You're on top of your game and you've got the world at your feet. However, you've been noticing your hair is looking a bit frizzy or lackluster. You might notice that your curls aren’t as tight and defined as they were or you might notice that your hair isn’t growing quite at the rate that it once was. You might be dealing with the common hair dilemma known as split ends. Fear not! Understanding the culprits behind split ends is the first step to healthier, more vibrant hair. Here are the top 3 causes of split ends explained in simple terms.
Heat Overload:
We get it, that hairstyle you're going for is fire, but frequent use of hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners, or curling irons can wreak havoc on your hair. The intense heat can zap the moisture out of your strands, making them prone to splitting. It's like cooking your hair, but not in a good way! When referencing heat hurting your hair very seldomly is the process of deep conditioning that people are referring to, however it is the blowdrying aspect. The blowdrying straightens your hair out right before the braids, that might make your hair split over time.
Solution: If you must use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray before and keep the heat at a moderate level. Consider air-drying your hair whenever you can.
Chemical Overdrive:
If you like experimenting with your hair, listen up. Be it waves, curls, braids or locs. Coloring your hair leads to split ends. These treatments strip your hair of its natural oils and weaken its structure. Imagine it as a chemical assault on your locks. If you ask around the hair community it is well known that people who have dyed their hair have to change how they take care of their hair post-dye. This is because the chemical changes the porosity of your hair. From low to high and from high to even higher porosity (remember porosity is a spectrum not a light switch).
Solution: If you must indulge in chemical treatments, let your routine reflect that of a much higher porosity than you already have. A lot more effort should be placed on sealing moisture than normal.
Rough Handling:
How you treat your hair makes a big difference. Rough brushing, rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, and using tight hair ties can all lead to split ends. It's like giving your hair a wrestling match it never signed up for. Be gentle. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush for detangling. Pat your hair dry gently with a soft towel or a microfiber cloth. Swap out those elastic bands for hair-friendly scrunchies.
In conclusion, it's vital to understand these common causes and how to tackle them. Incorporate heat protection, be mindful of chemical treatments, and treat your hair with care. With these simple changes, you can maintain healthy, stylish hair that reflects the confidence and energy of your youth.
