Split ends can literally ruin the healthy look of your hair.  Once the damage has been done, there is not really much that you can do to repair split ends, short of cutting them off.  There are products available to help you “mask” the split ends, but eventually they will show up again.

There are steps you can take to prevent split ends.  This is your best option, and one of the most important steps you can take to promote healthy hair.  In order to prevent split ends, it is important to understand what causes them in the first place.

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Causes of Split Ends

• Brushing your Hair Briskly – Brushing your hair vigorously every day can be damaging.
• Brushing Wet Hair – Brushing is not good for wet hair.  It will pull at the hair, causing the split ends.
• Over Washing and Over Conditioning – When you wash and condition your hair every day, you are robbing your hair of natural oils.  This will actually prevent your body from releasing these natural oils, which will help to keep moisture in your hair.
• Over Usage of Heat Based Products – Using heat based products, as blow dryers, flat irons, perms, etc., can dry out your hair.  It will also irritate your cuticles.
• Sharp and Elastic Hair Accessories – These products will cause tangles, which will result in split ends.  The majority of split ends are caused by old or cheap accessories.
• Alcohol Based Products – These products are drying to your hair.
• Sun – The sun can damage your hair causing split ends.

Steps to Prevent Split Ends

• Use a leave-in conditioner on the tips of your hair.
• Deep condition your hair once a month.  After putting the conditioner in your hair, put a plastic cap over your head.  Make sure all of your hair is in the cap.   Place a hot damp towel on top of the plastic cap.  Leave the towels on for ten minutes.  Rinse your hair in cool water to keep the moisture in.
• Use hair products that contain a UV protection.
• Use satin sheets to help prevent your hair from tangling while you sleep.  Also, satin sheets will cause less friction.
• Use a wide tooth comb with soft tips instead of a brush.  If you must use a brush, consider using a boar bristle brush.
• Use smooth hair clips and covered elastic bands.  Check your hair accessories once a month for damage and throw them out.
• Trim your hair every six to eight weeks on a regular basis.  For hair that does not have split ends, ¼ inch is recommended.  However, hair that already has split ends should be cut about an inch above the split ends.
• Eat healthy.  Eating healthy has a large part in preventing split ends.  When you eat a well balanced diet, you will help to keep your hair naturally strong and healthy.  Water is an excellent source to healthy hair.

The only true way to repair your hair from split ends is to cut them off, or they will continue to split up the hair shaft.  This will make your hair appear frizzy and broken.  Preventing split ends is your best defense against them.

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