Trichoptilosis otherwise known as split ends, occurs when the hair shaft splits or frays away due to damage. In essence, the hair splits into more than one strand. Unfortunately, once the hair is split it cannot be repaired therefore, split ends must be trimmed away.
Signs of Split Ends
1. The hair has no body or bounce but appears lifeless.
2. Does not hold curl or does not straighten well with heat.
3. Hair strands appear uneven.
4. Appears dull, lifeless and thin.
5. Your hair may show an increase in overall breakage.
6. It appears redder at the ends
7. The hair easily gets caught on itself.
What are the Causes of Split Ends?
Split ends are caused by many factors, factors which put stress on the hair. However, factors such as the use of low moisture balance within the hair strand and absence of protein in the hair resulting in weaker hair will also contribute to split ends. Eventually, dry hair that is not attended to results in the cracking or the unravelling of the cuticle which results in exposing the cortex of the hair.
Heat Use
Continuous heat use rapidly depletes moisture content in the hair and break down protein bonds in the hair making it much weaker and susceptible to damage. Frequent use of heating tools increases your chances of cuticle damage because dry, unconditioned cuticles are much more prone to chipping, peeling, and splitting. Excessive heat use is also the main contributor to the trichorrexis nodoosa types of split ends.
Relaxing and Coloring
Relaxing and Coloring the hair are processes that breach and degrade the cuticle in order to perform their specific functions properly. When the cuticle is broken down, weakened, and compromised, splitting of the hair will soon follow. These culprits are perhaps a major factor in mid-shaft splitting of the hair. Always exercise caution when subjecting your hair to these chemical processes. More protein and moisturizing deep conditioning treatments will need to be done (and more regularly) in order to protect this hair against split end problems.
Harsh Shampoos
Shampoos that are too harsh on the hair will zap the hair of its precious moisture content. Frequent usage of these "cuticle stripping" shampoos may cause the hair to become more vulnerable to splitting over time. Always use gentle shampoo formulations, preferably sulfate free lines like Creme of Nature. If hard water conditons or frequent swimming require you to use clarifying and chelating shampoos regularly, make sure your protein and moisturizing deep conditioning regimen in on point to counteract the cuticle wear and tear.
Shampoos that are too harsh on the hair will zap the hair of its precious moisture content. Frequent usage of these "cuticle stripping" shampoos may cause the hair to become more vulnerable to splitting over time. Always use gentle shampoo formulations, preferably sulfate free lines like Creme of Nature. If hard water conditons or frequent swimming require you to use clarifying and chelating shampoos regularly, make sure your protein and moisturizing deep conditioning regimen in on point to counteract the cuticle wear and tear.
The Elements (Sun, Wind, Cold, Arid Air)
The sun is yet another moisture eliminating element. Its oxidative effects on the hair can make splitting problems worse. Combine this with other elements like wind and cold, and the hair does not stand a chance. Studies show that photochemical damage is most likely when the hair is kept damp for extended periods of time, so avoid prolonged periods of sun time if your hair is damp. Deep conditioning, moisturizing, and sealing the hair are extremely important for protecting against damage from the elements, especially if you live in an extreme climate. Be sure to thoroughly dry the hair before heading out into the sun!
What to do?
The best way to cure split ends is by preventing them in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, split ends CANNOT be repaired, glued back together, or eliminated. The only means of repairing them involves a pair of shears .
How to prevent them ?
Limit heat use to once to twice a month. Limit the use of blow dryers and opt for hooded dryers instead, as this is not direct heat. As it relates to the type of heat tools to use ceramic or tourmaline heating tools. These tools provide an even, controllable heat, allowing them to straighten your hair with more efficiency in fewer passings. There are also no "hot spots" on the plates to contend with, so styling is fast and easy! Always be sure to use a heat protectant or high temperature serum before any application of heat. In addition, ensure you only apply heat to freshly deep conditioned hair.
If you are relaxed be sure to use reconstructing conditioners (protein conditioner) and deep conditioners to prevent split ends, and moisturize and seal where necessary. A Hard protein treatment before you relax helps to prevent split ends as well. Aphogee 2 step is a good one, prevents splitting, breaking and thinning.
Cuticle Flattening Rinses
Rinsing the hair periodically with an acidic rinse will help keep the cuticles flat and intact, staving off the proliferation of split ends. Ideally these rinses should be done every 2-3 weeks as preventive maintenance against splitting or for combating problems with hair porosity. A popular acidic rinse is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in water. My personal dilution for this rinse is 2 cups of cool water to 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. After you have washed and deep conditioned your hair as normal, pour the apple cider vinegar rinse over your hair. Rinse in cool water. Rinsing the hair in cool water following a wash will also help to mechanically close down the cuticle layers, preventing splits from forming. Your hair should be gleaming and nicely detangled now! If you still detect the awful smell of the ACV rinse on your hair after the initial rinsing, continue to rinse in cool water until you cannot smell it. If the rinse makes your hair hard and tangly, reduce the amount of ACV in your rinse next time around.
Moisturizing, Sealing, and Conditioning
Moisturizing the hair with a water-based moisturizer and sealing the hair with oil will help the hair strand fight all types of splitting and breakage. It provides a daily protective barrier for the cuticle from the sun and other types of elemental breakage and keeps the cuticle pliable and soft to prevent against breakage from styling tools. Always have your hair lubricated with something! Never attempt to "dry style" your hair.
Deep conditioning the hair with moisturizing conditioners, and treating the hair with protein reconstructors can also help improve the appearance of the hair and fight split ends. Protein supplementation reinforces the cuticle and helps it resists chipping, unravelling, or breaking. Please understand that these treatments cannot fix, repair, or stop any splitting or damage that has already occurred. They can improve the hair's appearance and fight any future problems before they happen.
The sun is yet another moisture eliminating element. Its oxidative effects on the hair can make splitting problems worse. Combine this with other elements like wind and cold, and the hair does not stand a chance. Studies show that photochemical damage is most likely when the hair is kept damp for extended periods of time, so avoid prolonged periods of sun time if your hair is damp. Deep conditioning, moisturizing, and sealing the hair are extremely important for protecting against damage from the elements, especially if you live in an extreme climate. Be sure to thoroughly dry the hair before heading out into the sun!
What to do?
The best way to cure split ends is by preventing them in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, split ends CANNOT be repaired, glued back together, or eliminated. The only means of repairing them involves a pair of shears .
How to prevent them ?
Limit heat use to once to twice a month. Limit the use of blow dryers and opt for hooded dryers instead, as this is not direct heat. As it relates to the type of heat tools to use ceramic or tourmaline heating tools. These tools provide an even, controllable heat, allowing them to straighten your hair with more efficiency in fewer passings. There are also no "hot spots" on the plates to contend with, so styling is fast and easy! Always be sure to use a heat protectant or high temperature serum before any application of heat. In addition, ensure you only apply heat to freshly deep conditioned hair.
If you are relaxed be sure to use reconstructing conditioners (protein conditioner) and deep conditioners to prevent split ends, and moisturize and seal where necessary. A Hard protein treatment before you relax helps to prevent split ends as well. Aphogee 2 step is a good one, prevents splitting, breaking and thinning.
Cuticle Flattening Rinses
Rinsing the hair periodically with an acidic rinse will help keep the cuticles flat and intact, staving off the proliferation of split ends. Ideally these rinses should be done every 2-3 weeks as preventive maintenance against splitting or for combating problems with hair porosity. A popular acidic rinse is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in water. My personal dilution for this rinse is 2 cups of cool water to 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. After you have washed and deep conditioned your hair as normal, pour the apple cider vinegar rinse over your hair. Rinse in cool water. Rinsing the hair in cool water following a wash will also help to mechanically close down the cuticle layers, preventing splits from forming. Your hair should be gleaming and nicely detangled now! If you still detect the awful smell of the ACV rinse on your hair after the initial rinsing, continue to rinse in cool water until you cannot smell it. If the rinse makes your hair hard and tangly, reduce the amount of ACV in your rinse next time around.
Moisturizing, Sealing, and Conditioning
Moisturizing the hair with a water-based moisturizer and sealing the hair with oil will help the hair strand fight all types of splitting and breakage. It provides a daily protective barrier for the cuticle from the sun and other types of elemental breakage and keeps the cuticle pliable and soft to prevent against breakage from styling tools. Always have your hair lubricated with something! Never attempt to "dry style" your hair.
Deep conditioning the hair with moisturizing conditioners, and treating the hair with protein reconstructors can also help improve the appearance of the hair and fight split ends. Protein supplementation reinforces the cuticle and helps it resists chipping, unravelling, or breaking. Please understand that these treatments cannot fix, repair, or stop any splitting or damage that has already occurred. They can improve the hair's appearance and fight any future problems before they happen.
Decrease Overall Manipulation
This is very important! Simply decreasing the manipulation your hair experiences by your combing, brushing, and styling will decrease your number of split ends. Protective styles that keep the hair up and off of the shoulders and out of the elements are great for keeping your ends healthy as well. When washing the hair, avoid manhandling and roughly towel drying your hair. Wet hair is very fragile. Towel drying roughs up the cuticles and causes more tangling problems than you can imagine! Gently squeeze the hair in a "milking" fashion to release any excess water from the hair. You may gently pat your hair with your towel to catch the extra water, but do not rub or towel scrunch the h
This is very important! Simply decreasing the manipulation your hair experiences by your combing, brushing, and styling will decrease your number of split ends. Protective styles that keep the hair up and off of the shoulders and out of the elements are great for keeping your ends healthy as well. When washing the hair, avoid manhandling and roughly towel drying your hair. Wet hair is very fragile. Towel drying roughs up the cuticles and causes more tangling problems than you can imagine! Gently squeeze the hair in a "milking" fashion to release any excess water from the hair. You may gently pat your hair with your towel to catch the extra water, but do not rub or towel scrunch the h
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