How to avoid split ends?

Split ends are a common condition that can affect the health and appearance of hair, whether it is curly, wavy or straight, and preventing them is essential to keep it strong, healthy and enhance its natural texture. With the right care and choosing targeted products, it is very easy to reduce the risk of split ends.

Before we find out what precautions to have and which products to use, let’s see together what are split ends and why they form.

What are split ends?
Split ends, or tricoptylosis, occur when the hair shaft is disfibrated and can take different forms:

• Classic double tip: the most common, with the end of the hair that divides in two.
• Partial split: a thin division which can be repaired with appropriate treatments.
• Tree split: the tip splits into multiple segments, similar to a tree branch, indicating more serious damage.
• Fork split: the end is divided into three parts, often caused by severe dehydration.

Although they are common, preventing split ends is possible by understanding the causes of their appearance. But what are these causes?

The causes of split ends
Often split ends are the result of:

• Mechanical damage: combing or brushing your hair with force, especially when wet, can damage it.
• Excessive heat: frequent use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and irons alters the structure of the hair.
• Dehydration: dry hair is more vulnerable and prone to split ends.

Now that we know the causes, let’s see how to prevent them, especially on curly or wavy hair that need specific attention.

The choice of shampoo is important to take care of your hair and keep your tips healthy. Too aggressive products can eliminate the natural oils of the hair leaving it dry and fragile. It is therefore advisable to opt for a gentle shampoo, free of sulfates, and rich in moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil and aloe vera. These ingredients help to keep hair hydrated and strong, thus minimizing the possibility that they may weaken.

In addition to shampoo, the moisturizing mask also plays an essential role in keeping the hair stem strong and healthy. Moisturizing masks in fact manage to penetrate this by providing intense hydration that helps prevent dryness and protect the tips from deterioration.

For curly or wavy hair, which tends to be more porous than straight ones, it is recommended to apply a mask once a week, or as needed, that contains ingredients such as:

• Natural oils: such as argan oil, jojoba oil or almond oil, which nourish the hair and help repair damaged tips.
• Proteins: like keratin or wheat proteins, which strengthen the structure of the hair.
• Natural humidifiers: like honey or aloe vera, which retain moisture inside the hair.

For a complete curly hair routine, which allows you to prevent split ends, you can opt for a gentle and moisturizing kit for curly hair, containing mild shampoo, mask and styling product, choosing the most suitable for your type of curl.

Another key factor in preventing split ends is the correct use of thermal tools.
If you have curly or wavy hair it is important to use a hair dryer for curly at a warm temperature to avoid damaging the cuticle. Excessive heat can dry out and weaken the hair shaft, increasing the risk of damaging the tips. The diffuser is also particularly useful for curly and wavy hair, as it distributes heat evenly without disturbing the natural shape of the curl.

Preventing split ends is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of hair health.
Using gentle, nourishing products, reducing heat exposure and regularly moisturizing your hair can help preserve its strength and beauty. Remember, even with the best care some double tips may appear, in this case a regular cut will help you to keep your hair strong and prevent damage from spreading along the shaft of the hair.

Your curly or wavy hair deserves love: embrace their uniqueness and make every day an opportunity to celebrate their beauty taking care of it!