Split Ends - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Split ends in the hair are the most common hair problem that every woman faces. There are different causes for split ends and there isn't much you can do to repair your damaged hair once you have them.

Split ends occur when your hair's cuticle wears down. The only real solution for split ends is simply avoiding them. Some people's hair will be splitting a lot faster than other's. Split ends will happen to almost anyone who goes too long between trims, but are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include vigorous brushing, brushing hair when it is still wet, coloring and perming which make hair weak, and heat appliances. Typically the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length.

Split ends can not be repaired. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber. A split end can be between 2 to 3 cm in length and can be found at any part of the hair strand, particularly at the end. Difficult to treat and impossible to cure unless you trim off the split ends. Coloring and perms make hair weak and vulnerable for split ends. This type of hair needs extra care and should be treated with the appropiate products. Elastic bands and all sorts of other hair accessories can damage your hair. Avoid using uncovered elastic bands since these often pull out hair when being removed. Other accessories will damage or weaken the ends of the hair.

Carefully remove the split ends; this will give your hair a natural layered effect. Try to cut about the same amount of hair. It is the simplest and least expensive method to remove split ends. Split ends sometimes occur because the protective hair oils do not reach the end of the hair shaft, causing it to split.

Causes of Split Ends

There are different causes for split ends. Split ends occur when the protective cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair. Split ends will happen to almost anyone. Split Ends are more likely to develop in brittle or dry hair. Typical causes of split ends damage include vigorous brushing, brushing hair when it is still wet, coloring and perming which make hair weak, and heat appliances.

There are other causes for split ends beside some of the main ones mentioned above. Other causes could be excessive tangling, improper application or removal of hair extensions, headgear that snaps or rips delicate strands or even scratchy bedclothes, fingers or hands.

Symptoms of Split Ends

Split ends are characterized by the hair split into two or three strands that can be as long as 2 to 3 centimeters in length to all the hair from end to root.

Treatment of Split Ends

A good start to prevent the formation of split ends is to minimize or eliminate the application of direct heat to the hair. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber when the problem arise, thereafter the task may become a hassle if the split ends appear all over your head. Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

Avoid using too many chemical products, such as gel, mousse, and hair spray. Hairstyling with these products damages and weakens the hair, leading to split ends. Coloring and perms make hair weak for split ends. This type of hair needs extra care and should be treated with the appropiate products. Use a lot of conditioner and comb your hair through before rinsing it out.

Juliet Cohen writes for hair loss. She also writes articles on celebrity hair styles and you can get more information on hair care.

Tags: brittle hair, cuticle, damaged hair, extra care, hair accessories, hair problem, hair shaft, hair strand, perming, strands