Lack of care, overuse of heat tools or simply genetics, cause split ends, which can be solved with proper prevention and a routine of quality moisturising products. Broadly speaking, split ends are the result of the wear and tear of the hair cuticle at the most distal part of the hair, which exposes the cortex and causes the hair to split, affecting not only its appearance, but also its health and ability to grow stronger and healthier.
Split ends are easy to spot: ‘If there is forking and they look fluffy or frayed, this is likely to be the problem. We may also notice increased tangling and a rough texture to the touch. The best thing to do in this case is to nourish the hair from root to tip, in order to preserve the integrity of the cuticle and reduce the likelihood of the problem continuing to occur’ – says María García from Dalire hair cosmetics.
To prevent their appearance, Filip Van, CEO of the natural cosmetics firm Di Oleo, advises using chemical-free products whenever possible, avoiding the continuous use of hair dryers, curling irons or straighteners, not brushing your hair when it is wet and going to the hairdresser’s every month and a half to prevent further splitting.
‘Equally important is a diet rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair from the inside as well as the use of specific shampoos for delicate and/or dry hair. Many of the best ingredients for hair are found in nature itself, such as calendula, coconut oil, chamomile or rosehip,’ concludes Filip Van.
Sonia Atanes, training director at Sonia Atanes Hair Beauty salons in Madrid, also opts to disguise split ends by ‘hair tuck’, where you leave the lower part of your hair tucked into the neckline of your shirt or jacket: ‘It’s something that works best with high-collared shirts like turtlenecks, or outerwear with a strong, defined collar that will really help keep the hair in place’.
In her opinion, hot showers, brushing the hair hard or wrapping the hair in a towel are some of the things we should stop doing to avoid split ends: ‘But also hot hairstyles from straighteners or hairdryers, too much sun exposure or the opposite, lack of moisture, sleeping with tight hairstyles such as buns or using hair products containing alcohol and chemical treatments’.
Despite best efforts, sometimes the damage is so advanced that the only effective solution is to cut the ends. If you find that split ends are widespread and your hair has lost its natural shine and softness, it’s time to visit your stylist: ‘A haircut can bring your hair back to life. It’s definitely the starting point for a fresh start in your hair care routine with a stronger, more vigorous mane’ – says Maria Garcia from Dalire.
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