How to Prevent Split Ends

Ugh, split ends! Those pesky dead ends are the bane of us all! However, thankfully there are ways to defeat them and how to prevent split ends in the future! We've put together a few tips and tricks that will help combat those dreaded ends and keep your hair looking super healthy.

But first, what actually causes split ends? Well... The correct term for split ends is Trichoptilosis (sounds pretty frightening, huh?). This is the splitting or fraying of the hair-shaft due to excessive heat and mechanical stress. So now we know the causes, let get into exactly how to prevent split ends!

How to Prevent Split Ends

Washing

Don't wash your locks every day! This is because shampoo strips the natural oils your hair creates and excessive washing promotes serious breakage and split ends! Hence, it's ideal if you shampoo & condition as little as possible. In fact, second and third day hair tends to be easier to work with and holds a style better! A win win situation if you ask us. And If you’re really not dealing with spacing out washes, dry shampoo will be your best friend! A few sprays of this at the roots of your hair and it'll be feeling as fresh as new!

Drying

Avoid vigorously towel drying hair! Our hair is much more prone to damage when wet, so rubbing your hair between a towel is an invitation for split ends. Instead, wrap your freshly washed locks up into a towel and squeeze out the excess water. If let to air dry, this process will be a much more gentle form of drying and will be super beneficial in defeating dead ends! And if you really need to blow dry your hair, try and avoid placing direct heat straight onto the hair by keeping a 20cm distance.

Brushing

When it comes to brushing, there are a few tips on how to prevent split ends. First, avoid brushing your hair when wet! The hair follicles are more prone to damage when the hair shaft is wet, which, in turn, will promote dry and damaged ends! Secondly, be gentle and use the right brush! If you're going to be brushing wet hair, opt for a wide tooth comb! For brushing those locks whilst they're dry, use slow and smooth motions from bottom to top. You'll be surprised the damage vigorous brushing can do. By taking more care with your brushing, you can happily say good bye to dead and damaged ends!

Styling

We know the perils of heat can cause damaged locks. Brittle split ends are encouraged by the damage of heat styling tools. Which is why we recommend limiting the amount of heat you subject your hair to! We know, we know, this may be hard. BUT, we promise this will be super beneficial in the long run for the overall health of your  hair.  When you do take to your straightener or curling wand, ALWAYS be sure to use a heat protectant.

Trimming

Though it does sound contradicting, regular trims WILL help to promote hair growth. Not only that, these regular trips to your hairdresser will remove any dead hair to improve the overall look and feel of your hair. Prolonging haircuts will let your split ends get worse and continue to grow up the hair shaft! So ladies, we know the idea may be daunting, but get those ends trimmed!

Split ends, begone! We hope our ultimate guide on how to prevent split ends will help you keep your hair looking and feeling it's best! And if you're still unsure, drop our hair experts and email at support@zalacliphairextensions.com.au :) xx