Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle and frayed. Exposure to extreme weather conditions and hair care techniques such as blowdrying, straightening and curling may cause split ends. They are also caused by chemical hair products. With so many people using hair products daily, split ends are common. Almost everyone has to deal split ends at some point.
How to get rid of split ends
Split ends can’t be repaired. The only way to get rid of them is to cut them off.
How to conceal split ends
Hair masks are deep conditioning treatments that help restore moisture to hair and strengthen hair shafts. They are great for concealing split ends and improving your hairs overall appearance.
Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are usually applied to clean, gently towel-dried hair. Sectioning your hair during application may help you apply the conditioner correctly from roots to tip.*
Sweet almond oil
Extracted from almonds, sweet almond oil is hydrating and won’t weigh the hair down. It may be used neat as a leave-in conditioner or rubbed into damp hair.
Argan oil
Rich argan oil comes from kernel of argan trees native to Morrocco. Argan oil is deeply moisturising and adds shine to hair. To use argan oil on split ends, rub several drops into damp or dry hair and comb through.
How to prevent split ends
It’s difficult to prevent split ends. Still there are things you can do to reduce their frequency.
Tips and tricks
- Get regular haircuts and trims, preferably every six weeks.
- Don’t wash your hair daily.
- Choose organic natural shampoo that contains no harsh ingredients.
- Use a conditioner after shampooing or use a leave-in conditioner.
- Use wide tooth combs to detangle wet hair.
- Use a heat protective spray and minimise the use of heat.
Some hairstyles, like ponytails and hair twists, can lead to split ends. Limiting how often you wear these hairstyles and using softer hair ties may help prevent damage.
The columnist creates a range of hairstyles at Ishrat’s Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta
