Don’t Let Split Ends Ruin Your Best Hair Styling Efforts

Got trichoptilosis? Chances are you do and it’s thwarting all of your best hair styling efforts. Trichoptilosis is the scientific name for split ends and they can be as frustrating to cope with as the name is to pronounce.  Read on to discover some causes and remedies of split ends, as well as some easy ways to prevent them all together.

Each strand of hair has a protective layer that can be worn or stripped away by heat, chemicals and mechanical stress on the hair. When this outer layer has been removed, the hair’s internal structure becomes exposed, leaving the hair dehydrated, weakened and damaged. You then find yourself dealing with inevitable split ends and hair that is infuriatingly difficult to style. 

The irony is that some of the things that lead to hair being damaged and developing split ends are a part of your regular routine. Some of them may be among the best hair styling techniques you currently use. These split ends culprits are:

● excessive brushing especially when hair is wet

● rubber bands and other hair accessories which pull and damage hair

● rubbing hair with a towel

● adding hair color which may require stripping the hair

● heated hair appliances such as curling irons and blow dryers

● too many refined foods and sugar in your diet

The only way to truly get rid of split ends is to cut them off. That said, there are ways to mask the unsightly evidence of split ends. A leave-in conditioner, deep-conditioner or hair serum will add a protective coat to each strand of hair. This coating will smooth the frayed ends of your hair by sealing the ends together. Your hair will also be better able to withstand the effects of heat-styling afterwards.

● Switch pillowcases – try satin, silk or Egyptian cotton. These are less likely to snag and tear strands of your hair.

● Go in for a trim – about every six to eight weeks. The stylist will spot the signs of split ends forming and cut 1½ inches above the damage. Plus, the stylist will know and use the best hair styling techniques to pamper your hair.  

● Adjust your diet – add more vitamins, as well as protein-rich and biotin-rich foods to help nourish and strengthen your hair. Example are citrus, spinach, eggs and nuts.

● Avoid certain chemicals – products that contain silicones, sulfates/sulfites and parabens can damage your hair, making split ends worse.

● Lay off the heat – use your hairdryer on the lowest setting or try skipping it all together every now and then to let your hair air dry.

Don’t let split ends ruin your best hair styling efforts. Take matters into your own hands (or better yet the hands of a great hair care professional!) and keep split ends at bay for good.