Most people deal with split ends. Chemical processing, heat styling, and even brushing can cause damage that leads to hair breakage. Split ends are one of the most common hair issues as they can virtually affect all hair types and lengths. However, if split ends become too severe or are left unrepaired, they can cause more severe damage that affects the entire hair shaft. Read on to learn how you can prevent split ends and hair breakage.
Get Regular Trims
One of the most essential elements of maintaining healthy hair is getting regular trims. It is important to choose a good stylist and develop a regular schedule to keep your ends trimmed. In most cases, stylists will recommend having your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks. The longer you wait to cut it, the more likely it is that your hair shaft will split. According to professional stylist Arsen Gurgov, “the longer the hair, the more prone it is to split ends, making it that much more important to keep up with your regular trims.”
Treat Wet Hair Gently
When your hair is wet, it is at its weakest and most vulnerable to breakage. That’s why it is important to be gentle with your hair after washing it or going for a swim. Avoid rubbing your hair roughly with a towel to dry it off. Instead, blot it dry gently, or use your hair dryer on a cool setting and at a distance. Harsh rubbing can easily cause breakage and damage to hair cuticles, which can then lead to split ends.
Moisturize
Locking in moisture is key to healthy hair. Dry, brittle, dehydrated hair is much weaker than healthy hair and therefore more likely to split. Add a weekly hair mask to your routine that offers deep conditioning benefits. This will strengthen and smooth your hair. Look for products with the following ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Aloe vera
Avoid Coloring
If you color treat your hair, you likely know that it can be very damaging. However, many people who do regularly color their hair are unwilling to stop completely, and that’s okay. If you can, try lengthening the amount of time between visits to your colorist. Try having only your roots touched up, and make sure you are using deep conditioners, hair masks, heat protectants, and other products to lock in as much moisture as you can. Dyed hair can become extremely brittle, making it susceptible to serious breakage if it is not properly treated. Look for products that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
Brush Your Hair Appropriately
If you have damaged, dry hair with lots of split ends, one of the most important changes you can make is switching out your brush and/or comb. Many brushes tug on hair and may even rip out your strands if they are poorly made or unsuitable for your texture. A boar bristle brush is a great choice for anyone with damaged, fine hair. These brushes add volume and pull through hair without causing tangles. They also work to distribute oils from the scalp across the strands, which in turn protect them from breakage. A wide-toothed comb is also a good choice for gently detangling wet hair, which can break easily.
Use a Microfiber Towel
In general, microfiber is more effective when it comes to picking up dirt than terrycloth towels. They are also better for wet hair and are much more gentle. Experts recommend using a microfiber towel to gently absorb excess moisture in your hair after a shower rather than towel drying.
Lower the Heat
Heat styling tools are, by nature, very drying. They can cause breakage easily if used too often or at too high of a heat setting. If you use tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or hair straighteners, consider using them less frequently. This could be contributing to excessive split ends or brittle strands. If you need to use them, try out a lower heat setting. Always use a heat protectant product to create a barrier around the hair cuticle and prevent breakage.
Don’t Over-Wash
Washing your hair too much has a multitude of negative effects. Shampoo is inherently drying, and using too much of it will zap the natural oils your scalp needs to keep your hair looking shiny, healthy, and beautiful. When your hair is stripped of these oils, it becomes very susceptible to dryness and breakage. Try to develop and stick with a hair-washing routine that involves as minimal use of shampoo as possible.
Contact Eldorado
If you are in need of hair replacement or hair restoration in Baltimore, contact Eldorado. We have helped countless clients identify the source of their hair loss and create a solution that helps rebuild confidence and satisfaction with their overall appearance. Call 410-931-3399 to schedule your free hair analysis today.