Put your salon trip off for long enough and your hair will start to cut itself. Yep, split ends are fun for no one, but 50% of us are ‘picking’ at them daily. It’s a cheeky habit that’ll damage our locks in the long-run (meaning bad hair days all the darn time), but there are means to stop it. Here’s how to prevent follicle damage AKA breaking up with your locks.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Get to know the cause
Our day-to-day habits are pretty much to blame for the splitting. Unsurprisingly, the heated tools we use on the regular (straighteners and the like) sap moisture from our hair, drying it entirely. Even brushing a little too hard can slice our strands. Treat it rough, and they’re sure to split.
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2 Condition often
Try a treatment mask at least once a week for a boost of restoration. Be gentle with your locks – no vigorous shampooing – massage into the scalp and as you rinse, it will travel down the mid-lengths and ends. Coconut oil is a good idea too, apply to your ends to ‘seal them’ before shampoo application. Smells like summer too.
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3 Nurture wet hair
Rough drying wet hair is quite simply a no; pat your locks with the towel to absorb excess moisture and leave it to dry naturally whenever possible. Washing your hair too often is bad news also, as this will strip the natural oils and make for dry tresses – then comes knots, then comes splits. Twice a week is best (if you can) – where’s the Batiste at?
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4 Choose products wisely
Now for the sad bit, you can’t ‘fix’ split ends. So like literally everything it seems, prevention is key. You can seal your splits between washes though, with specially formulated treatments – like this one. Apply daily to damp hair. Though it’s not a long-term solution, you’re sure to notice a difference – not just really nice smelling hair.
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5 Do the 'trim' thing
Last up, time for the annual trim. I promise it’s true that regular trims will make for healthier, faster-growing hair, as slicing off the splits will stop them climbing up the hair (so don’t panic the 'I'm-growing-it-out-ers'). Every six weeks is a good rule of thumb. Easy to book, easy to shift the splits, and we can’t deny that mini head massage feels really, really good. Sorted.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area for your treatment.
FAQs
How often should you trim your hair to prevent split ends?
You should trim your hair every six weeks to prevent split ends. Regular trims stop split ends from traveling up the hair and help your locks grow healthier and faster. This routine also gives you that relaxing mini head massage during each salon visit.
How can you prevent your hair from splitting?
To prevent hair from splitting, be gentle with your locks and avoid rough handling. Limit the use of heated tools, brush softly, and avoid washing your hair too often. Moisturise regularly with a treatment mask or coconut oil to keep your strands strong and less prone to splitting.
What is the best way to care for wet hair?
The best way to care for wet hair is to pat it with a towel instead of rough drying. Leave your locks to dry naturally when possible, as this helps retain natural oils and prevents dryness. Limiting washes to twice a week also keeps hair healthy and reduces split ends.
Can you repair split ends once they appear?
You can’t fully repair split ends once they appear, but you can seal them temporarily between washes with specially formulated treatments. Apply treatments daily to damp hair for improved appearance and nicer scent. A trim is the only long-term fix for split ends.
Which products help seal split ends between washes?
Specially formulated treatments designed to seal split ends can be applied daily to damp hair. These products give your hair a smoother finish and a pleasant fragrance, but the results are temporary. For lasting improvement, regular trims and careful hair care are essential.