Split ends occur when your hair's cuticle wears down. Then it's a done deal ‑- you can't repair them. All you can do is tame them or trim them and vow to treat your hair better next time. Not surprisingly, though, no one seems willing to skip the routines that create split ends: coloring, straightening and daily massacres with the blow-dryer. Since we're more or less forced to live with them, what's a hairstyling woman to do? Here's what the experts advise.
To Prevent Split Ends
- Hair is more delicate and vulnerable to splitting when it's wet, so never brush wet hair. Gently comb it with a wide-tooth comb.
- Don't brush too vigorously, as tension caused by brushing promotes splitting. Instead, brush gently from crown to ends using a soft-bristled brush.
- Because the intense heat of blow-dryers and irons encourages split ends by drying the hair's cuticle, you should consider limiting your usage, or investing in an 'ionic' hair appliance like those made by Beautymax (
- Sleep with silk or satin pillowcases because the smooth surface on your pillow will minimize tangling, which can lead to split ends.
- If you highlight or color your hair, you've got to be even more careful, as the chemicals cause the hair to become weaker, thus more prone to splits. Choose a product formulated for color-treated hair, such as Frederic Fekkai's Technician Shampoo for Dry, Damaged and Color-Treated Hair (available at Sephora.com).
- Wait at least two weeks between chemical treatments such as perming and coloring, which, when used one after the other, can be extremely damaging to hair.
