Did you know a pamper session at home could be just what you need to get rid of split ends? So, if you’re looking for things to do when you’re stuck at home and you’ve found yourself picking at the tips of those tresses, read on to find out how to fix split ends at home with the best split end treatments around – no scissors necessary!
We all need a little self-love from time-to-time and if you’ve found yourself stuck at home, it might just be the perfect opportunity to focus on yourself (and those split ends!). The longer you have in between your all-important trips to the hairdressers, the more you’ll start noticing split ends. While trimming the very ends of your hair is the most effective way to rid your mane of fraying ends, there are other ways to manage them too. The best split end treatment options work to fuse the fraying ends together and reduce the visible signs of split ends. Think of it as being a bit like gluing the strands back together.
Keep reading for our complete home guide on how to fix split ends, from the best split end treatment to the prevention options that'll help keep them from coming back. But first, knowing the causes will better help you prevent them in the first place!
What causes split ends?
Split ends are probably the most common sign that your hair’s damaged; we all get them down to every day wear and tear. Those white dots at the ends of your hair, or even ends that have split completely in half, are what happens when your hair weakens over time.
Our hair’s subject to loads of different sources of friction in day-to-day life – heat styling, the environment and brushing are just some of the things that can cause damage to our hair. The ends of our hair are prone to split because they’re the oldest part of the strand and have been exposed to the most harmful factors and stressors for a longer period of time. That’s why the tips of hair need extra care.
Damaged hair is much less resistant to breakage – weaker hair cuticles are more likely to split and peel or, in more serious cases, break off completely. So, split ends are a major red flag that your needs some care and attention.
This is why it’s so important to repair and prevent hair damage within your styling routine if you want to keep the visible signs of damage at bay. But, how can you treat these pesky frayed ends?
How to fix split ends
We know, you don’t like the thought of a haircut because your end goal is lush, long hair. And, sometimes you get more taken off than you’d like. But regular trims remove the driest parts of your hair, the ends, that have built up the most damage over time.
Healthier hair is hair that’s cut more often – ensure you get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks for optimum health – and actually, nobody else will notice that you’ve been for a cut. It’ll be worth it in the long run because you’ll be keeping the ends healthier so less will need to be removed.
Healthier hair is hair that’s cut more often – ensure you get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks for optimum health – and actually, nobody else will notice that you’ve been for a cut. It’ll be worth it in the long run because you’ll be keeping the ends healthier so less will need to be removed.
You may also use a dry oil such as PANTENE PRO-V KERATIN PROTECT OIL. It can be used on wet hair after washing, or as a top up of moisture in between washes. It will keep your hair ends softer and hydrated, protected from early breakage.
Part of split end repair relies on a few changes within your haircare routine to minimise further damage and dryness. Keep in mind that the things you can do to prevent split ends, also stop them from getting worse.
How to prevent split ends (or stop them getting worse!)
“Prevention is better than a cure” isn’t just a popular saying, it’s the truth, especially when it comes to your hair. Below are a few top tips to prevent split ends from occurring in the first place.
Use strengthening shampoo & conditioner
Stronger hair is healthier hair, so your regular shampoo and conditioner are good places to start if you need to fortify your routine. Try our Superfood Shampoo for fuller, stronger hair – it’s like a multivitamin for strands. Coupled with our Hair Superfood Conditioner, your hair will be nourished, strong and shiny with a reduced risk of breakage and split ends.
Minimise your use of heat styling products
Heat styling causes your hair to lose moisture and dry out, leaving it more prone to breakage.
Heat styling causes your hair to lose moisture and dry out, leaving it more prone to breakage. If you put a drop of water on a styling tool’s hot plate, it sizzles and evaporates – imagine that happening to your hair!
This is why heat protection for hair is essential every time you style; but cutting down on your hair’s exposure to heat or reducing the temperature of your hot tools if you can, can be a game-changer.
Try air drying your hair more often, or giving up your curling wand or straighteners where you can and embracing your natural hair. We promise you’ll notice a difference after a break – your natural hair may even end up becoming your go-to!
Another top tip’s to gently towel dry hair and avoid heat when possible. Just let the towel soak up extra moisture, a gentle approach is key.
Be brush smart
Of course, smooth and tangle-free hair feels like a must, but it’s important to be careful and brush or comb a way that doesn’t put excess strain on your hair.
The number one brush rule is to never comb or brush your hair while it’s wet; this is when your hair is at its most vulnerable and more prone to breakage and snags. Avoid metal combs too, as these are more likely to snag than a natural brush.
The number one brush rule is to never comb or brush your hair while it’s wet; this is when your hair is at its most vulnerable and more prone to breakage and snags. Avoid metal combs too, as these are more likely to snag than a natural brush.
Backcombing is another no-no, as it tugs on the scales of your hair, lifting them and leaving them vulnerable to being ripped off – try one of these ways to add volume to hair.
Regular hair treatments are a great way to deeply moisturise your hair and seal off rough damage. Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Masque is an intensely nourishing solution that can be used 1-2 times per week to get to smoother, shinier and healthier looking hair.
Pressed for time or don’t know how much product to use? Pantene Pro-V 1 Minute Wonder Ampoules contain just the right dose for your hair, so there’s no danger of over-use, and only take 60 seconds to get to work. Use wide tooth comb to remove tangles and comb through your hair without pulling or breaking any strands.
Take up a treatment once or twice a week
The above tips on how to get rid of split ends without cutting hair, combined with a healthy lifestyle will help you on your quest for long, healthy looking hair. Brittle hair and split ends, be gone.
If you’re struggling with split end repair, we’ve put together a handy little 6-step guide to get those strands back to their best.