The split ends (also known as a phenomenon trichoptilosis ) are one of the most annoying hair blemishes; this alteration of the hair shaft, widespread in women with medium long and thick hair, is characterized by the fact that the terminal part of the hair is forked. This article will give you a complete guide about what causes split ends, Natural remedies & prevention.
Split ends, like other alterations affecting the hair (such as, for example, trichorexianodosa – formation of apparent knots on the hair – and trichoclasis – transverse fracture of the shaft involving medulla and cortex, but not the cuticle -) a problem of deterioration of the structure and physiology of the hair.
What causes split ends
The causes of split ends are many; in part, they are to be found in all those agents, mechanical and otherwise, which, by compromising the integrity of the stem, make it weaker and therefore more easily subjected to problems; the category of non-mechanical aggressors includes ultraviolet rays (excessive exposure, without protection, to sunlight or tanning lamps ), atmospheric pollution, arid air linked to air conditioning systems, chlorine in swimming pools, sea salt, wind, and shallow temperatures.
Among the various treatments that can most contribute to undermining the integrity of the shaft, giving rise to the split ends problem, we must undoubtedly mention styling (the heat of the hairdryer is the main suspect), the use of the plate to straighten the hair or the use of the iron to curl them as well as the too frequent use of the brush, especially if the latter is too hard.
Among the “culprits,” we must not forget the treatments for coloring or bleaching the hair and the so-called perm. An unbalanced diet and cigarette smoking are among the causes of split end weakening of the hair, which is the leading risk factor for the onset of split ends. One more reason than to adopt an appropriate diet and say enough to the harmful habit of smoking.
How to get rid of split ends: the remedies
Are there effective remedies to combat split ends? The procedure consists (we must, unfortunately, use the present tense because, even today, there is someone who continues to adopt this unfortunate remedy) in combing the hair, collecting it with pliers in the center of the head, separating one lock of hair at a time, twist it by making the damaged tips stick out and bring it at a distance of about 5 cm to the candle.
Apart from the danger of the method, which a person of common sense would never think of putting into practice, doing so does nothing but weaken and weaken one’s hair even more.
In reality, to remedy split ends, the correct strategy is to:
- resort to the haircut by eliminating all split ends present
- implement all methods of preventing the problem, avoiding “relapses.”
Indeed, the best remedy for split ends would be to resort to periodic “ticks” every 4-6 weeks by going to your hairdresser; this would avoid having to proceed then, when the problem becomes apparent, to resort to excessively drastic cuts.
If the problem is not particularly evident, you can try to remedy it by using particular products. Usually, these are relatively expensive products among whose main ingredients are amino acids related to keratin, proteins of vegetable origin, minerals (iron, manganese, copper, zinc, etc.), vitamins, etc.
Other types of products are designed to avoid the damage that hair can suffer from humidity and breakage; these are coating substances that reconstruct the hydrolipidic film and create a sort of sheath and the entire hair (usually these are substances derived from silicone, mucilage, polyphenols, etc.)
6 tips to prevent and eliminate Split ends
Prevent split ends
Prevention is always better than cure: even in the case of split ends.
We recommend:
- make a haircut every two months: 1.2 cm is enough
- wash your hair every 2-3 days, not daily, and use shampoos suitable for your hair type
- do not use boiling water for rinsing, and do not dry with a hairdryer that is not too hot
- do not rub your hair too vigorously after washing, but dab lightly
- comb your hair while it is still damp but not wet with an antistatic wide-toothed comb
- avoid chemical treatments: perms, dyes, and bleaching
- brush the hair with soft bristles
hairstyles that are too tight and slow growth for a long time: it is okay to keep the hair tie, but now and then, you have to let it breathe
In short, you have to treat your hair with care, without gently using force. If they are more fragile and dull, perhaps at certain times of the year, it is advisable to do a keratin treatment.
Prevent with nutrition
To prevent the problem, you need to have a proper diet, rich in minerals and vitamins, and drink plenty of water: in particular, vitamin B6 has an energizing effect on the scalp, counteracts the formation of split ends, and makes the hair stronger. Split ends are an annoying hair blemish. If you’re not sure what it is, you’re in luck.
They are a ubiquitous phenomenon, especially among those with long hair. So, if looking at your hair, you overlook a bifurcation at the end of the hair. Instead, you can continue taking care of your hair as you have done so far.
If, on the other hand, you too belong to the large group of women who suffer from this blemish. We suggest you continue reading to discover 6 ways to remedy the forked hair tip. What causes split ends by different causes, and we have some suggestions to help you prevent them and preserve the beauty of your hair.
1. Avoid thermal shocks
The fold is essential to have a neat and tidy look, but subjecting your hair to frequent sessions of a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron to give it the shape we want, certainly does not help keep it healthy.
Especially if you have the habit of using the hairdryer with a very hot jet of air, know that, in the long run, it ends up weakening your hair. This is because the heat alters the keratin structure, weakening the hair and making it more fragile.
2. A hundred brush strokes? Not!
Brushing your hair too often or with harsh brushes also weakens the hair. The famous popular saying about the hundred brush strokes is absolutely to be avoided if you want to keep your hair shaft healthy and prevent split ends. Brushing too much can lift your hair cuticles and make them more brittle, not just on the ends!
3. Beware of chemicals: What Causes Split Ends
Another cosmetic hair treatment that is a particular suspect for tricoptilosis is a dye. If you love to change the look of your hair and try different colors or if you want to cover the first gray hair, it is helpful to know that the chemical agents contained in the most common dyes are one of What causes split ends weakening of the hair. The same thing is also true for the perm.
Finally, don’t underestimate shampoos: from allies for hair care, they can turn into their worst enemies if you don’t choose the right ones. Therefore, it is essential to choose delicate shampoos for your hair’s well-being and beauty, free of foaming agents, without parabens, SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), even better if in the form of one of the most delicate oil-shampoos.
4. Protect your hair from the sun
Remember that ultraviolet rays are enemies of your hair, and this also applies to tanning lamps. So, next time you want to get a tan, in addition to protecting your skin, remember to protect your hair as well.
5. Washes away chlorine and salt: What Causes Split Ends
Staying in theme with the summer, the hair also suffers from the saltiness of the sea and the chlorine of the swimming pools.
There are specific products to repair the hair from these agents, such as nourishing and strengthening conditioners based on keratin. And it is essential to wash them, after exposure, with a mild shampoo suitable for your hair type.
6. What lifestyle do you have?
Even your hair suffers from an ‘ unbalanced diet. If you follow a crash diet or do not include enough foods rich in vitamins, minerals, Omega 3, and antioxidants, the appearance of your hair could immediately show the effects of these deficiencies.
One of the worst habits, even for split ends, is smoking. Yes, unfortunately, this vice does not help the beauty of your thick hair.
Double tips on how to cure them
Taking care of split ends is possible even without going to the extreme choice of cutting your hair to eliminate them. There are excellent cosmetic products that are able if used regularly. They are based on amino acids similar to keratin, proteins of vegetable origin, or based on minerals such as iron, manganese, copper and zinc, and vitamins.
There are also natural products to be used in daily care designed to avoid damage to the ends of the hair: they are massaged on the ends to make them stronger. They create a coating and rebuild the hydrolipidic film, like a protective sheath.
Split ends products
To treat and nourish split ends, apply some natural oils:
- coconut oil to be applied directly on wet hair is an effective tonic.
- Natural restorative almond oil to leave on for 20 minutes.
- broccoli oil as a smoothing, polishing, and anti-frizz
Products to avoid: What Causes Split Ends
There are many products to nourish and repair split ends and many products that solve the problem. But damages the hair even more: this is the case of shampoo, conditioners, and serums based on silicones, parabens, and salts.
Attention: therefore, try always to use organic and natural products.
Natural remedies for split ends
The hair must be treated like the rest of the body. There are many natural remedies to eliminate split ends: here are some easy recipes to make DIY masks.
Masks with oil, egg, and apple cider vinegar
Ingredients for a fortifying oil and vinegar mask:
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One egg
- Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Preparation. In a dish, beat the egg and then add the oil and apple cider vinegar. When it is warm, apply on the tips and leave on for half an hour. Rinse well and wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Also, use a conditioner.
Egg mask: What Causes Split Ends
Ingredients for a refreshing and healing mask:
- Two egg yolks
- warm water
Preparation. In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add some hot water and keep whisking. When it becomes a homogeneous mixture, put on all the hair from root to tip. Cover with a cap or cling film and leave for half an hour. Then proceed with thorough washing.
Pack with essential oils
Ingredients for lavender oil and vitamin E compress that can be purchased in capsules at the pharmacy
- a few drops of lavender essential oil
- coconut oil
- One capsule of vitamin E
Preparation. Mix the vitamin E capsule with coconut oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a container that you will heat in a bain-marie. When it is warm, dip the split ends and let them soak for almost an hour.
Honey pack: What Causes Split Ends
Ingredients for fortifying compress:
- Two and a half tablespoons of honey
- Three tablespoons of olive oil
Preparation: Mix the olive oil with pure honey and apply it to the hair for half an hour. Rinse and wash with delicate natural products.
