Split ends occur when the hair shaft splits or frays due to damage, environmental causes, or overuse of heat. Once they develop, the only remedy is a pair of scissors. But there are steps that you can take to prevent and protect your hair from developing those pesky split ends. Treating and protecting your ends will lead to fewer tangles (a curly girls’ ultimate foe”> and ultimately length retention.
5 Ways to treat split ends
Deep condition
Dry and brittle hair is more prone to split ends. Deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep it supple and full of moisture.
Cool it
Avoid using heated styling tools as much as possible. When you do choose to use them, start with clean, well moisturized and heat protected hair and use the lowest setting possible.
Finger comb
Your hands are quite adept at feeling out and removing even the smallest knots and tangles, and are far more gentle on your tresses than any comb or brush.
If using a comb, avoid those with teeth set close together. Try the Denman D3 Brush or NaturallyCurly.com’s Shower Comb. Avoid excessive teasing and backcombing when styling your hair as well.
Wear a protective style
Incorporating protective styles into your routine will help protect your ends. Keeping your hair together, tucked away and off of your shoulders will keep them from harshfriction and the environment.
Trim your tips
Examine your ends regularly and snip, snip, snip when necessary. Every so often, visit a professional stylist for a proper trim and shaping.
Protect your hair
Regular cotton sheets can create friction while you sleep and roughing up your cuticle. To combat nighttime damage, sleep wearing a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase.
MORE: The Real Satin Bonnet
Seal your ends
After moisturizing your hair, use hair oils and butters to seal in moisture and add shine to dry, damaged curls. Choose the right product based on the thickness of your hair to avoid weighing it down.
Eat for healthy hair
The health of your hair is directly tied to the health of the rest of your body. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables.
