Are you wondering how to get rid of split ends quickly and effectively? We have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that the only way to really get rid of split ends is to book a hair cut with a professional stylist.
You can’t repair split ends with a conditioning treatment (although you can mask their appearance). Additionally, those split-end trimmers that are all the rage on channels like TikTok don’t really fix your split end problem. Those automated tools can trim your hair, but they can’t tell where split ends start or finish, so they don’t know exactly where to cut your hair.
The good news? Once you get a hair cut to eradicate all those pesky split ends, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of them coming back in the future.
Here’s your guide to getting rid of split ends and making sure they stay gone.
What Causes Split Ends?
Split ends are natural – they can happen to everyone. They’re not necessarily a sign that you’re not looking after your hair properly. However, exposing your hair to a lot of chemical treatments (like perms or hair dye) as well as heat and stress can increase your chances of getting split ends.
Split ends can also happen because of over-exposure to extreme weather conditions, as well as general wear and tear on your hair. The more you use heat styling tools to get the “perfect look” before an event, tackle knots and tangles with vigorous brushing, and overlook the importance of good nutrition, the more split ends will emerge over time.
Interestingly, genetics can also factor into the equation. While anyone can get split ends, afro-textured hair is more prone to damage due to the unique structure of the hair shaft. Hormones play a role too. If you’re experiencing a lot of stress (or going through menopause), the natural oils in your scalp might diminish, making your hair dryer and more prone to breakage.
How to Get Rid of Split Ends
As mentioned above, split ends aren’t actually “fixable”. Even if you use all the expert tips covered in this blog post to reduce the risk of split ends forming, those strategies won’t repair existing split ends. The only reliable and effective way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off.
However, you shouldn’t be trying to cut off split ends yourself. While it might seem like you can just trim an inch or so of your hair and get rid of the problem, the reality is that your hair natural grows at different lengths, and at different speeds. This means if you cut off a portion of your hair, you could just end up exposing the next “layer” of split ends.
Booking a haircut with an experienced stylist is the only way to make sure you’re getting rid of as many split ends as possible, while preserving your desired hair length and style. Your stylist will carefully segment your hair and cut strategically to remove split ends, layer by layer.
Plus, a stylist can give you tips and suggest treatments that will improve your overall hair health. For instance, if your hair has more damage than just a few split ends, they might recommend a hair treatment to repair and strengthen your hair follicles.
How to Mask or Conceal Split Ends
While the only way to truly get rid of split ends is with a hair cut, there are a few ways you can mask or hide their appearance. This won’t fix your split end problem, but it will mean your hair looks smoother and healthier for longer between salon appointments.
The best strategy is to use deep conditioning treatments, shampoos, and conditioners designed for damaged hair. Hair masks and leave-in conditioning treatments can help to restore moisture to your strands, and make damaged hair seem less dry and frayed.
Ideally, you’ll want to look for a conditioner that includes a lot of natural oils, like sweet almond oil or argan oil. However, it’s worth remembering that there’s no single treatment that works perfectly for everyone. You might need to experiment a little before you find something that’s right for you.
It’s also worth rethinking your sleeping habits. Sleeping on a standard cotton pillowcase can cause split ends to worsen and appear more pronounced. Switching to a silk pillowcase or using a silk hair cap can reduce friction and keep your hair looking healthier and sleeker for longer.
How to Stop Split Ends from Coming Back
Now that you know how to get rid of split ends, you might be wondering what you can do to keep them at bay. Ultimately, the key to preventing split ends is making sure you look after your hair. Investing in high-quality products, and reducing your exposure to damaging substances, like UV lights, chlorine, hair dye, and other chemicals will make a huge difference.
Here are some of the best strategies you can use to prevent split ends from recurring.
Be Gentle on Your Hair
Your hair is delicate, so treat it with caution and respect. Instead of dragging brushes through your hair repeatedly to break apart knots and tangles, use a wide tooth comb to gently eliminate knots. You can use a wide-tooth comb in the shower, starting at the bottom of your hair and gradually working upwards – this should reduce the strain on your hair.
Also, be careful with how frequently you wash your hair, particularly with clarifying shampoos, as they can strip your hair of natural oils that keep your strands strong and nourished. When you do wash your hair, avoid twisting and wringing it dry with a standard cotton towel. Gently dab your hair with a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt instead.
Speaking of drying, if you can’t commit to letting your hair air dry, use the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer, and stop as soon as your hair is just damp. Blasting your hair with heat until its bone dry can cause major damage to your strands, even if you’re using heat protection sprays.
Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out
Ever heard the phrase “you are what you eat?” It’s more accurate than you’d think, particularly when it comes to hair health. Your hair will always be stronger and healthier if you eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Taking dietary supplements can help too.
For instance, folic acid and Biotin are excellent at improving hair health, length and thickness. Biotin helps to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in a way that strengths the bonds in your hair and nails. Alternatively, folic acid helps to improve the production of red blood cells, boosting circulation and strengthening hair growth.
Keep Your Hair Conditioned and Moisturized
If you’re constantly Googling the phrase “how to get rid of split ends”, the reason for your issue could be that you’re not giving your hair enough hydration and moisture. Split ends are common when your hair is dry and brittle, so keep it supple and hydrated.
If you already have a lot of damage, you could consider getting a deep conditioning treatment, like the Milbon Damage Repair treatment we offer here at PERFECT X HAIR. Alternatively, you could choose to simply invest in more conditioning masks and serums you can use at home.
A professional stylist can give you advice on which treatments to use based on your hair texture and style. They’ll also be able to give you tips on how to reduce the damage that certain hair services, like perms and bleaching, can cause.
Reduce Exposure to Chemicals and Harmful Substances
Some hair treatments cause more damage to your hair than others. Colouring your hair, getting highlights, bleaching your hair, or getting a perm will all cause some damage to the structure of your hair. Luckily, choosing a reputable hairstylist can reduce the risk of any long-term damage, as they’ll be able to tailor the service to your specific needs.
However, if you regularly colour or perm your hair, then it might be a good idea to give your hair a break. Ask your stylist whether you should wait a while before your next balayage or perm if you’re worried about your hair health.
Remember, substances outside of the salon can damage your hair too. UV rays are particularly notorious for making your hair dry and brittle, so make sure you shield your hair with UV protectors and hats. Avoid exposing your hair to chemicals like chlorine in pools and hot tubs too.
How to Get Rid of Split Ends: The Bottom Line
If you want to know how to get rid of split ends, the only reliable solution is to visit your stylist. An experienced stylist will be able to trim your hair and remove the split ends while maintaining your hairstyle. They can also apply treatments and give you personalized advice on how to prevent split ends from coming back.
In between hair appointments, all you really need to do to fight back against split ends is make sure you’re looking after your hair. Use hydrating products that contribute to your hair’s strength, avoid exposing your strands to harmful chemicals, and be gentle with styling tools and products.
If you treat your hair with love and care, and invest in regular trips to the salon, you should be able to leave split ends where they belong – in the past.
