Want to stop split ends without snipping off your long hair? In this guide we explain the causes of split ends and share hair conditioning tips that can help you to reduce your chances of developing so many split ends.
What are split ends?
Split ends are strands of hair that have become so dry that they have unravelled and split apart. Split ends tend to form at the end of your hair lengths and once they are there, the only way to remove split ends is to have the hair trimmed.
All hair types can develop split ends but they are perhaps more noticeable in long hair. This is because the longer you leave your hair untrimmed, the more likely split ends are to travel up the hair shaft.
If your hair has a lot of split ends, you may find that it is more prone to flyaway hairs and is harder to style. The damaged hair follicles may also find it harder to hold onto moisture and you may notice that the ends of your hair feel drier.
Why am I getting so many split ends?
Although everyone will develop split ends eventually if they don’t have their hair cut, there is plenty you can do to reduce the number of split ends you get.
1. Dry hair
Hair which is dry and brittle is more prone to developing split ends as these fragile hair strands can only cope with a little amount of stress before splitting.
2. Damage to hair
Damaging the hair by exposing the hair to excess heat, colouring and styling products can also contribute to split ends, as can vigorously combing the hair and exposing the hair to drying lifestyle factors, such as swimming pool chlorine.
3. Age
Vulnerability to split ends can also increase with age. This is because as you age, your hair may tend to become thinner and drier and so is more fragile and at risk of damage.
Best shampoo for split ends
Conditioning hair products great for helping to prevent split ends but you should also consider using a protein shampoo that features humectant (water-binding) actives such as glycerine.
Proteins such as Quinoa can help to keep the hair strong and nourished and having strong, healthy hair will minimise your risk of developing split ends. Our Quinoa & Avocado Shampoo also contains Artichoke which provides a defensive boost to your hair.
Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo & Shower Wash 200ml
Wash, soothe and strengthen with our 2-in-1 protein boost shampoo and shower wash
£19.00
We’d also suggest using a shampoo or a shampoo bar that is pH balanced this is because exposing the hair to alkaline products may cause the hair to become dry, rough and vulnerable to splitting.
Our natural hair care products are all pH balanced and contain nourishing plant actives that care for your hair and scalp.
Make sure that you comb your hair through before you shampoo. Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair and if you detangle your hair before your shower, you could reduce your chances of experiencing hair breakages.
Best conditioner for split ends
Condition your hair with our Intensive Repair Conditioner whenever you wash it (1-2 times a week is usually suitable for most people). This contains Quinoa Protein and protective Green Tea extract and is particularly good for nourishing dry, damaged hair.
Concentrate especially on ends of the hair and leave the conditioner on for around 1-2 minutes before thoroughly rinsing the hair with lukewarm water. We suggest not combing the hair or applying any styling product until you have dried it.
Intensive Repair Conditioner 200ml
Boost your hair’s shine with a natural reparative conditioner
£19.00
Best hair mask for split ends
No amount of hair mask will stop split ends once they have started but applying a weekly hair mask can help to keep the hair from splitting in the first place. This is especially important if your hair feels dry or if you regularly expose the hair to drying ingredients such as chlorine or hair dye.
Our Intensive Repair Conditioner doubles as an organic hair mask. To apply, work a generous amount onto the ends of damp hair and then wrap the hair in a warm towel for around 10 minutes. This is sufficient time for the nourishing oils to penetrate deep into the hair help improve its condition and encourage a healthy shine.
After ten minutes, rinse the hair thoroughly and then carefully dry the hair, keeping the hair dryer temperature low and the heat at least 15cm from the hair. Alternatively, you can gently towel-dry your hair.
Would you like help building a natural hair care routine to help prevent split ends? For further advice please contact our customer care team on 01403 740350.
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