Split Ends
Split Ends
Heal Fractured Hair
Split ends look like tiny frayed strands of thread, and they're usually caused by the intense temperatures of blow-dryers, curling irons and other styling devices that literally fracture the hair, explains Rebecca Caserio, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. The intense heat causes a strand of hair to crack at the tip and split vertically up the shaft.
PATCHWORK AND PREVENTION
Unfortunately, once your ends have started to split, the split can extend up the shaft unless you take action. So here's how you can heal split ends--and prevent healthy strands from splitting, too.
Give in to a trim. "In order to correct and eradicate split ends, you need a very sharp and precise snip," says Liz Cunnane, a consultant trichologist (a hair-care specialist) at Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre in New York City. "If it's not sharply cut, it starts fraying. It's almost like cutting rope. If you cut hair with a blunt instrument, splitting can start almost instantaneously," she says. You can buy haircutting scissors at beauty supply stores and drugstores.
If you have more than a few split ends, both Dr. Caserio and Cunnane recommend an allover trim.
Opt for hair thickeners. Use shampoos and conditioners containing hair thickeners, says Dr. Caserio. Most of these hair-thickening products--Thicket and Thick 'n' Hair, for example--contain waxes that add thickness, which increases diameter to each strand.
Air-dry your hair. Whenever possible, let your hair dry naturally to avoid re-sizzling your ends all over again, says Dr. Caserio.
Use thermal conditioners. If you must use a blow-dryer or hot rollers, spray a thermal styling conditioner such as HeatSafe on your hair while it's damp, says Wendy Resin, hair-care manager at the Neutrogena Corporation in Los Angeles. Then blow-dry or curl your hair as necessary. The spray-on conditioner will help protect and strengthen your hair.
Stick to the lowest setting. Set your blow-dryer on its lowest setting, says Dr. Caserio. The cooler the setting, the less heat damage.