3 Tips For Preventing Split Ends

Split ends can wreak havoc on your hair, causing frizziness and preventing length retention. In this article, I'll share some hair care tips on how to avoid split ends and hair breakage. But first, I think it's important to talk about what split ends are exactly and what often causes them in the first place.

What Are Split Ends?

The scientific term for split ends is trichoptilosis, and it basically means the splitting or fraying of the hair shaft. This splitting of the hair shaft typically begins near the ends of the hair shaft, but the damage that causes the splitting of the hair can occur anywhere along the hair strand. Hair naturally begins to fray and split every 12-16 weeks, so you can't avoid split ends entirely, but some damage can be prevented. Split ends in curly hair is a common issue for this hair type, which is why it is essential that you use a hair treatment to replenish moisture to the scalp. 

What Causes Split Ends?

Split ends can cause the ends of your hair to become brittle, dry, and straw-like. They are often attributed to improper detangling of natural hair, brushing wet hair, or excessive use of heat styling tools, including a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron. Extreme weather such as dryness from the hot sun or cold winds can also cause damage or hair breakage. Additionally, chemically treated hair tends to be more prone to breakage. Besides your hair care routine, the strength of your hair can also be related to your diet, hormonal imbalances, or an excess or deficiency of vitamins or minerals.

How to Avoid Split Ends

Get a Professional Trim

Since we know our hair begins to weaken and split every three to four months, you can get ahead of the game by getting your hair trimmed that often. A professional trim removes all of the split ends and gives your stylist a chance to evaluate the health of your hair and see if there are any issues that need to be addressed before heading into the next season. Plus, it also helps prevent frizzy hair, dry hair, and other common issues.

Are Certain Hair Types More Prone to Split Ends? 

Although people of all hair types are at risk of split ends, people with curly hair are sometimes more prone to breakage and hair damage. Due to the curvy shape of the hair shaft, curly hair tends to be more fragile and likely to break off, especially when brushed through. That's why it's extra important for those with curly hair to take special care to avoid split ends, and we've listed some of our top tips down below.

Deep Condition Regularly

Make deep conditioning a part of your wash-day routine. Deep conditioning helps improve and maintain the moisture-protein balance of our hair, which, in turn, helps improve elasticity. Elasticity helps prevent split ends because it makes the hair more flexible. Look for products with ingredients like rosemary oil, rice water, or other lightweight oils to moisturize your locks without weighing them down.

Mielle’s Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner is a great choice if you’re looking for an organic hair conditioner. It infuses hair with protein and moisture to restore dry and damaged hair. This deep penetrating conditioner is also made with complex amino acids from wheat, soy, and other natural ingredients that help restore moisture to damaged and dry hair. When choosing hair products, go for a hair treatment that hydrates the scalp and also protects hair health from root to tip.

Consider Adding Hair Supplements to Your Diet

If your diet lacks specific nutrients, such as certain vitamins, minerals or proteins, it can affect the condition and strength of your hair, which can lead to split ends.

Mielle Organics hair vitamins are formulated supplements to support healthy hair without the skin breakouts. This vitamin is formulated to best support healthy hair, your immune system, and the health of your hair, skin, and nails. With our unique proprietary blend of herbs, amino acids, and minerals, this formula works effectively in a natural way to support healthier, stronger, longer, and thicker hair.

Use these hair care tips to help you and your hair survive the cold winter months that are coming our way. Whether your hair is short or long, you need these hair tips in your hair care routine. As you get ready for the winter, are there any other tips you would add to this list to support your natural hair? Let us know in the comments, and tell us which Mielle Organics hair care products you depend on!