Tired of dry split ends? Our hair undergoes a lot abuse from styling tools and products to daily environmental factors. Here are some tips to help keep your ends healthy.
Get Regular Trimmings
No matter how well you take care of your hair, the everyday combing, washing and environmental factors will cause some damage, and therefore you can’t prevent split ends entirely. Inevitably, a trim will be necessary at some point to control split ends. But, proper care will allow you to stretch trim appointment to every eight to twelve weeks, or may be even longer. Keep a regular check on them. If you happen to see a random split end, take a pair of scissors and get rid of it. Leaving the split end uncut is not a good idea, as it could potentially get worse and travel all the way up to the root.
Oil Your Hair Before You Wash It
Washing can cause damage to your hair. When hair gets wet it absorbs water and swells. In this state it is very fragile and therefore it is easier for splits or chips to occur. Oil forms a protective sheath around your hair, reducing the damage during the washing process. Plus, oil also nourishes your hair, and helps restore its moisture balance. Some of the best oil for pre-wash treatments are coconut oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil and almond oil.
Dry Hair Gently
Wet hair is fragile and vulnerable to damage. Vigorously rubbing your hair dry with a towel creates tangles and twists in many unnatural directions, thus causing breakage and split ends. Instead, gently dab wet hair with a towel to get rid of the excess water.
Use A Wide Tooth Comb
The best way to detangle your hair after shampoo is by using a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and gently work your way up the length of your hair. If you encounter a tangle, stop and untangle it gently with your comb or fingers and then proceed.
Protect Your Hair From The Elements
Environmental factors such as sun, wind and cold work against your hair too. Long-term exposure to hot sun may damage your hair, leaving it dry and brittle, and more prone to breakage as well as split ends. Similarly, cold winds can be just as harsh on your hair.
Whenever you are stepping outside in the hot sun or cold winds you must protect your hair. Wearing a scarf, a hat or a cap will lock in the moisture in your hair and protect it against the elements. In addition, they make great accessories, and they are also excellent at hiding bad hair days.