How to Treat Split Ends

A split end occurs when the cuticle on the outside of a strand of hair gets stripped away at the end, allowing the hair to split. Split ends are often hard to detect. If you are growing your hair out and don't get it cut often, or if you put your hair through its paces with styling tools or chemicals, you are at risk for split ends.

Instructions

1. Check you ends for splits. If you look closely at the tips of your hair, you will notice that the very ends are split or look dry and brittle.

2. Trim off the ends. With a simple hair style, you should be able to trim off the split ends yourself. If you have a layered style, though, make an appointment with your stylist to trim the split ends. It is important that you remove split ends as soon as possible because once the hair shaft begins to split, it is easy for it to split farther up. You will then have to cut much more of the hair in order to remove the damaged ends.

3. Condition your hair with a conditioner that is specially formulated for dry or damaged hair. Those with fine or oily hair can apply daily conditioner to the ends only. Also add a weekly deep conditioner to your hair-care routine. You can make your own deep-conditioning treatment by warming 2 to 4 oz. of olive oil. Apply the oil to hair, leave it on for 15 minutes, then shampoo. Wrap your head in a towel for an even deeper conditioning.

4. Limit your use of heated styling tools. Flat irons, hot rollers and curling irons should be limited to use three times a week. Do not tease hair, and only use color or permanent wave chemicals when absolutely necessary.

Resources

• Read about the causes of split ends at Ultimate-Cosmetics.