Split ends, scientifically termed Trichoptilosis schizotrichia, refer to the fraying or splitting of hair shafts in the ends. There can be no enemy of your hair more fierce and obstinate than this condition. No matter what your age is, you can experience this phenomenon, and complain about it every other week. Even if you snip them off, they keep coming back and haunting you.
Even if you have a scalp full of hair, you may have to thin near the ends, asking for a trim almost every other week. Split ends make your hair look frizzy and unmanaged, thereby ruining your entire appearance. [1]
Here, we are going to discuss 5 causes of split ends, so that you can identify the cause and work towards correcting it.
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- Dryness
Dryness is one of the most important factors contributing to the formation of split ends. Dry hairs are bereft of their natural oils, due to which they tend to split at the ends. Moisturized hair tends to develop fewer split ends, and remains healthy and in good condition for a long. [2]
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- Excessive heat application
Heat is one of the major causes of split ends. If you apply too much heat for drying or styling your hair, you have more chances of developing split ends. So, let your hair dry naturally after washing, instead of drying it with a hairdryer, unless you are really in a hurry. Avoid styling your hair with hair irons, hair curlers, and other heating instruments. Instead, wear hairstyles that can be accomplished without heating. [3]
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- Improper brushing and combing
Improper brushing and combing of hair, especially when wet, can cause your hair to split at the ends. Always start combing from the ends, gradually making your way to the roots. Brushing can make your hair look fuller and fluffier, but over-brushing can damage their health, and cause them to split. So, always use a leave-in conditioner after every wash, so that your hair remains soft, and the brush can glide easily through it.[3]
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- Mechanical forces
Mechanical forces like the excessive rubbing of hair, tying it tight in a ponytail or braid, etc. can ruin the health of your hair, and cause them to split at the ends. Wearing a scarf that is always in contact with your hair ends can encourage the development of split ends, especially if it is made up of cotton. Always use smooth fabric like satin for pillow covers and scarves. [4]
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- Over-exposure to sun
Just like heat styling instruments, over-exposure to the sun also makes your hair dry and weak, resulting in split ends. So, avoid remaining in the sun for long, and always wear a scarf when you are out. [4]
Now that you know the causes of split ends, try to avoid them as far as possible, and get rid of split ends once and for all. Even if you don’t have split ends, you can use these tips to prevent them from happening.
References:
[1]. Hair – Clinical Methods – NCBI Bookshelf. 2016.Hair – Clinical Methods – NCBI Bookshelf [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK210/. [Accessed 10 February 2016].
[2]. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. 2016.Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/. [Accessed 10 February 2016].
[3]. Trichorrhexis nodosa: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. 2016.Trichorrhexis nodosa: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001449.htm. [Accessed 10 February 2016].
[4]. 5 Big Reasons You Have Split Ends–And How to Prevent Them. 2016.5 Big Reasons You Have Split Ends–And How to Prevent Them. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/wavy-hair-type-2/7-ways-to-treat-split-ends. [Accessed 10 February 2016].
