Skip to content
Split ends can be a frustrating barrier between you and the sleek, radiant hair you deserve. They signal dryness, damage, and a need for some serious self-care. Although you can’t get rid of split ends without cutting them off, fortunately, with the right habits and premium haircare products, you can prevent and reduce them. Read on as Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares how.
What are split ends?
Split ends happen when the hair’s outer layer, the cuticle, becomes dry, brittle, and weak. This causes the end of the hair to split into two or more parts, usually at the end where the hair is old and vulnerable. Split ends are a consequence of damaged hair, typically caused by heat styling, environment or poor maintenance. They can make split ends make freshly styled hair look rough or dull.
What do split ends look like?
Split ends are usually at the ends of your locks, and generally have a forked appearance. However, there are a few different types of split end to look out for:
1. Traditional split ends
These are the most common types of split ends. They look like a ‘Y’ shape at the end of your strands, showing that the hair shaft has split in two.
2. Double split ends
This is the more severe version of the traditional split, where the strand splits into four parts instead of two.
3. Partial split ends
This is an early-stage split end where the hair starts to fray but hasn’t fully separated yet. With quick intervention, they can be managed before they get worse.
4. Tree split ends
Named after their resemblance to tree branches, these strands have multiple small splits coming off one side of the strand.
5. Fork split ends
These are similar to tree splits, but the strand splits into three or more equal parts at the end to create a ‘fork’ effect.
6. Taper split ends
These look like a thinning, wispy taper at the end of the strand before the split becomes obvious.
7. Feather split ends
Very damaged hair can form feathered splits, where the end frays in a pattern that resembles a bird feather.
8. Incomplete split ends
This appears like a bulge or a weak spot on the strand without an actual separation yet, suggesting internal stress.
What causes split ends?
There are lots of factors that contribute to split ends, and understanding them is the first step to preventing them!
1. Heat styling
Frequently using hair straighteners, curling wands, and blow dryers without heat protection can strip moisture from the hair. This can damage the cuticle, weakening its structure and leading to split ends.
2. Chemical treatments
Treatments like colouring, bleaching, perming, and relaxing can all break down the natural proteins in your locks, causing it to become brittle and prone to splitting.
3. Skipping regular cuts
When split ends aren’t trimmed, they keep travelling up the hair strand, making hair look uneven and frizzy. This could also mean you having to have more length taken off your locks than you’d like on your next salon visit.
4. Poor diet
Hair needs key nutrients to be strong and healthy. A lack of protein, vitamins, and essential fatty acids can lead to weaker strands that split more easily.
5. Overwashing
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and much more vulnerable to damage.
6. Environment
Sun exposure, wind, and harsh weather can dry your hair out and damage the cuticle, causing split ends to form quicker.
7. Brushing hair too hard
Using the wrong brush, detangling hair aggressively, or brushing your hair when it is wet can physically tear your strands.
8. Tight hairstyles
Styles that pull tightly at the scalp like ponytails or braids can stress the hair shaft, leading to breakages and splits.
9. Rough towel drying
Rubbing your hair too roughly when towel drying can cause friction and breakage. Wet hair is particularly delicate and prone to splitting, so needs extra care.
10. Using the wrong hair products
Products that contain sulphates, alcohol, or harsh detergents can dry out your hair and weaken the ends over time.
How do you prevent split ends?
Split ends are incredibly common, but they can be prevented by following a few simple steps, like getting frequent cuts and using the right shampoo.
1. Regular salon visits
Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends before they start creeping up your strands! Book in at your local salon today: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder
2. Hydrating shampoo
Use a sulphate-free, moisture-rich shampoo to gently cleanse without stripping natural oils. We’d recommend using our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo which blends betaine, argan oil, and shea butter to lock in moisture.
3. Healthy diet
Fuel your hair from within by eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E. Also make sure that you drink lots of water!
4. Heat protecting products
Before using heated tools, apply a heat protectant tool to shield strands from heat damage while adding a smooth, frizz-free finish. Our GUARD Heat Protection Spray protects against temperatures of 220°C, making it an ideal solution.
5. Only dry brush
Wait until your hair is dry before you tackle it with the brush! Choose a soft-bristle brush to gently detangle without pulling.
6. Condition regularly
Nourish your hair with a rich leave-in conditioner to maintain softness and strength. Our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray uses avocado oil to add shine and vegetable protein to make strands stronger, as well as detangling, reducing frizz and keeping hair moisturised.
7. Only wash hair when needed
Only wash your hair when it needs a clean - usually every two to three days - to preserve the natural oils that protect and hydrate your strands. For more information, read our blog: How Often Do You Wash Your Hair
8. Let hair loose
Give your hair a break from tight styles by wearing it down or loose, in styles such as beach waves or layered hairstyles with curtain bangs.
9. Protect hair from the environment
Keep hair shielded when you’re out and about in dry or windy conditions by wearing a hat or scarf. For extra protection from the sun, use a product that contains UV protection like our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist, which can be spritzed over locks.
10. Towel dry with care
Always blot, never rub your hair dry, and avoid tugging or over-manipulating strands during styling.
11. Use a hair mask
Treat your hair weekly with a deep conditioning mask to restore moisture and repair damage.
12. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Silk creates less friction than cotton, reducing the chance of breakage and frizz while you sleep.
Split ends might be common, but with the right combination of salon-quality care and thoughtful habits, they don’t have to be inevitable. Find out more about the best products to help prevent split ends: Damaged Hair Products
