We tell you how to prevent split ends and what to do if you already have them.
Split ends can occur for a variety of reasons: the use of unsuitable hair products, mechanical effects caused by friction (such as contact with fabrics), or as a result of rough brushing or high temperatures (using a hair dryer, curling iron or tongs). In these conditions, split ends are almost inevitable, especially if hair is rarely cut.
The problem of split ends and thinning hair becomes more and more important as the summer comes to an end. The sun, the salt water from the sea, the chlorinated water from the pool, the high humidity and the nice refreshing wind are slowly killing our hair, we can literally feel how “dry” our hair is.
Don’t believe it? Just take a strand and look at it closely-the tips of the hair are split apart, resembling the tongue of a lizard. This is split ends (yes, this term is not a marketing scare story). Split ends can mean that hair is easily broken, tangled, dull and tired. If this happens, it is difficult to wear your hair loose and make a ponytail. Bunchy ends like dry straw make almost any style look less than perfect. The problem of split ends has two solutions: to fix what has been done and to prevent it from happening again.
Prevention
- Cut your hair once every 1-2 months, shortening it to 3.5 cm. Yes, that’s a lot, especially for those who care about hair length, but preferring length over quality is fraught with even more damage.
- Reduce your exposure to heat styling appliances. Irons, tongs and blow dryers heat hair up to 200 degrees Celsius, drying it out. If you’re used to styling your hair regularly, don’t forget to use heat protectors!
- Brush your hair before you go in the shower: this will reduce the risk of tangles and breakage when your hair is wet. Apply shampoo to the top of your head and gently rinse down, keeping your hair mostly straight and making zigzagging motions with your fingers along the entire length.
- Try not to brush your hair while it’s wet. This can be difficult, especially if you are in a hurry. But when the action becomes a habit, your hair will feel much happier.
Restore
- Moisturize your hair ─ It needs an extra dose of moisture after high temperatures and vigorous styling. Use a mask at least once a week and try express moisturizers in the form of mists.
- Use two types of conditioner. One ─ washable immediately after shampooing in the shower (it will close the scales of the hair, prevent moisture loss and facilitate combing), the other ─ non-washable while drying or styling (it will ensure the health of each hair during the day ─ it will nourish, moisturize and protect).
- Ask for the help of special products against split ends and find the best one that works in your particular case.
Prevent split ends.
The good news is that healthy hair is as strong as steel, thanks to the unique protein structure that makes up more than 80% of your hair.
The bad news? Damage causes loss of proteins that help hold fibers together. When the proteins are lost, the weak end of the hair begins to get jagged, rough edges and loses its crisp shape, which we all crave. There are a few basic ways to combat this problem.
Avoid heat: Heat can quickly damage the hair. Take a break from tongs, but if you just can’t part with it, always use heat-protective hair products to help protect your strands.
Avoid unnecessary styling: combing, tightening, and pinning your strands can put extra pressure on your hair. Just because hair is strong doesn’t mean you should put it to the test every day. Help keep them supple by avoiding the use of unnecessary hair styling products and styling itself. Be gentle! Don’t brush your hair too vigorously. Not only are tangles a problem, but they’re a major cause of split ends and damaged hair. Brush your hair gently (especially if it’s wet) and use a wide-toothed comb whenever possible.
But before you throw out your curling iron, comb and blow dryer, know that you can prevent split ends with a strengthening shampoo and conditioner, thanks to technology that is guaranteed to moisturize and smooth out damaged hair ends. These special products find and strengthen weak spots along the hair fiber, helping to avoid split ends!
If damage has already occurred, don’t worry! You can still fix it. While the cure-all for split ends is a haircut, using special products can help restore hair structure. The advanced technology they contain (positively charged ingredients that help bind negatively charged ends together) work by “gluing” the inner components of your hair together.
