How to Make Split Ends Go Away

Make split ends a non-issue.

Split ends are exactly what they sound like -- the pesky and unattractive tips of hair that branch out into two separate strands. When you have split ends on your hair, it can make your tresses look tired, dull, dry, exhausted, lifeless and damaged. To ensure the optimal health and beauty of your locks, get rid of split ends as soon as you discover them.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Deep conditioning treatment

Instructions

1. Trim your hair. The sole way to get rid of split ends is by cutting them off. Either go to a professional salon or do it yourself. Take a pair of sharp scissors and trim the tips of your hair just on top of where the divide occurs. Grab tiny segments of your locks at a time and then slowly twist them in a downward direction. Doing this will cause split ends to protrude slightly. Using the scissors, keep your hand steady and trim off the ends. Try to cut an equal amount of hair from every segment.

2. Deep condition your hair. Right after trimming off your split ends, deep condition your hair to moisturize your strands (too much dryness is often the culprit behind split ends) and also to maintain its flexibility and natural bounce and volume. Purchase a deep conditioning treatment, apply it directly to your hair and scalp and let it rest for the specified time (often, approximately 20 minutes). Then, rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with water. Try to deep condition your hair once a week.

3. Maintain your hair regularly. If you want to stop split ends before they start, you need to keep up on your hair trimming. Aim to trim your ends once a month. Do not wait longer than six weeks between trimmings. Tell your stylist that you do not wish to cut off any length from your hair, but that you just want to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends from appearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your hair carefully. Too much styling (especially with heat) often triggers split ends. Restrict your use of hair dryers and straightening irons when possible. Whenever you can, permit your hair to air dry after shampooing. Aim to utilize proper hair drying technique. When drying your hair, focus the dryer over the top and middle parts of your head instead of over the tips.

References

• "Marie Claire": Split End Fixers
• "Cosmopolitan": Split End Prevention
• "Seventeen": Getting Rid of Split Ends