Hair Damage: Split ends

 

Having known from the previous article on hair structure that the hair is a tube-like structure and the visible part of the hair called the shaft is divided into three parts: the cuticle, cortex and pith/ medulla. The tips of our hair are the ones that have stayed the longest with us, some have stayed years on out hair and sometimes face certain problems due to age. One of the problems that out tips face are split ends. There are times that we notice that our hair become dull and split and form a v-shape at the tips. This particular hair damage is called split ends.

This is an inevitable problem that our hair encounters due to certain reasons. Our hair can be damaged by daily wear and tear that destroys that cuticle and exposes the inner cortex. Split ends are quite visible to the naked eye. You know you have this hair damage once you see a tip of your hair been split into two or more parts. Unfortunately, there is no cure to split ends but there are ways to limit how often ones hair gets damaged as a result of split ends. The only thing one can do when you notice split hairs is to trim your tips. Trimming helps to cut off the worn out part of the hair and also encourages hair growth.

Split ends are of different types, they include: The Basic Split, The Fork Split, The Tree Split, The Feather Split, The Knot e. t. c. Keeping a healthy hair is the only way to avoid getting frayed hair often since it can neither be treated nor repaired. Some of the things we need to do in order to reduce how frequently we get split hairs are as follows:

 

1.       Proper hydration: hydration of hair can be done either with instant conditioner or hair mask. Instant conditioners as the name signifies, helps keep the hair moisturised before combing, brushing or styling but it does not last very long on the hair. Hair masks are much more effective and long lasting on the hair; it helps infuse enough moisture to the hair and reduces the risk of hair damage. By so speaking; it would be really nice and helpful to the hair if hair mask is being used on the hair weekly. It helps to prevent hair splitting.

 

2.       Reduce the application of heat on the hair: too much heat dries up the scalp and the hair itself leaving it dry and tough when being combed. What happens when a particular thing becomes too dry? It starts breaking and same thing is applicable to our hair. If there is a compulsory need to use heat application on the hair then apply a heat protection cream before heating.

3.       Give your hair space after each treatment: hair treatment is not bad but it becomes bad and unhealthy when it becomes too much. Applying a lot of chemicals on your hair frequently damages the hair and leaves it fray. After each treatment or perm or colouring, we need to give the hair some breathing space to deal with the chemicals on it, to do its checks and balances before going for another hair treatment. By so doing, we reduce the risk of exposing the hair to different hair damages.

4.       Be gentle with the hair especially while and after washing: the hair is vulnerable to damage because of this; we need to be careful with our hair after shampooing and conditioning. Do not over shampoo the hair as the chemicals in the shampoo can be harsh and can lead to hair breakage. Do not rub your hair with the towel after washing, it is wrong because it damages the cuticle, if using a towel would be necessary, gently pat the towel on your hair. It is better to let is air dry than to rub that hair with towel all in the name of drying. Also, do not wash your hair daily.

5.       Sleep on silk pillow or use a silk cover while sleeping: this is to avoid friction between the hair and the pillow. Silk materials help the hair to move freely.

6.       Avoid using metal hair accessories

7.       Use good and preferably natural hair products.

Split ends has no treatment once you have them, trimming is the only option, that is why taking proper care of our hair in order to prevent our hair from split ends and breakage. Keeping a healthy hair and avoiding certain habits can help a lot in improving general health and appearance of our hair.