It is a known fact that dry hair is the pre-cursor to damage. Different types of hair react differently to treatments and processes we subject it to. But all hair, may it be curly, wavy or straight, have the same design when we look at it closely using an electron microscope.

The hair cuticle is located on the outside of the hair shaft. The cuticle looks like scales that point downward the hair shaft. Healthy hair is shiny and soft to the touch. This is because the hair cuticle is all aligned and sealed. Damage occurs when the hair cuticle becomes lifted and ragged. Damage also occurs when the hair shaft explodes from to much exposure to heat. Too much heat dries out the hair making it brittle and prone to breakage. When breakage occurs, split ends appear. The ends break and split unevenly and Split ends can never be repaired, only temporarily put off by conditioning shampoos and styling products. Most hair damage can come from multiple sources:

• Mechanical – Even though our hair is one of the toughest materials on the planet if compared side by side to the same size of steel, too much brushing and back combing can lift the hair cuticle and expose the shaft.
• Chemical – Coloring, perming, relaxing and straightening are some of the chemical treatments usually done to hair. Frequent treatments and over processing can lead to dryness and breakage.

Too much cuticle damage due to over perming. Image taken from P&G.

• Sun damage – Over exposure to the sun’s UV rays can dry out hair. This can be seen as light streaks on the hair.
• Heat – Too much heat and too frequent blow-drying dries out hair and makes it brittle.

Hair breakage due to too much heat from blowdrying. Image taken from P&G.

There is no turning back once your hair has been damaged and splits. It can temporarily be hidden by conditioning shampoos and “split-end treatments” as it only coats the outside of the hair shaft but will reappear after the next shampoo.

Hair after using split-end shampoo. Image taken from P&G.

The only way to remove split ends is to have a hair cut initially and have regular hair trimming every 6 to eight weeks. If your hair is much damaged, you may need to drastically shorten your hair and start changing your hair care process. But the best recourse is prevention and good hair care maintenance. Regular conditioning is essential to prevent hair from drying out. If you have time, let your hair air dry rather than blow drying it. If pressed for time, blowdry it at the lowest setting. Also have a short trim every six to eight weeks.

Article by Rikki Ola

So without further ado, here are a few tips to keep in mind to reduce the total number of trips you’ll have to make to your favorite stylist:

Styling with Heat

Beauty care accessories that use heat to style hair are one of the contributing factors to increasing numbers of split ends. Dryers, rolling irons and flat irons are some of the most damaging of them all, and you should use them with great care and moderation to prevent the long-term effects of heating damage.

Styling with Chemicals

Heat is not the only problem that causes split ends: chemical-based products like sprays, relaxers or coloring agents can do as much damage when used excessively. Use them as sparingly as possible, and consult your stylist as to which hair care product will work with your locks without damaging it.

Outdoor Activities

Exposure is another problem that causes split ends. The hot sun, salty ocean breeze, hot weather and similar drying conditions can and will cause split ends if left uncared for. If you absolutely must expose your hair to these elements, then at least use a hat or product that will protect your hair. Just do not forget to use these beauty care products in moderation: excessive use will damage the follicles and, and will result in damage in the long run.

Trimming

When you already have a few split ends here and there, it would be best for you to simply take the scissors yourself and trim them off yourself. Just remember to use a very sharp pair, and to cut into the thickness as opposed to cutting straight through it. The latter gives your locks a layered look that is natural, while the former ensures that your hair won’t snag as you take a few snips.

However, trimming works only for small-scale damage that can be repaired with a few snips here and there. Consult your stylist for more extensive damage, as only he or she has the knowledge to effectively repair it. Attempting to trim a large number of split ends may totally ruin your style, and could result in some damage that may carry on over time as your locks grow longer.

Article by Fashionista Diva

Hi Carrie,

Kate here, first and foremost congratulations on the new blog. Anyway my dilemma is that I always wanted to wear my hair long, but its always seem to be in vain since I regularly snip it off to get rid of these ugly split ends. My hair will always be an inch below my shoulder and could no longer grow beyond that if I can’t find solutions for these nasty split ends. Tell me what to do Carrie.

Thanks,

Kate

Hello Kate,

Thank you for the question and for the warm greeting. I find that a lot of people can relate to your hair problem since I myself was a victim before. Split ends can be an annoying nightmare if its not treated right down  to its cause. So let’s get to know more about our hair villain for the hour before I continue to discuss the cure.

Well, basically, split ends happen when the cuticle of your hair is damaged and the fibers of the cortex unravel. It nonetheless makes the hair dry, brittle and prone to tangling. I am sorry to say that whenever you get split ends, the only cure is to cut your hair off. Yes, snip – snip – snip.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to control or prevent split ends before it starts to occur. If you shampoo daily, reduce the frequency since this is stressful to the hair. Always use a conditioner when washing your hair to avoid dryness. You may also try to get the tangles out by combing your hair after you have finished showering. In our everyday life, especially when we ride a jeepney  on the way to work, the glorious wind and dust will usually tangle our hair stiff. To undo the mess, I pat a leave-on conditioner on my hair and comb the tangles out using a wide-toothed comb. If you like to use the hair blower, flat or curling iron to dry your damp hair, avoid not to do this everyday since this can really cause serious damage to your hair. I usually comb my wet hair with my trusty electric fan on instead of using the hair blower. However when you really need to use these hot styling tools, it’s ideal that use a hair serum to protect your main from drying out.

Always,

Carrie