What are split ends?
Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle, and frayed. These are the oldest parts of your hair, and over time they may splinter causing split ends. They may resemble the end of an unravelled rope. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, and hair care techniques such as blow-drying, straightening, and curling may cause split ends and they can also be caused by chemical hair treatments.
How do split ends affect your hair appearance?
Split ends and broken hair fibres can cause the hair to look dry, straggly, frizzy and uneven at the ends, with the lengths looking flat and dull. Why? When the cuticles are damaged, they don't lie down flat against the fibre. This means the light does not reflect as well off the hair, which is why people with split ends often notice a lack of luminosity and depth. These damaged cuticles are also less supple, which means they do not lie smoothly against one another but have a tendency to tangle, create knots, and break even further. Our Neal & Wolf Velvet Nourishing Hair Oil helps to seal the appearance of split ends to keep hair looking shiny and feeling of long-lasting smoothness.
How can you prevent split ends?
Wondering how to get rid of split ends? When the hair strand is split or fractured, the only solution to restore a healthy fibre is a visit to your hairstylist for a trim. Once neatly cut off, however, you can start your prevention plan. Split ends are caused by the weakening of the hair shaft and the splitting of the fibre, therefore prevention comes in the form of damage avoidance and control, as well as an adapted haircare routine to keep the hair shaft moisturised and supple. Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Shampoo and Treatment is a range specifically formulated using a unique combination of intensive conditioners that deliver an instant transformation which help protect the hair from future damage.
An often-unknown cause of split ends or damage to the hair is towel drying and harsh brushing. Rubbing against the hair too roughly can weaken the cuticles and even break the fibre. Instead, it is recommended to squeeze out excess moisture before blow-drying on low heat, and using a wide paddle brush only once hair has begun to dry. For essential detangling, a wide-toothed comb with Neal & Wolf Miracle Rapid Blow-dry Mist can help minimise damage and breakage. This lightweight spray is a special blend of ingredients that adds moisture, protects from heat damage, strengthens hair, reduces frizz and static and even refreshes and brightens the colour. Miracle is made from ultra-lightweight conditioners to protect your cuticles from heat damage. It is enriched with shea butter to reduce frizz and avocado oil to help strengthen from within. It will help to detangle fine hair prone to knots, enhance shine and leave hair supple and full of vitality. Heat is also a culprit that can result in split ends.
Heat damage is one of the major causes of split ends and fly-aways because, when too high, it breaks the chemical bonds, which normally provide strength to the hair fibre. Always apply a heat protectant, and turn your hairdryer to its lowest temperature. Neal & Wolf Guard Heat Protection Spray has added heat protection of up to 220°C - infused with Silk protein complex and Meadowfoam seed oil, it will add shine and radiance to hair.
Split Ends: Tips & Tricks
- Get regular haircuts and trims, preferably every six weeks.
- Use a conditioner after shampooing or use a leave-in conditioner.
- Use a wide tooth comb to detangle wet hair.
- Limit services that damage hair, such as colouring and chemical straightening.
- Use a heat-protective spray, and minimize the use of heat.
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