are inevitable for all hair types—long or short, bleached or unprocessed—so try not to worry! Simply take note of these split end prevention strategies and treat your hair with kindness and gentleness!