Split ends: causes and how to get rid of them

Healthy hair is a dream for everyone. That is why, caring for hair should not be careless so as not to invite trouble. One of those hair problems is split ends. Come on, identify what are the causes and how to get rid of split ends.

What causes split ends?

Branched hair or known in the medical world as trichoptilosis is a condition when the ends of the hair split apart due to chemical exposure to the hair shaft. If you pay attention, the ends of this hair feel dry, brittle, until they seem to split into two parts.

There are various factors that cause split ends, from the influence of the weather, how to care for your hair, to the use of hair care products. So that you get the right treatment, identify what causes this trichoptilosis to occur.

1. Often wear hair dryer or flat iron

For those of you who are willing to spend your time pressing or drying your hair to make it easier to style. Unfortunately, the heat from this styling tool can remove natural ingredients in hair

The more often you use hair dryer hair straightener and curling iron will lose the natural nutrients that make up the hair. As a result, the hair becomes dry and branched.

Even more so if you do the wrong way when using a hair styling tool. For example, repeatedly applying an iron in the same place can actually cause hair damage from exposure to hot temperatures.

2. The influence of the weather

In addition to the wrong way to treat hair, the weather also affects hair health. Climate change has an impact on hair, from humidity levels, seasonality, to other factors.

You probably already know that hair that is exposed to the sun will dry out and break easily. So, what about the other weather?

In windy weather, your hair will get tangled and wavy more easily. In addition, the wind increases the rate at which your hair evaporates, making it more brittle and dry.

If your hair is repeatedly exposed to strong winds, it is not impossible that the ends of the hair will split. If left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of hair loss which can also lead to baldness.

3. The effect of hair dye

It is no secret that the content of hair dye products can harm hair health. In fact, one of the dangers of dyeing your hair too often is that it causes split ends.

Chemical changes in hair that occur as a result of hair dye products can remove melanin from the hair shaft. As a result, the hair will not be as strong as it used to be and will cause the ends to split in half.

This condition will get worse if the coloring process is repeated, especially if hair serum or vitamins are not given.

4. Tying hair too tight

Tight hair ties will indeed make it easier for owners of long hair to do activities. However, this habit turns out to be considered. Too tight and tie your hair in the same place can cause split ends.

This is because the strong pressure from the hair tie makes the hair shaft unable to breathe. In addition, the hair cannot move freely, making it more at risk of damage. If left untreated, hair damage will occur quickly with the ends of the hair breaking down in half.

5. Unsuitable hair care products

Routine treatment with hair shampoo and conditioner products to maintain their health is actually fine. However, you certainly need to pay attention to the content in these hair care products.

Instead of making hair healthier, using the wrong products can actually backfire on hair health. The reason is, the content of care products that are not suitable actually removes the natural nutrients of the hair.

As a result, hair is easily tangled, brittle, damaged, and makes it prone to breakage and split ends.

How to get rid of split ends

The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut the ends. Keep in mind that pulling the ends of your hair loose in half will actually damage your hair. That is why, the best way to solve this problem is to cut the ends of the hair.

Try to use sharp scissors when cutting your own hair. Blunt scissors can actually tear hair, which can worsen hair breakage.

If you choose to do hair care in a salon by cutting it, discuss the matter with your hair stylist so they can help you remove split ends.

How to care for hair so it does not split

Split ends cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce the number of these hair problems with certain treatments. The main key to how to care for split ends is to understand your hair well.

Well, here are some ways you can do to prevent the ends of your hair from getting damaged quickly.

1. Routinely cut hair

One way to treat split ends is to cut your hair regularly, especially at the ends. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, hair growth occurs at about 1 cm per month. However, this can also occur from more than 0.6 - 3.36 cm.

Everyone will experience hair growth that is quite varied. However, the hair will grow back soon, so it's best to trim the ends of your hair regularly.

Experts recommend cutting your hair every 6-10 weeks. This is so that the damaged ends of the hair do not break down further and make the hair healthier and look thicker.

If you are interested in lengthening your hair, you don't need to do this method too often. In essence, whenever you see the ends of your hair start to split in half or feel a little dry, it's time to get a haircut.

2. Be careful when the hair is wet

Hair that is wet after shampooing is more at risk of damage. The reason is, this hair will be more tangled and brittle, especially when you comb it with a tight-toothed comb.

Also, never use a straightener or curling iron on wet hair. This habit can actually heat the strands of hair and cause fatal damage.

You also need to be careful when tying your hair in a tight fit as it can damage the hair. If you have to tie it up, try to try a hair tie that's soft and doesn't tangle your hair easily.

3. Wear a hair mask

One way to treat split ends and easily damaged hair is to use a hair mask. Some of the natural ingredients below are claimed to be effective in dealing with split ends.

Banana

Banana mask is a popular hair mask for restoring healthy hair. How not, this yellow fruit contains potassium, zinc, iron, and a number of vitamins that can restore hair elasticity.

In addition, you can also get smooth and moisturized hair.

How to use it:

• Cut the ripe banana
• Add 2 tablespoons plain yogurt and lemon juice
• Mix the ingredients in a blender
• Apply banana mask on hair
• Let stand for one hour
• Rinse thoroughly

Egg

The protein keratin and fatty acids in eggs can help rebuild damaged hair strands. Protein also fills in the fragile areas of hair and makes hair soft again, and resists damage.

How to use it:

• Beat the egg yolks and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or 1 teaspoon of honey
• Mix well
• Apply the mixture on damp hair
• Let stand for 30 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with shampoo so that the smell is gone

4. Choose a quality hair styling tool

With current technological advances, there are already available styling tools, such as straighteners and hair dryers, which are much more protective for your hair.

For example, a hairdryer equipped with infrared technology helps dry hair from the inside out. This turns out to reduce frizz, but it dries faster.

Some products also have ionic technology with the help of negative ions to break down water molecules to evaporate faster.

Branched hair can indeed damage the overall health of your hair if you don't cut it right away. Even though it can be overcome easily, you still need to keep your hair healthy so that the same thing does not happen.

If you have further questions, please consult your hair doctor for the right solution.