One of the most common hair concerns, split ends are also one of the most preventable. While it’s tempting to treat them as an unavoidable part of growing your hair, the truth is that most of them form because of daily habits, over-styling, or a lack of protection.
Here, Hershesons colourists and stylists break down the straightforward steps that make the biggest difference.
Healthy ends begin long before the hair reaches your shoulders. Using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and adding a weekly strengthening or bond-repair treatment keeps the internal structure of the hair intact. Stronger hair is far less likely to split, even when exposed to heat or friction.
Heat styling is one of the fastest ways to weaken the cuticle. A good heat protectant reduces the temperature impact on the hair shaft and prevents the cuticle from lifting or cracking. Apply it every time you blow-dry, straighten, curl or diffuse – no exceptions.
Everyday habits have a bigger impact on your ends than you might expect. To minimise wear and tear, use a microfibre or soft cotton towel instead of rough drying; detangle gently, starting from the ends and working upwards; and swap tight elastics for snag-free ties or scrunchies.These small switches significantly reduce friction and breakage.
A trim every 8-12 weeks helps prevent small splits from travelling further up the strand. You don’t need to lose length – micro-trimming simply removes the weakest millimetre or two, keeping the hairline clean and healthy as it grows.
Dry hair splits faster. Using a nourishing conditioner, a lightweight leave-in, and the occasional oil on mid-lengths to ends helps maintain elasticity and keeps the cuticle smooth.
