5 things you can do to prevent split ends

One of the easiest beauty tasks on our to-do list is ironically one we most often overlook: Preventing split ends.

Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair cuticle wears away because of external stressors like heat styling, environmental conditions and salon treatments such as colouring. Once the internal structure is exposed, it becomes vulnerable and weakened, dehydrated and damaged, ultimately ending in unhappy, split ends. And yet, despite having access to the right tools and products to ensure this never happens, it does - but that all ends right here, right now. Because once the damage is done, it’s done for good. And I’ll be damned if we’re about to start the New Year off with a head full of dead ends.

Ahead, here are five things you can do to avoid irreparable split end damage.

TRIM REGULARLY

It may seem like a given, but the easiest and most effective way to prevent split ends is by cutting them off. Sounds contradictory, right? You see, regular trims get rid of frayed ends - the very thing that inhibit healthy hair growth! The longer you abstain from cutting your hair, the more you’ll have to chop off in the long run. So, the lesson? Commit to regular trims and reap the (lengthy) rewards. 

RELATED: This chart reveals 16 types of split ends

INVEST IN A GOOD BRUSH

The two most common causes of split ends are dry hair and poor quality brushes - so when the two are combined, it means bad news for your strands. If your hair is dry, it’s best to use a brush that gently massages the scalp, encouraging it to produce sebum. Brushing your hair will then distribute this natural oil evenly from the roots to the ends, coating them and protecting them from drying out further. 

we love: Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Paddle Brush, Mason Pearson Large Extra Pure Bristle, The Body Shop Bamboo Large Oval Cushioned Wooden Pin Brush

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEAT TOOLS

There’s no sense in denying the fact that using heat tools is a surefire way to damage your hair and cause split ends, but since you’re probably going to do it anyway, remember to be conscious of how much heat you subject your tresses to.  

Since you can’t seem to put down your styling tools, pick up ones that have ionic and ceramic technologies, like the Philips MoistureProtect. They provide an even amount of heat to your hair and have heat settings that can be adjusted to suit your hair type. No more split ends here!

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RECOVER THE RIGHT WAY

When your locks are down and out, don’t ignore the calls for help. You wouldn’t ignore chapped lips - you’d treat them! So show your locks the same respect. Coat your ends with a balm that works to repair damaged ends and rectify growth. 

we love: LUSH Shine So Bright hair balm, O&M Project Sukuroi Gold Smoothing Balm, Clairol Professional Visible Repair Ends Balm

PROTECTION IS KEY

Just as you slather your skin in sunscreen before you hit the beach, you should practice the same approach for your hair. Before applying heat to your strands with your styler, spritz your hair - especially focusing on the mid-lengths and ends - with a heat protectant which will hydrate your hair, preventing moisture evaporation. It also forms a protective barrier over the hair cuticle, keeping your hair safe from heat damage (aka split ends) and enables your hair to keep its shine.

we love: ghd Heat Protect Spray, TONI&GUY Hair Care Heat Protection Mist, Moroccanoil Heat Styling Protection, L'OCCITANE Aromachologie Heat-Protective Control Mist

How do you look after your hair to ensure you don’t get split ends?