Split Ends: Causes and Ways to Reduce Breakage

Split ends are the frayed, forked tips that appear when hair is worn down. Almost everyone with hair past chin length has some. They are not dangerous, but they make hair look dull and thin at the ends, tangle easily and, if left, lead to breakage further up the strand.

What a split end is

Each hair is protected by an outer layer of overlapping scales called the cuticle. At the tips, which are the oldest part of the hair, the cuticle gradually wears away. Without it, the inner fibers come apart and the end splits.

Common forms include:

• A simple fork, where the tip divides in two.
• Multiple splits, like the frayed end of a rope.
• A split in the middle of the strand.
• White dots, tiny points where the hair is about to snap.

What causes them

Can split ends be repaired?

No. Hair is not living tissue and cannot heal. Products sold for split ends contain ingredients such as silicones, oils and polymers that glue the frayed fibers together for a while. They make ends look and feel smoother until the next wash. This is useful, but it is cosmetic. The only permanent answer is to cut the damaged part off.

Trimming

• A regular trim removes splits before they travel upward. How often depends on your hair and how you treat it. Every eight to twelve weeks is a common range.
• "Dusting" removes only a few millimeters, taking off the damaged tips without losing visible length.
• Use proper hairdressing scissors. Blunt household scissors crush the hair and cause new splits.

You do not need to cut hair on a fixed schedule. Trim when the ends feel rough, tangle more or look see-through.

Preventing new split ends

When washing

• Shampoo the scalp and let the lather rinse through the lengths.
• Condition every time, concentrating on the ends.
• Blot with a soft towel or cotton T-shirt.

When detangling

• Use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends. See How to Detangle Hair Gently.
• Be extra careful with wet hair. How to Reduce Hair Breakage When Brushing covers brushing technique.

When styling

• Let hair dry partly in the air before blow-drying.
• Use a heat protectant and the lowest temperature that works. See Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair.
• Do not straighten or curl the same section repeatedly.
• Use soft, covered hair ties and vary the position of ponytails.

Every day

• Apply a little leave-in conditioner or a drop of oil to the ends.
• Protect hair from sun and rinse after swimming.
• Sleep with hair in a loose braid, on a satin pillowcase or in a bonnet.

Weekly care

A conditioning mask once a week keeps the ends flexible, so they bend instead of cracking. Conditioner vs Hair Mask: What's the Difference? explains how a mask differs from an ordinary conditioner.

Do not pick or pull

Peeling a split end apart sends the tear further up the strand. If you notice a split, snip it off just above the fork, or leave it until your next trim.

When hair breaks despite good care

If your hair is breaking a great deal even though you treat it gently, or you see many white dots along the strands, mention it to a doctor or dermatologist. Occasionally fragile hair is linked to a medical or inherited condition. To tell breakage from shedding, read Hair Shedding vs Breakage: Key Differences.

Related on ArniSun

• Hair Shedding vs Breakage: Key Differences
• How to Reduce Hair Breakage When Brushing
• Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair
• How to Detangle Hair Gently
• Conditioner vs Hair Mask: What's the Difference?

Sources and further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology: 10 hair care habits that can damage your hair
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to stop damaging your hair
• American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for healthy hair