Split ends are a sign of hair damage. To overcome this, there are ways to deal with split ends that you can do. Thus, you can get healthy, beautiful, and shiny hair.
Hair consists of three layers, namely the medulla, cortex and cuticle. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair which is responsible for protecting the inside of the hair which is more prone to damage.
However, the cuticle that is supposed to protect the hair can open due to improper hair care. This can cause hair to be damaged, dry, dull, and easily broken and branched.
Causes of split ends
Split ends occur when the hair cuticle is damaged. There are several things that can cause damaged cuticles and split ends, including:
- Excessive combing of hair
- Rub hair when wet vigorously with a towel
- Frequent use of styling tools, such as hair dryers and hair straighteners
- Often dyes hair and uses bleach
- Using hair care products with harsh chemicals
Not only that, branched hair can also be caused by excessive sun exposure and insufficient intake of nutrients that are important for hair health.
How to deal with split ends
There are several ways to deal with split ends that can be done to get healthy and shiny hair, including:
1. Cut the ends of the hair regularly
Trimming the ends of the hair regularly is the easiest way to deal with split ends. It is recommended that you trim the ends of your hair every 6–8 weeks. If in doubt, try asking a hair stylist at the salon to trim the ends of your hair.
2. Combing hair slowly
Excessive combing, especially if done roughly, can cause hair to break and split easily. This is because the friction between the comb and the hair can cause the cuticles to crack and open.
Therefore, it is recommended that you comb your hair slowly, starting at the bottom to smooth out any tangles. This method can help the hair not to be easily damaged and fall out.
In addition, you are also advised not to comb your hair in wet conditions, because hair is more fragile and breaks easily. It's best to dry your hair with a soft towel before combing it.
3. Use conditioner and hair mask
Using conditioner after shampooing can make your hair softer and more manageable. Meanwhile, using a hair mask at least once a week can add moisture to your hair and make it smoother. Thus, the hair will not be easily dry and branched.
4. Limit the use of hair styling tools
Hair styling tools, such as straighteners and curling irons, can indeed make hair look neater and more beautiful. However, those of you who have split ends should avoid styling your hair this way.
The reason is, the heat from the hair styling tool can change the protein structure of the hair and make it drier. This of course will cause more and more branched hair.
However, if you really need a styling tool, be sure to use a hair serum or hair protection product first to protect your hair from overheating.
5. Limiting hair care with chemicals
Hair care that is done using chemicals, such as hair coloring, perming, and smoothing, can have a negative impact on hair health.
Therefore, it is recommended that you give time lag between one hair treatment and another. For example, you should wait 2 weeks before coloring your hair after straightening it.
6. Avoid direct sun exposure on hair
Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun for a long time can damage the hair cuticles. As a result, hair becomes dry, breaks easily, splits, and even changes color.
Therefore, when you are outdoors, you are advised to protect your hair from direct sunlight by using a hat or umbrella. In addition, you can also use a hair moisturizer with zinc oxide or SPF to ward off UV rays.
7. Sufficient hair nutritional needs
Not only treatment from the outside, branching hair also needs to be addressed from within by providing adequate nutrition for hair.
The example is zinc which plays an important role in the growth and repair of hair tissue and maintain hair moisture. You can get zinc by eating seafood, meat, eggs, whole grains, and nuts.
In addition, protein, omega-3, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, are also good nutrients to keep hair healthy and avoid damage.
Some of the ways to deal with split ends above can help you get healthy hair. However, in some cases, split ends can be a sign of a health problem, such as hyperthyroidism or an eating disorder.
Therefore, if the condition of your hair does not improve even though you have done various ways to deal with split ends, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.