Three Surprising Things That Cause Split Ends

While many products claim to be able to fix or “heal” split ends, that’s sadly not the case. Since the hair on your head is, for all intents and purposes, dead, you can’t actually cause it to heal or repair; the best you can do is temporarily get the splitting ends to stick together through the use of a hair product that oils or sticks the hair into a smooth shape. Not very glamorous, is it? Of course, the only way to truly get rid of your hair’s split ends is to cut them off. Once that’s accomplished, though, there are plenty of options for avoiding a repeat of the split end situation.

Overly Aggressive Brushing and Combing

Yes, brushing and combing your hair can prevent split ends by attacking tangles before they get too serious or severe to untangle without damaging your hair— but brushing too aggressively or roughly can cause serious damage as well. Your hair— especially the ends of your hair— is very fragile, and tugging a comb or a brush through your hair roughly can do irreparable damage. Instead, each stroke of the brush should be done slowly and gently, stopping at any resistance; and be sure to use your fingers as well as your brush to gently undo any snags or tangles that your brush or comb may find. Be sure to take extra care when brushing or combing wet hair, as well. And never tease or back comb!

Rinsing Your Hair in Hot Water

Most people are aware that hot water opens your pores and cool water closes them again— but a similar principle is at work on your hair when you shower. Each hair shaft is covered with small scales; when you wash your hair with hot water, the scales lift up and you’re able to wash away a larger amount of oils and dirt. Of course, if your final rinse off is in hot water, the scales on each hair shaft will stay up, leading to tangles and split ends. Always rinse away your conditioner with the coolest water you can stand.

Drying or Blow Drying Your Hair

Hair is at its most fragile when wet, so never rub a towel over your hair or wear a “towel turban,” or you will break some of your hair. Simply blot your hair dry with a towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way. Blow drying removes too much moisture from the hair and also opens up the scales on your hair, causing additional tangles.

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