Keeping your hair looking fresh and clean isn’t easy when split ends get in the way. Split ends are the number one roadblock when trying to grow long, luscious hair.
Most of us have split ends because of daily heat styling, the way we towel dry our hair after showering, or even the way we sleep on our hair at night. So, our once healthy looking hair now looks damaged and frizzy.
“Split ends result from the fraying or separating of the hair strand into two or more fragments,” says Sam Burnett, owner and Creative Director of Hare and Bone. The only surefire way to get rid of split ends is by chopping them off, but there are some preventive steps we can take to stop them from creeping up on our hair any further.
Simple steps like rethinking how you towel dry your hair, reassessing your blowing drying techniques, turning down your straighteners, throwing away your brushes, trying a keratin treatment, switching up your shampoo and conditioner, trying a silk pillowcase or a trimming your hair regularly.
Any one of these steps can lead to healthier looking hair that can prevent split ends from coming back, so read on to learn more about each product.
Frequently Asked Question About Split Ends
Split ends are commonly caused by improper detangling, aggressive brushing of wet hair, or excessive blow drying. The sun can also damage your hair by drying it. Your diet is another factor that may lead to split ends as the strength of your hair is closely tied to nutritional and dietary stresses that are usually caused by an excess or deficiency of vitamins and mineral or hormones that keep healthy hair.
Regardless how you've ended up with split ends, once you have them, they will not just disappear. Removing them altogether with a good ol' trim is the best and only way to fix split ends.
1. What Are Split Ends?
2. How Is Your Hair Affected?
3. What Causes Split Ends?
4. How Can You Get Rid of Them?
How We Reviewed the Products
The following products were reviewed based on their features, pros & cons, price, where to buy, and warranty. We've invested time and effort to research on different models for preventive steps for split ends so that we may provide an unbiased “best of” list for all of your hair needs.
What We Reviewed
[amazon link=”B07DTL6DCX” title=”Wide-Tooth Comb” /]
[amazon box=”B07DTL6DCX”]
Features
It might not feel like it, but hair is more likely to be damaged and get split ends when your hair is wet. While using a brush may seem like a good idea, it actually only does more harm than good. A wide-tooth comb brushes your hair slowly and does not need any added pressure when combing through your hair like when you use a brush.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B07GQYPW1Z” title=”Avoid Blow Dryers – Try Microfiber Hair Towel Drying Wraps” /]
[amazon box=”B07GQYPW1Z”]
Features
Rethinking how you dry your hair, whether it is towel drying or blow drying, is vital since your hair is the most vulnerable when it is wet. The way you treat your hair after a shower will make a big difference in the amount of damage you inflict on to your hair. Rubbing your wet hair with a towel can only lead to more damage, and excess heat only increases the chances even more. Applying gentle pressure with a towel or air drying your hair is the best way to avoid split ends. However, if you need a faster way to dry your hair without damaging it, try a microfiber hair towel drying wrap.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B0050QJHTO” title=”Avoid Curling Irons – Try a Curling Wand” /]
[amazon box=”B0050QJHTO”]
Features
Turning down the heat on your straightener or curling iron does not decrease your chances of split ends. Instead, you should not be using any heating tools on your hair at all. However, throwing away your curling irons and straighteners isn’t the answer either. Instead, purchase hairstyling tools that harness a safer heat, making the hair look healthier and shinier like the Remington Pro Curling Wand.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B078Y82XQM” title=”Buy Some Scissors – Get a Trim” /]
[amazon box=”B078Y82XQM”]
Features
When you are trying to grow your hair out, the last thing you want to do is get a trim. But the longer you wait to cut those ends off, the more likely you are to cause further breakage. Getting a haircut is really the only way to get rid of split ends completely.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B00HMUNO4K” title=”Specialty Haircare Products” /]
[amazon box=”B00HMUNO4K”]
Features
Specialty hair care products that help minimize damaged or split ends will help rejuvenate your hair from the roots to the tips. Garnier has great products to help erase hair damage.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B01D4B24PA” title=”Stay Hydrated” /]
[amazon box=”B01D4B24PA”]
Features
Brittle strands of hair is sign that you’re not hydrating properly. So grabbing a few extra glasses of water a day can make a huge difference to your skin and your hair.
PROS
CONS
Over Showering
[amazon box=”B015G7PPR4″]
Features
Skipping showers can be a good thing for your hair. Overdoing shampoo can take away the natural moisture that helps repair your hair, so if you shampoo too much will lead to more damage and split ends. If you have oily hair or just don't feel like showering at night, we recommend the Hair Dance Dry Shampoo Volume Powder. Just add it to your hair, blend it in, leave it overnight, and in the morning brush it out. You'll get amazing clean-looking hair with extra volume.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B008AGWLJ4″ title=”Try New Shampoo” /]
[amazon box=”B008AGWLJ4″]
Features
While there are no magic shampoos or conditioners that will get rid of split ends, choosing shampoos with moisturizing properties can help mask them. They also work to strengthen and protect strands against other factors that contribute to split ends like coloring.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B01ED1O160″ title=”Quality Hair Ties” /]
[amazon box=”B01ED1O160″]
Features
Your hair isn’t as strong as you may think so you should be careful when you pick out your hair ties. Hair ties with metal bits are tough on strands and can lead to breakage. If you want to wear a ponytail, then choose ties without metal closures.
PROS
CONS
[amazon link=”B07DFRQFQT” title=”Biotin” /]
[amazon box=”B07DFRQFQT”]
Features
Biotin is known to help hair grow and keep split ends to a minimum. With stronger hair, your hair is less likely to break or develop split ends.
PROS
CONS
Product Chart
[amazon box=”B07DTL6DCX, B07GQYPW1Z, B0050QJHTO, B078Y82XQM, B00HMUNO4K, B01D4B24PA, B015G7PPR4, B008AGWLJ4, B01ED1O160, B07DFRQFQT ” template=”table”]
The Verdict
Fighting against split ends is no easy battle; it takes a lot of different hair care products and revamped daily routines to make sure your hair stays shiny, smooth, and good looking enough to be in a shampoo ad. However, simple steps like not washing your hair every day and minimizing how much heat you apply to your hair can truly make a difference in getting rid of split ends.
Even drinking more water throughout the day can truly make a difference in the shine of your hair. So remember to squeeze the water out of your hair when you step out of the shower, grab another glass of water, mix up your shampoos and conditioners from time to time, and you will be on your way to getting rid of those unsightly split ends once and for all!
Bonus Read: Trendsetters: 18 Celebrities Who Started New Hairstyle Trends
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