What Are Split Ends?
A split end is the splitting of the hair shaft at the tip of your hair. It is also known as trichoptilosis or “arrangement of feathers in definite areas.” This is because when split ends are not taken care of, the hair strands start to break at different points, making your hair look like a feather. Why do we get split ends? Find out the leading causes below. Note: African people are more prone to split ends due to the texture of their natural hair (1).
Why Do You Get Split Ends?
Split ends are a sign that your hair is damaged. Years of improper hair care, harsh chemical treatments, and improper way of brushing lead to split ends (2). They can also occur if you are malnourished and are not getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals from food or supplements (3). As a result, the natural oils produced by the hair follicles are unable to travel down the length of the hair, making it look dry and frizzy. What adds to the damage is not taking care of your hair externally by using natural conditioners. But don’t worry, you’ve still got time to repair your hair. Here are 25 ways to get rid of split ends.
25 Ways To Repair And Prevent Split Ends
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a brilliant moisturizer and a natural healer. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that enable it to penetrate your hair easily. It moisturizes and nourishes your hair and is great for preventing and repairing split ends (4). 2-4 teaspoons coconut oil Do this once in every 2-3 days.
2. Coconut Milk
This is a natural home remedy that will give you the feel of a hair spa done in a posh salon. Coconut milk is loaded with vitamin E that prevents the recurrence of split ends, reduces frizz, and rehydrates your hair. The medium-chain fatty acids help condition and smoothen the rough edges of your hair. The vitamins C and B and the minerals calcium, iron, and magnesium stimulate hair growth. 2-4 teaspoons coconut milk Once every 2-3 days. Tip: Coconut milk is available in supermarkets, and you can store it in the refrigerator. Since it solidifies at cold temperatures, keep it at room temperature for a while for ease of application.
3. Fish Oil
Many studies have shown that fish oil reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth (5), (6), (7). Another study showed that fish oil could reduce split ends (4). The same study suggested that fish oil worked best when paired with olive oil and egg.
1 tablespoon of fish oil 2 tablespoons of olive oil A whole egg
Repeat this once every two weeks.
4. Argan Oil
Argan oil, also known as liquid gold, is extracted from the Argan kernels. It reverses hair damage and helps prevent split ends (2). The vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids present in argan oil make it an excellent rehydrating agent. 1-2 drops of argan oil Apply argan oil every time you shampoo. You can also use it between your shampoo days if you use too many styling products or tools.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil has a low molecular weight and can penetrate the hair shaft. It repairs and rehydrates the hair, reduces itchy scalp, promotes hair growth, and treats split ends (8).
2-4 teaspoons castor oil 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Do this 1-2 times a week.
6. Almond Oil
Almond oil can help moisturize and condition your hair and make it smoother (8). This, in turn, can help treat split ends. 4-6 teaspoons almond oil Do this once a week.
7. Honey Hair Mask
Honey helps to retain and regulate moisture in the hair. The honey mask helps prevent split ends by strengthening the hair follicles and providing hydration and nutrition to the hair (9), (10).
2-4 teaspoons organic honey 1 teaspoon coconut milk 3 teaspoons milk
Do this 1-2 times a week.
8. Papaya Hair Mask
This is a natural remedy that provides deep nourishment to your hair (11). Papaya, almond oil, and yogurt help prevent dry and itchy scalp, promote hair growth, and improve hair health, thereby reducing the risk of split ends (8).
½ cup mashed ripe papaya 1 tablespoon yogurt 1 tablespoon almond oil
Do this 2 times a week.
9. Banana Hair Mask
When it comes to treating damaged hair, this mask works well.Banana is an excellent natural conditioner (12). It helps improve the hair’s elasticity, thereby preventing breakage. This mask is rich in oils, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help soften the hair.
1 ripe banana 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Do this once a week.
10. Egg Hair Mask
This hair mask not only helps repair split ends but also imparts shine to the hair. Eggs are rich in protein (13). The egg mask provides nutrition and nourishment to the damaged hair, thereby repairing the split ends.
1 egg white 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon organic honey
Do this 2 times a week.
11. Mayonnaise Hair Mask
Did you think mayonnaise can just make wraps and sandwiches better? Turns out, it can make your hair better too (8)! It is made of eggs and oil, both of which help hydrate the hair. This mask helps repair the split ends, promotes hair growth, and prevents dryness and damage.
2-3 teaspoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
Do this 2 times a week.
12. Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados are rich in vitamin E, minerals, and other phytonutrients that help retain moisture in the hair and prevent further hair damage (14). These nutrients help nourish your hair and scalp and promote healthy hair growth (15).
½ avocado 3 teaspoons almond oil
Do this once a week.
13. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, a natural emollient that can strengthen and moisturize hair (16). This can help reduce split ends.
2 teaspoons fenugreek powder 2 tablespoons curd
Do this 2 times a week.
14. Onion Juice
Though chopping onions can make you cry, applying onion juice can prevent your hair from crying out for help. Onion juice provides nourishment to your hair follicles and promotes hair growth (17).
2 teaspoons onion juice 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon olive oil
Do this once a week.
15. Lemon Water
Lemon water is an excellent cleanser and a natural conditioner. It helps prevent the breakage of hair strands.
2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 L water
Do this whenever you wash your hair.
16. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel contains nutrients that help improve hair health, add volume to the hair, and protect it from sun or heat damage (8).
4 tablespoons aloe vera gel 2 tablespoons lime juice
Do this 2-3 times a week.
17. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can help reduce itchiness, scaliness, and greasiness in the scalp (18). This, in turn, can help reduce split ends.
4 drops of tea tree oil 4 drops of almond oil 4 drops of coconut oil 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
Do this 2-3 times a week.
18. Curd
Curd mask provides moisture to the hair and prevents breakage of the hair strands (8).
4 tablespoons curd 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon organic honey
Do this once a week.
19. Rose Water
Rose water is a mild astringent (19). It can help reduce oiliness and dandruff, which can enhance hair health and reduce split ends.
4 teaspoons rose water 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 teaspoon honey 8 teaspoons water
Do this 2 times a week.
20. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar smoothes the cuticles of the hair, thereby preventing hair strand breakage and damage (8).
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 500 mL water
Do this 2 times a week.
21. Folic Acid And Biotin
These supplements help strengthen the follicles and cuticles of the hair and prevent hair damage and hair loss (3). Folic acid and biotin supplements As directed by your doctor.
22. Beer
Beer contains sugar and protein that help strengthen the hair and prevent split ends.
4 tablespoons beer 1 teaspoon honey
Do this once a week.
23. Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is another natural remedy for split ends. It is a great source of healthy fats that moisturize the hair and prevent split ends (19). 2-4 teaspoons walnut oil Do this every 2-3 days.
24. Cutting And Trimming
Yes, you want to grow your hair, but if you have too many split ends, it is better to get your hair trimmed – just a little. Getting your hair trimmed will prevent it from looking dry and frizzy and also prevent further damage. Be patient. Your hair will grow back. Dry and unhealthy hair doesn’t look good no matter how many hair products you use. Start taking care of your hair by oiling and applying hair masks regularly.
25. Candle Cutting
Candle cutting is a new technique that originated in Brazil. It is essentially used to remove split ends. You can keep the length of the hair long and get rid of the split ends as well. Caution: This should always be done by a professional who is an expert in candle cutting. Remember, it is not a DIY hack. Do NOT try this at home. These are the 25 ways you can get rid of, prevent, and avoid getting split ends. But how do you know that you have split ends?
How To Detect Split Ends
You will know that you have split ends if you see any of the following.
What Are The Different Types Of Split Ends And What Do They Mean?
Now that you know if you have split ends, it’s time to use any of the above methods to prevent and avoid them. Here are a few quick tips to take care of split ends.
Tips
Why do I keep getting split ends after I cut it? Check out the below infographic to learn the many protective styles you can sleep in to prevent split ends. Your hair could be damaged if its ends keep splitting. You should follow a regular hair care regimen. Oil your hair at least once a week. Avoid using heating or chemical styling tools. Avoid coloring your hair. Don’t brush your hair aggressively. Apply hair masks and packs filled with natural and nutrient-filled ingredients. Do split ends ruin hair? If you do not care for your split ends, they could lead to more hair damage. Your hair could split upwards, drastically weakening your hair structure and leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, styling tools, and pollution. Does cutting hair with dull scissors cause split ends? Dull scissors have blunt blades that may not easily cut through your hair ends, leaving them jagged. It’s better to cut your hair with sharp scissors.
