If it’s been a while since your last haircut, you may have noticed a few split ends. Although they can be fun to peel and pick at, they need to be cut immediately to avoid damaging the strands further. Use this guide to find out what causes split ends, as well as how to prevent and treat them.

What to Know About Split Ends

Causes

Dry, brittle hair is prone to damage and will eventually separate. Dryness is caused by combing aggressively, using heated styling tools, pulling the hair tightly, and taking hot showers. Bleaching, coloring, and chemically treating your hair frequently will weaken the strands and make them split.

Prevention & Treatments

Be gentle with your hair and keep it moisturized to prevent split ends. Avoid harsh chemicals in products, always condition your hair, and refrain from using heated styling tools when possible. You should also brush and dry your hair gently, especially when it’s wet.

Some shampoos and topical products temporarily fuse the ends together to reduce frizz; however, the damage can’t be fixed or healed. This is because the ends of your hair are dead and can’t regrow. Ignoring the damage will make your hair frizzier and more tangled. Getting a haircut is the only way to remove the split ends, so book an appointment every four to six weeks to trim them off.

If it’s been a while since your last haircut, turn to the team at Aikahi Hair & Nail Salon in Kailua, HI. These professionals have provided clients across Oahu with stylish haircuts for over 17 years. During the appointment, they’ll remove the dead, damaged split ends and offer you tips on how to maintain the fresh cut. Visit the website to view their full list of services, or call (808) 254-1471 to schedule a trim.