Split ends are one of the most common and annoying hair issues, and sadly, they are virtually inescapable. They make hair look untidy, unhealthy, and dry, and drive us crazy when we try to style our hair. What we call “split ends” are actually hair shafts that have been damaged and split partially in two, either due to mechanical stress (harsh brushing, rough towel-drying), heat styling, environmental wear and tear (sea, sun, wind), or chemical stress (coloring, chemical straightening, etc).
Whilst the only real way to remove split ends is to cut them off, there are many ways to prevent them and to make them look better. Find out How to Get Rid of Split Ends below, and say hello to smooth, shiny, healthy-looking hair!
1. Trim your own hair
The only true way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. You can either have your hair trimmed and styled at the hairdresser, or you can trim your own locks with a professional pair of hair cutting scissors and a lot of patience. If you follow some guidelines and start off slowly and carefully, you can definitely trim your own hair successfully in between proper hair styling appointments! For tips on how to cut your own hair, click here.
2. Twist and snip
This clever hair hack vanquishes split ends whilst keeping the length and shape of your hairstyle. It’s super-easy to do at home – simply divide your hair into sections, twist each section, and use professional hair scissors to cut any wayward hairs that poke out. It’s very important to use extremely sharp hair cutting scissors, as normal scissors can tear your hair, making your split ends look even worse!
3. Avocado & olive oil hair mask
Reduce the appearance of split ends with a massive dose of moisture and pampering from an avocado and olive oil hair mask. This natural DIY hair mask is very easy to make, and you can find the ingredients in your own kitchen or pick them up at the local grocery store. Mix the mashed fruit of 1 very ripe avocado with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and apply the mask to your locks. Concentrate the mask on the tips of your hair, and leave it to soak in for 15 – 20 minutes. You can cover your hair with plastic wrap for maximum absorption. Then, wash and condition as usual. Your hair should look a lot smoother, and feel a lot softer!
4. Raw coconut oil hair mask
Another excellent DIY hair mask for split ends is coconut oil. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which both help to repair badly damaged hair. You can buy raw coconut oil from most health and beauty shops, and it should come in a jar in a semi-solid form you can scoop out with your finger tips. How much you use depends on your hair type, but in general, 1 tablespoon on your tips is good for a deep conditioning treatment. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes before washing out. Repeat once a week for strong, smooth, and healthy looking hair. If you have greasy roots, avoid getting the oil on the top part of your locks!
5. Proper prevention
Prevention is better than cure, at least when it comes to split ends! With a few pro tips, you can prevent split ends instead of battling with them every day.
- Be gentle with your hair. Blot it dry instead of rubbing it vigorously with a towel, comb it with a wide-toothed comb when wet instead of brushing it, and avoid very tight hairstyles.
- Limit heat styling. Only use a curling iron or flat iron when you absolutely need to, and avoid unnecessary heat damage to your hair.
- Have regular hair trims and treat your hair with weekly DIY hair masks to boost hair health.
- Ditch hair ties that contain metal parts, and invest in soft elastic hair ties instead.
- Brush hair from the bottom up, instead of dragging your brush down your hair from top to bottom. Work knots out with a fine-toothed comb before moving on to brushing.
6. Honey mask
Another very easy DIY hair mask is the honey mask. Honey is a natural humectant, which means that it attracts moisture. This is great for hair, as well-moisturized hair looks a lot smoother and shinier than dry, damaged hair. Simply apply honey, preferably raw and organic, to damp hair after shampooing and rinsing. Use a wide-toothed comb to work the honey into your hair, leave it for 10 – 15 minutes, and then rinse out before conditioning as normal. For an extra moisture boost, mix 1/2 cup of honey with 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, warm up over low heat to combine well, and apply to the hair. Leave on for 20 – 30 minutes for maximum absorption.
7. Vitamin E capsules
If you don’t mind spending a bit of money on yourself, purchase some vitamin E capsules from a pharmacy, and use them to treat your split ends. Simply cut open 2 – 3 capsules, mix the oil with a bit of lukewarm water, and massage the solution into the tips of your hair. Vitamin E smooths the hair follicles, binding the split ends and creating the appearance of flawless hair. Do this once or twice a week for best results!
8. Egg mask
Eggs are also great ingredients for DIY hair remedies. The protein in the eggs helps to strengthen your hair follicles, preventing breakage and extra splitting. To make an egg hair mask, separate the yolk from one egg and whisk it together with one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of organic honey. Comb your hair out carefully, and apply the mask to damp locks. Work it in from root to tip, concentrating on your split ends. Leave it in your hair for 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual. You should be left with smooth, shiny, and happy hair!
*
Ultimately, it’s your decision as to how you deal with your split ends. If you need a quick fix and can’t get your hair cut, try one of the great hair masks above. If you want to keep your hair looking great in the long term, regular trimming will prevent split ends from forming and ruining your locks.
The best news is that they can be busted, for good! Let the happy hair days begin!
The post How to Get Rid of Split Ends appeared first on I Fashion Styles.
0 Comments