End The Split And Level Up Your Hair Game

Let's begin by looking into what split ends really are. When your hair is weak and damaged, it's prone to breaking. But if you look at the tip of a hair strand, and it literally splits into two – that is a split end. While split ends themselves are not harmful, the split can travel up the hair shaft and make your hair look frizzy, dull and coarse. This makes your hair weak and can break midway.

Before we get into tips for protecting hair from split ends, it's important to understand what causes them.

Sometimes it is our own hands that betray us. If you tend to vigorously towel dry your hair, or pull a comb through knots, well, we've got some bad news for you. Rough handling creates friction and damages your hair.

Dr. Ellis explains that when we comb our hair, it tends to curl at the ends and wrap around the comb. That extra tug to free the comb or brush can cause fractures at the ends. It's not just about split ends—it's about maintaining hair health and keeping your roots strong. So, be gentle with your hair!

We all know that heat damages hair. And with split ends, it's even worse. Experts believe that flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can all cause damage to the hair shaft if used excessively or at high temperatures.

But if you must use a heat styling tool, first coat your hair with a heat protectant spray like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray. This acts like a shield between the effects of heat and your hair. It also has a UV coating to protect your hair from the sun's rays.

If your hair is already weak, constantly washing it can also worsen it. It strips the natural oils from your hair and makes it more vulnerable to damage. Additionally, if you use harsh, moisture-stripping products, they're not going to do your hair any favours, either. Instead, reach for mild and nourishing hair repair products like the Dove Intense Repair Range that's paraben-free and works from within to keep your hair strong and healthy.

Well, it is not only our hair care routines that can mess up our hair. Harsh UV rays, pollution and even a lot of wind can wear out your hair. They can leave it dry and brittle, making your hair more susceptible to split ends.

Noticing the pattern here? Dry hair equals breakage which means you need to get extra moisture in there, stat! If your hair is very dry, consider deep conditioning or indulging in a hydrating hair masks once or twice a week. We highly recommend the Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask. It has everything you need to keep your hair soft and shiny, and most importantly, sufficiently moisturised.

As promised, below we share our best healthy hair tips and split end treatments.

Look for products that offer an additional layer of moisture and protection for your hair, like the TRESemmé Bond Plex Repair range that contains a shampoo, conditioner and serum. Along with keeping your hair clean and fresh, this range also focuses on strengthening hair bonds. If your hair is healthy and nourished, you won't have to worry about split ends!

Here's why we love the hair serum from this range:

As we mentioned above, roughly drying your hair is a big no-no. Even the towel you use can be harsh on wet hair if it's too rough. Instead, squeeze out the excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel or clean cotton tee. Then, let your hair air dry.

Give your hair a break from tight ponytails, braids and sleek buns. Instead, opt for looser styles that don't stress your hair. You can always control frizz and flyaways with a styling serum. Choose something like the TRESemmé Gloss Ultimate Hair Serum as it also has nourishing oils that support good hair health.

Trimming split ends is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of split ends. But by trimming regularly, you can avoid getting any split ends in the first place. Simply book that salon appointment every three months.

But here's how you can deal with split ends if you don't want to cut your hair:

Always protect your hair from sun rays, rain and pollution. Cover your head with a scarf or wear a hat if you're planning to spend some time outdoors.

Detangle and section your hair. Twist each section from the top and keep twisting as you go down. Once the entire section is twisted, you'll notice certain strands sticking out. Locate the split ends and snip off the part from where the hair has split. Undo the twist and then twist the section in the opposite direction now. And cut any remaining split ends you may have missed the first time.

It is not a permanent solution, but it does help. Apply Vaseline jelly to smoothen the cuticles and make it look like you have smooth hair with no split ends. But this will only help in emergencies.

Well, not in the way you think. Once the hair splits, it cannot be fused together like you'd imagine. The only way out is to cut them off. But you can prevent split ends from reoccurring by taking care of your hair.