How to get rid of or prevent split ends?

What are split ends?

Split ends happen when the protective outer layer of your hair, the cuticle, wears away, leaving the inner strand vulnerable. This can cause the hair shaft to split into two or more pieces, often looking frayed or wispy at the ends. They can happen to anyone, no matter your hair type, but environmental factors, styling habits, and even brushing can make them worse. Think of split ends as a "warning sign" that your hair is craving some TLC.

What causes split ends?

Split ends usually develop from repeated stress or damage to your hair. Here are the main culprits:

• Heat styling: High temperatures from flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip moisture and weaken hair strands.
• Chemical treatments: Hair dye, bleach, perms, and relaxers can make hair more fragile and prone to splitting.
• Over-washing: Washing too often, especially with harsh shampoos, can dry out your ends.
• Rough brushing: Brushing damp or tangled hair with too much force can lead to breakage.
• Environmental stressors: UV rays, cold weather, wind, and pollution can weaken your hair over time.
• Lack of trims: Regularly trimming your hair removes existing split ends and prevents them from traveling further up the hair shaft.
• Harsh hair products: Some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain harsh sulfates and alcohols that can strip the hair of its natural oils.

Bottom line? Split ends occur when your strands lose their strength and moisture, leaving them prone to breakage.

How to prevent split ends?

The best way to deal with split ends is to prevent them before they start. Here are some healthy hair habits that help:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Regularly use conditioners and leave-in treatments packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
• Trim regularly: A trim every 6–8 weeks removes damaged or weakened ends before they split further.
• Be gentle when brushing: Opt for a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, and always start at the ends before working your way up.
• Protect from heat: Always use a heat protectant spray before styling. Lower the temperature settings on your tools to minimize damage. Check out our expert recommendations in our Best Heat Protectants Buying Guide.
• Avoid daily shampooing: Cleanse only when necessary and choose sulfate-free shampoos to preserve natural oils that keep your ends soft.
• Add a weekly mask: Use deep-conditioning hair masks to fortify your strands and seal in moisture.
• Switch to a satin pillowcase: Try a satin pillowcase or hair wrap to reduce friction while sleeping.

How to treat split ends?

If split ends have already shown up, don’t worry. While there’s no way to reverse them completely, you can reduce their appearance and strengthen your hair moving forward:

• Snip it off: The only way to truly fix split ends is to trim them. Schedule a hair appointment at the Salon at Ulta Beauty or try dusting (trimming a millimeter or two off the ends) at home with sharp scissors.
• Leave-in conditioners and serums: Add split end mending serums and conditioners into your routine to help smooth the cuticle and reduce further splitting.
• Bonding treatments: Use strengthening treatments with ingredients like keratin or peptides to temporarily “seal” split ends and reinforce hair structure.
• Moisturize consistently: Use hair oils and silicone-based products to coat the hair and reduce friction and add shine, making splits less noticeable.
• Long term results: For long term results, pair regular trims with repair-focused shampoos and masks that improve overall hair health.

How to conceal split ends?

Sometimes you just need to get through the day (or week) without a fresh trim. Here’s how to make those split ends less noticeable:

• Apply a smoothing serum or oil: Applying a smoothing serum or hair oil can help to temporarily seal the cuticle and reduce frizz and the visible signs of splitting. Use a small amount to avoid weighing down your hair.
• Turn to styling tricks: Blow-dry with a round brush or use a flat iron to smooth flyaways and minimize frizz. A sleek ponytail or bun can also work wonders to disguise uneven ends.
• Hair gloss treatments: A hair gloss treatment can add shine to the hair, which can help to temporarily camouflage split ends.
• Using the right brush: A boar bristle brush can help to distribute natural oils down the hair shaft, which can temporarily smooth frizz and make split ends less apparent.

The Bottom Line

Split ends might seem like an inevitable part of life, but with a little care and the right products, you can prevent and manage them. Start by building a routine that focuses on hydration, gentle care, and regular trims to keep your strands healthy. Whether you’re going for sleek and smooth or playful and tousled, healthy ends are the ultimate finishing touch to every style. After all, healthy hair is happy hair!

Explore Ulta Beauty’s hair care selection to find your perfect split-end solution. Because your hair deserves to feel as amazing as you do!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell if you have split ends?

You likely have split ends if the tips of your hair feel dry, rough, or frayed. Run your fingers along a strand—if it feels uneven or catches, that's often a sign of breakage. You might also notice your ends looking thinner, tangled more easily, or appearing dull and lackluster compared to the rest of your hair.

What do split ends look like?

Split ends are easy to spot. They usually appear as the ends of your hair splitting into two (or more) strands. Sometimes, they might look like tiny white dots at the tips where the hair is starting to break. Other forms of split ends may resemble a tree's branches or a "Y" shape.

How to cut split ends?

The most effective way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. You can do this yourself for maintenance between salon visits, but for a proper trim and shaping, it's best to see a professional stylist. Here's how to carefully cut split ends at home:

Steps:

1. Wash and Dry Your Hair (or slightly dampen it): Clean hair makes it easier to see the split ends. You can cut on dry or slightly damp hair, depending on your preference and hair type. Dry cutting allows you to see the natural fall and where the splits are most prominent.
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. Start with the bottom layers.
3. Isolate a Small Section: Take a small, thin section of hair (about 1-2 inches wide).
4. Inspect the Ends: Look closely at the ends of the strands in that section.
5. Locate the Split Ends: Identify the individual strands with visible splits or damage.
6. Cut Above the Split: Using your sharp hair scissors, carefully snip off the damaged portion of the hair strand above the split end. You don't need to cut off a lot of length – usually just the very ends where the splitting occurs. Cut straight across or slightly angled, following your natural hairline.
7. Work Your Way Through Each Section: Systematically go through each section of your hair, identifying and trimming the split ends.
8. Check Your Work: Once you've gone through all sections, take a step back and look at your overall shape. You can go back and trim any uneven pieces or missed split ends.

Important Considerations:

• Be Conservative: It's always better to cut off less hair initially. You can always go back and trim more if needed.
• Don't Cut Too High: Only cut off the damaged portion. Cutting too high up the hair shaft will shorten your hair unnecessarily.
• Be Patient: This process can take time, especially if you have a lot of split ends.
• For the Back of Your Head: Use a handheld mirror in conjunction with your main mirror to see the back of your head. You may need to practice or ask for help.
• Professional Trims are Recommended: While you can trim split ends at home, regular professional haircuts ensure even shaping and the removal of all split ends.

Does oiling hair prevent split ends?

While oiling won’t completely prevent split ends, it can help protect your hair from damage by locking in moisture and reducing friction during brushing or styling. Lightweight oils like argan or coconut oil can create a barrier that keeps your strands hydrated and more resilient to breakage.

Sources:

Healthline

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