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!
RELATED: The blow-drying mistakes you didn’t even know you were making
RELATED: Clever tricks for air-drying your hair
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?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
84 Member Comments
I have long hair and never have split ends. It’s all about keeping it healthy, minimising damage and regular trims, just like the article states.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
nice tips and the brush looks heavenly!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I really need to invest in a 'good' new brush. The brush I have been using has lost all it's little bally things on the ends and is probably 10 years old. Thanks for the reminder:)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I jumped to this article only after seeing the tumbnail Lol
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love mason and pearson brushes but they are priceyyyy! They last forever though so worth the investment. I still have split ends when I do these, thinnk it is just my hair type...rip to my hair haha!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I always trim my hair because I get bored too easily.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
$395 for a hairbrush?
Is it custom made?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’d love a Mason Pearson but oh so exxy!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Well to me it look like such a fine relaxing thing the most of the people can do and massage their scalp at the same time. for hair treatment you can consult best hair transplant clinic in Pakistan .
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I still need more convincing before purchasing a hairbrush as expensive as the Mason Pearson hairbrush.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
$395 not happening in this household but I'm sure it is magnificent. Maybe we will win one.:)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Thanks for the tips, I had no idea that the type of brush could make that big of a difference! Speaking of which, a $395 brush?! OMG!
I genuinely thought I had splurged on a "good" brush when I picked up a $20 one from Priceline recently, which I only paid $10 for because of their 50% off hair-care sale. I'd normally get a ~$8 brush from Woolies. No wonder I get split ends!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
a great brush, not being too rough and using protective products makes a HUGE difference
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I should change my brushes more often.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use the right hair products for my hair type & I also use an oil for split ends so far it's great as long as I use the right amount & not too much.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Curly Hair = split ends.... Great tips, thanks :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Some of those brushes are just so dear!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
was thinking to get the GHD heat protect, but seeing that it contains alcohol....does that mean it will dry my hair out!?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
i'll give these tips a go because i really dont want to chop all my hair off
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I need to trim my hair more often.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I would so love to be able to run a brush through my hair! It seems like such a nice relaxing thing people can do and massage their scalp at the same time.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Ugh, I know you should get a trim once in a while but I'm letting my hair grow and really don't want to lose any length....
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Had to get used to my mason Pearson brush as the first few days it felt like a wire brush against my skin but now I love brushing my hair with it. It's like getting a head massage each time.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0