Hello Afro queens, I trust you all are doing well. Let’s talk about split ends today. I know that you might have heard of it before now, but the truth is that many people do not really know what it means, what causes it, or how to prevent it.
Before we go into everything we have, let me explain what Split ends are.
Split ends, just as the name implies, refers to the splitting or fraying of the hair shaft. Remember that your hair comprises the outer layer (cuticle) and the inner layer (cortex). What split ends does is affect your hair cuticle, thereby exposing the cortex. I wouldn’t want to bore you with too much jargon.
In simpler terms, split ends are like little cracks or breaks at the tips of your hair. Think of your hair strand as a tiny rope of smaller strands twisted together. When the outer layer of this rope-like structure gets damaged, it starts to fray and split into two or more smaller strands.
These split ends commonly affect long hair and make it dry, frizzy, and very unhealthy.
Causes of Split ends
Split ends are caused by various factors, which includes:
Heat Styling
Using very hot tools like straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons can damage the outer layer of your hair, leading to split ends. If you must use heat styling tools, do well to use a heat protectant alongside.
Over processing
If you like to change your hair color all the time, you should know that too many chemical treatments, such as coloring, bleaching, and perming, can weaken the hair shaft and lead to split ends.
Lack of moisture
When your hair is too dry, you are more prone to split ends. Well, moisturized hair can withstand splitting, unlike dry, brittle hair.
Mechanical damage
Rough handling, such as vigorous brushing, combing wet hair, or tying hair too tightly, can cause breakage and split ends.
Environmental Factors
Are you always exposed to harsh elements like sun and wind? This can strip moisture from your hair, making it dry and brittle, increasing the likelihood of split ends.
Poor Nutrition
A diet lacking essential vitamins and nutrients can weaken the hair, making it more susceptible to damage and split ends.
Genetics
Some people are naturally more prone to split ends due to their hair’s texture, thickness, and overall health. However, more often than not, split ends are caused by external factors aside from genetics.
How to prevent split ends
Now, let’s discuss some practical strategies for preventing split ends and maintaining beautiful and, most importantly, healthy hair.
Regular trims
Before now, I had shared my story about how I was told that cutting my hair would make it grow longer, went ahead to cut it, only to realize that no magic was gonna happen. The person who gave me that information had probably heard about trimming, but did not get the right or full information. Trimming is actually very important for your hair health. You should have a hair care routine that includes regular trimming.
The last time I trimmed my hair was 2 months ago, and sis, my detangling process just got easier and faster, and my hair looked healthier. Don’t be afraid to trim, if you are unsure, visit a natural hair stylist, and it’ll be done for you.
In my opinion, trimming remains the best method to prevent split ends. Again, trimming should not be done all the time, only when necessary.
Moisture and Hydration
By now, you should know that hair dryness is one of the causes of split ends. So, keeping your hair adequately moisturized is key to preventing damage. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type, and incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask (this is very important ) to nourish and strengthen your strands.
Also, avoid over-washing your hair, as excessive shampooing can strip away natural oils and contribute to dryness. Note that you should focus more on your hair ends when moisturizing or deep conditioning.
Avoiding Overprocessing
If you regularly chemically treat your hair, space out your appointments and give your hair time to recover between treatments. Also, when purchasing dyes, opt for gentler, ammonia-free hair dyes and avoid other harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture.
Heat Styling Precautions
Excessive heat styling can weaken the hair and lead to split ends, so you must use heat tools sparingly and take precautions to minimize damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using hot tools, and as much as possible, make do with lower heat settings.
Also, you don’t always have to use heat-styling tools. The last time I sat under a hair dryer in 2012, not only did my hair suffer, but my ears, face, and head suffered, too. Your case may not be like mine, but consider occasionally giving your hair a break from heat styling and embracing air-drying or heatless styling methods instead.
Gentle Handling
Rough handling can contribute to split ends, so treating your hair with care is essential. Avoid vigorous towel drying, aggressive brushing, or styling techniques that pull or tug at the hair. Instead, gently blot excess water from your hair using a microfiber towel. And do well to make use of a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for detangling to minimize breakage and split ends.
Don’t forget that type 4 hair is the most fragile and most prone to damage. If this is your hair type, get ready to put in all the work.
Protective Hairstyles
Wearing your hair in protective styles can help shield it from environmental damage and minimize the risk of split ends. Opt for styles that help to keep your ends tucked in (remember that the ends of your hair are more susceptible to having split ends).
In addition to that, make sure that you do not style your hair too tightly, as this can cause tension and breakage along the hairline. If your hair stylist does not handle your hair correctly, kindly correct them. By now, you should learn to visit professional stylists who are well-trained on how to handle type 4 hair.
Silk Bonnets/Pillowcase
Going to bed with my hair covered has become a part of my daily routine. If you’re close to me, and I see your hair rubbing hard against Cotton/woolen materials, I won’t be able to keep calm. I’ll start a hair lecture almost immediately. Every natural hair lady should learn to protect their hair while sleeping. If you are not comfortable with covering your hair to bed, then use the right pillowcase.
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and damage your hair while you sleep, leading to split ends and frizz. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and prevent breakage, allowing your hair to glide smoothly across the surface as you move at night. Additionally, tying your hair up in a loose bun or braid before bed can minimize friction and protect your ends.
Balanced Diet
The truth is that healthy hair starts from within, so be sure to nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Foods high in vitamins A, C, E, and biotin and omega-3 fatty acids can promote hair health and reduce the risk of split ends. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet, and stay hydrated by drinking adequate water daily.
Note that Split ends cannot really be repaired. If you notice that you have split ends, all you need to do is to trim off those ends and follow every other preventive measure we have outlined.
By incorporating all of these into your hair care routine, you can minimize damage, promote healthy hair growth, and keep your locks looking their best. Remember to be patient and consistent in your efforts, as maintaining healthy hair is an ongoing journey that requires dedication. With the right approach, you can say goodbye to split ends and hello to beautiful, vibrant hair.
