What Are the Treatments for Split Ends in Ethnic Hair?

There are treatment options for ethnic hair with split ends.

Ethnic hair, and especially African-American hair, can be very coarse. Although many might think that it is very strong, coarse ethnic hair can be prone to split ends, shedding and breakage when not properly cared for. For those with split ends, there are thankfully treatments that can help prevent and correct split ends. These treatments are remedies that can help ethnic hair remain healthy.

Oils

Ethnic hair with split ends looks very thin. To remedy this unhealthy look, you can apply natural oils. Coconut and jojoba oil penetrate the hair shaft and improve its appearance. For a hot oil treatment, apply oil that is warm, but not hot enough to scald, along the hair strands and concentrate on the ends. Wear a shower cap and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Or, sit under a hood dryer for 10 to 20 minutes. Hot oil treatments can also be purchased at a local beauty supply store or supermarket.

Moisture

Split ends are sometimes the result of styling processes that dry the hair. Applying coloring products, straightening products and excessive heat can combine to make ethnic hair brittle and thus susceptible to split ends. Moisturizing treatments will keep hair from splitting. Use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Leave the moisturizing conditioner on for 15 to 45 minutes or sit under a dryer for 10 to 20 minutes.

Protein

Although many do not realize it, hair consists primarily of protein, specifically, a protein called keratin. However, much of the manipulation that is done to ethnic hair stresses the keratin, making the hair shaft weaker. When that happens, ethnic hair will undoubtedly develop split ends. Protein treatments can help to limit splitting and restore health to hair ends. Use a deep-penetrating protein conditioner such as a cholesterol conditioner or a keratin conditioner. Either can be purchased at a beauty supply store or even a nearby supermarket. Another option is a professional keratin treatment, which bonds additional keratin to the hair shaft, making it stronger and less prone to splitting. Keep in mind that some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which is a dangerous carcinogen. Be sure to visit a licensed hair stylist who is experienced at applying formaldehyde-free keratin treatments.

Trimming and Dusting

Even with the treatments above, a trim is sometimes the only real way to completely eliminate split ends. Trims do not have to remove too much length and can even be done at home, depending on hair length. For a professional trim, visit a hair stylist. To take care of the problem at home, purchase a pair of hair shears from a beauty supply store and remove between a 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of hair from your ends. This removal of small amounts of hair is called dusting. When done on a regular basis, it helps to eliminate split ends and keep hair looking healthy.

References

• Daily Glow: African-American Hair Treatments for Split Ends and Shedding
• Hair Fall Guide: What is Keratin
• Long healthy Hair Advisor: How to Trim Your Own Hair