The magical solutions that make all split ends disappear are only a temporary trick and do not stop the progressive damage. To remove them permanently, you need to cut them. However, there are hundreds of ways to prevent them from growing back. Try them for soft and healthy hair.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Remove the Double Tips
Step 1. Identify damaged hair
Examine them carefully with the help of a mirror and good lighting. Split ends grow thicker at the end but can appear anywhere along the hair shaft. There may be several ways in which split ends develop, wearing out the hair. If you notice any of the following, eliminate them by following the instructions below:
- Tips divided into two or more parts;
- An opening in the middle of the hair (more visible if you collect the hair);
- White dots on the ends of the hair
- Knots of single strands (more common if the hair is curly and dry).
Step 2. Cut it yourself
If you don't need to shorten your hair too much, take care of split ends yourself. Trim them with a pair of small hair scissors, since normal hair scissors can wear out your hair and generate more split ends. Thin out the individual strands to about 6mm above the split ends. If you shorten them too close to the damaged area, they can reappear.
- Some split ends form a ball directly over the damaged part. Make sure you cut above it.
- This work can take a long time, especially if the hair is double or damaged. However, you will be able to keep the length of your hair.
Step 3. Cut your hair regularly
A hairdresser can always get rid of split ends, but usually cuts another 0.5-2.5cm of hair. Over time, all the hair will be destined to weaken so much that this treatment will be necessary. How long you have to wait between cuts depends on the type of your hair, their health and how long you are willing to take to identify split ends. It can take anywhere from six weeks to six months.
If you do not cut split ends yourself, avoiding the intervention of the hairdresser, you will not take care of your long hair. If they are neglected, split ends will become weaker and weaker until they break
Step 4. Take some measures to preserve the length of your hair
If cutting split ends gets in the way of growing your hair, consider scaling it. Ask the hairdresser to cut the damaged ones on the top of the head, leaving the lower layers intact, and therefore the length of the hair. If you have afro hair, a mild styling product can give you a similar effect, allowing you to manage your hair more easily and avoid cutting healthy hair.
Step 5. Consider hair regeneration products with caution
There are balms and other treatments on the market that claim to "cure" split ends. In fact, they seal split ends to hide them from view, but the damage is always there. You can use them as temporary solutions, but they can do far worse damage in the long run.
Part 2 of 4: Wash, Dry and Brush Healthy Hair
Step 1. Apply the shampoo carefully
An overdose of shampoo can strip the hair of sebum, leaving it vulnerable and sensitive to damage. Follow these tips to learn how to minimize split ends:
- Wash your hair no more than three times a week (or even less if you have curly, double or afro hair).
- Wash only the scalp and hair closest to the root. Leave the rest of the hair alone and it should wash itself with the shampoo running down.
- Hot water removes protective oil, so try rinsing your hair with the coldest water you can tolerate.
Step 2. Use conditioner
After shampooing, apply the conditioner over the entire length of the hair. Leave it on for at least three minutes before rinsing.
Step 3. Gently dry your hair
It is not a good idea to vigorously scrub your hair with a towel. Instead, gently squeeze them with a towel to get rid of excess water. Once you have absorbed it, let it dry naturally.
- If you need to dry them faster, use a hair dryer by setting it to medium or low power, preferably with cold air. Keep it about 5cm away from the head to minimize damage.
- If you're used to wrapping your hair in a towel, try a cotton shirt instead.
Step 4. Treat them regularly with a "deep conditioner"
If the conditioner isn't enough, try a nourishing treatment once or twice a month. Then apply a leave-in conditioner or oil and leave it on for a while. Jojoba and coconut oil are great. Here's how you can use them:
- Wet your hair.
- Pour a walnut of deep conditioner or a few drops of oil on the palm of your hand. Take a coin-sized dose for the strands that go down below the shoulders, adding 1/4 extra on the hair reaching the waist.
- Rub the product into your hair.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes, or 10 if the hair is badly damaged.
- Rinse with cold water.
Step 5. Get a suitable comb or brush to gently style your hair
This tool should help you detangle your hair without pulling it. The best solution for those with double hair is a wide-toothed wooden comb, with or without a handle. Those with thin hair can use a wooden comb with fine teeth or a brush with boar bristles or another type of flexible and natural bristles.
Step 6. Brush or comb gently
Start from below and work your way up. When you encounter a knot, stop and untangle it with your fingers before continuing.
- Stop combing your hair back. This movement weakens the hair, predisposing it to break.
- Do not brush more than necessary. Once the brush or comb runs smoothly through your hair, that's it.
- When wet, the hair is very brittle. Only brush them when they are dry, unless they are quite double and curly. In this case they should only be brushed when they are damp.
Part 3 of 4: Protect Your Hair
Step 1. Protect your hair when you sleep
Sleep with your hair braided or pulled into a bun to keep it from tangling and breaking. A night cap or a satin cap can also work.
Step 2. Eat a balanced diet
Make sure you are getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and proteins to ensure healthy hair growth. Healthy fats, such as omega-3s, can also help keep them whole and shiny.
Vitamin E is particularly useful for hair health. You can find it in many foods, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils, some green leafy vegetables, and certain fish
Step 3. Grease your hair to protect it
Use a nutrient-rich oil, such as almond oil, argan oil, egg oil, castor oil, or extra virgin olive oil. They manage to lubricate the hair shaft, preventing it from producing split ends. Grease them up to twice a week, leaving the oil on overnight under a cap and rinsing it off in the morning.
- Avoid products that contain paraffin or kerosene, as they dry them out.
- Apply the oil to the center and ends of the hair. If you put it close to the scalp, it can produce dandruff or damage the roots.
Step 4. Use accessories that don't damage your hair
Elastic bands that are too tight or any type of headband with metal elements can damage the hair, especially if used for a long time. Rubber bands and ribbons are more delicate.
Step 5. Apply a hair mask
Used once every one or two weeks, it can help keep hair healthy, hydrated and intact. Leave it on for thirty minutes anywhere except near the scalp.
Try mixing olive oil, honey, and conditioner
Part 4 of 4: Avoiding Damage
Step 1. Protect your hair from heat
The heat modifies the keratin (protein) present in the hair shaft, weakening it and making it more prone to forming split ends. Treatments that use high temperatures are a major cause of hair deterioration and split ends. They include: blow-drying hair that is too hot, styling hair using heat, straightening and curling with the straightener and iron, using steam. If you use these treatments, take the following precautions:
- Do not smooth and do not use other high temperature treatments more than once every two weeks or, preferably, once a month.
- Get a straightener or other tools that allow for precise temperature control. Set them below 180 ° C.
- Tell the stylist that you prefer styling with a not too hot blast of air.
Step 2. Protect your hair before swimming in the pool, sea or lake
Consider applying a special moisturizer before dipping your head in the water. Alternatively, use a leave-in conditioner, hair oil and / or wear a cap. By rinsing your hair thoroughly before swimming, you can reduce the absorption of harmful chemicals. Make sure you rinse them a second time and shampoo as soon as you get out of the water.
Step 3. Wash them with fresh water
If you have delicate hair, the minerals or chlorine in the water can damage it. Consider using a system that makes it sweeter if it is "hard" and contains high levels of calcium carbonate. If necessary, install a filtration system to remove the chlorine present in the tap water in the house.
Step 4. Protect your hair from the sun
Ultraviolet rays can damage hair as well as skin. Collect them in a bun under a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with sunscreen.
Step 5. Reduce dependence on hair products
Dyes and bleaching substances are particularly harmful, but any product can ruin your hair. Try to use them only when needed and your hair will stay healthy for much longer. Try to limit the frequency of dyes, perms and lightening treatments. Instead, opt for simple retouching, in case of dye or lightening treatment, after 6/8 weeks.
- For example, if you have dyed your hair, only have the regrowth touched up if necessary. Avoid repeating the full treatment every time the roots grow back.
- If you have a perm, only have it touched up if absolutely necessary or consider avoiding it altogether if your hair is damaged.
Advice
- Drink lots of water to keep your hair healthy.
- Try using a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.
- Don't brush your hair hard, but do it softly without rushing.
- Use almond oil once a week.
- Some people lighten their hair with honey. It produces only a slight effect, but is much less harmful than commercially sold dyes.
- Apple cider vinegar can be helpful after excessive use of hair products.
