Every woman loves her crowning glory and puts a lot of effort in making her hair look soft, bouncy and shiny. Long hair has always been in vogue, but there are some problems related with maintaining long hair. Amongst these, split end is the most common one. Split ends are the damaged ends of hair, which are seen in the last 2 to 3 cm length of hair, in an unsightly form. The only feasible option for split ends seems to be cutting or trimming the hair. But those who do not want to part with their priceless locks, often ask around how to get rid of split ends without cutting. Since split ends are caused due to hair damage, it essential to study what has led to this problem in a woman’s hair, so that steps can be taken to rectify it.
Causes Of Formation Of Split Ends
The appearance of split ends in your hair points to the fact that your hair is not getting the care it deserves. In fact, it is the warning sign that your hair is getting damaged due to one reason or another and implies that something needs to be done fast. Here are some common causes of formation of split ends:
- Though the problem of split ends can surface in women of any age or hair type, they are more common in those who have long hair. Long hair is susceptible to get dry as the nutrition from the scalp may not be fully available to the ends of the hair and it can cause split ends.
- Lack of proper care is another common cause of split ends. This includes washing hair very often and combing it in a harsh manner, which exerts pressure on the hair ends, causing them to split. Using very hot water for washing hair can also harm it.
- Using harsh chemical hair products such as shampoos and hair dyes can deprive the hair follicles of its outer protective layer. Once the inner surface of the hair is exposed, it is dehydrated and weakened. This makes hair susceptible to damage as they become dry and brittle and develop split ends easily.
- Similarly, lack of adequate nutrition is another reason why split ends may appear. It can happen due to unhealthy diet or never using oil or conditioner for hair.
- Excessive styling of hair, particularly using heat treatment like blow drying and straightening weakens the hair and they become prone to getting split ends, in addition to multiple hair problems. Similarly, salon chemical services are equally harmful.
- Environmental factors such as exposure pollution, hot and dry climate and harsh winds can also result in appearance of split ends.
At the end of the day, if we focus on rectifying these causes, it would be easy to find the answer to the question how to get rid of split ends without cutting. It should be borne in mind that you should try to rely n nature when finding the treatment for split ends because use of chemical products can cause more harm than good.
Natural Remedies: How To Get Rid Of Split Ends Without Cutting?
Most of the hair experts would recommend trimming of hair as the solution to the problem of split ends. But this might seem to be heartbreak for those who are not willing to cut their hair short. Here are some natural hair care remedies, which are considered a safe and effective alternative to cutting your hair short. All you need is a few ingredients from your kitchen cabinet and you can treat split ends in an inexpensive and chemical free manner right in your home.
1. Avocado and Oil Hair Mask
Rejuvenate your hair with this amazing hair mask, which has the goodness of natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil and avocado. All of them nourish your hair, add new bounce, and shine in it.
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Ripe mashed avocado 1
Usage
Slightly warm up the oils and mix them up, making sure that they are at a comfortable temperature. Mix in the mashed avocado to form a paste of creamy consistency. Apply the hair mask starting from the middle length and reaching till the ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp. Tie your hair in a bun, cover it up with a shower cap and then a towel. Let the mask rest for half an hour, following which you can wash your hair and condition it as you always do. Application of the hair mask will show marvelous results in the first wash itself, making your hair smooth, shiny and healthy. Regular sue will nourish the hair from root to scalp and make split ends disappear gradually.
2. Oil and Moisturizer Hair Mask
Can you imagine that a facial moisturizer can be equally effective for hydrating your hair? You have to use this easy to make hair mask to believe it!
Ingredients:
- Olive/Coconut Oil 2 tablespoons
- Any good quality moisturizer 2 tablespoons
Usage
Mix both the ingredients and apply the mixture on your hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it for half an hour and then shampoo your hair. Application of this simple hair mask every time you shampoo your hair will nourish your hair from roots to tips and give them new life and shine, and of course, get rid of split ends.
3. Egg Yolk, Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask
Another effective hair mask, which can be used to prevent appearance of split, ends. This one contains the age-old hair remedies such as eggs, olive oil and honey.
Ingredients:
- Egg yolk 1
- Olive Oil 3 tablespoons
- Honey 1 tablespoons
Usage
Mix all the three ingredients and apply the smooth mixture all along the length of the hair. Let it stay for an hour and then wash it off using a mild shampoo. Apply conditioner later on. Use this mask twice a month to see wonderful results. You hair will soon be free of split ands and look long, smooth and silky.
4. Banana and Curd Hair Mask
The hair mask uses simple and easily available ingredients but gives absolutely astonishing results, making your hair shine with good health and getting rid of unsightly split ends.
Ingredients
- Ripe banana 1
- Fresh curd 2 tablespoons
- Rose water (optional) a few drops
- Lemon juice (optional) a few drops
Usage
Mix all the ingredients using a blender getting a smooth paste. This mask is to be applied from scalp to ends of the hair to provide deep nourishment. Let its stay for an hour and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Use this nourishing hair mask once a week to make hair strong and healthy.
5. Beer Remedy
Sounds too good to be true, but the good old beer can be used as a remedy for split ends too. Loaded with sugar and proteins, this much loved drink can impart amazing strength to hair and also repair the damage caused to it because of one reason or the other. All you have to do is follow up your shampoo and conditioning regime with a rinse of beer. Don’t mind the stench because it is a small price to pay to bring back the glory of your precious locks.
In addition to these natural remedies for split ends, you can apply a good quality cosmetic hair mask, many of which are available in the market. Just modify the application technique a bit and you can get much greater benefit from its use. Instead of the regular 2-3 minute application, leave the mask on your hair after you shampoo it. Cover it with a shower cap and let it stay for an hour or two. Rinse hair later and get shiny and healthy hair, sans split ends, if you use this method regularly.
7 Best Hair Care Tips To Make A Note Of
If you want to do away with split ends, but not at the cost of losing your hair, you can follow some special hair care tips to restore the good health of your hair and make sure that you do not encounter the problem of split ends again. Here are some special hair care tips to prevent appearance of split ends:
1. Be Gentle On Your Hair
Let you hair know how precious it is for you by treating it with gentle care. Use the best quality hair products according to the specialized needs of your hair. A shampoo for dry hair does not work well on oily hair, so mind what you buy for your hair. Do not try hairstyles that require a lot of pulling and twisting; keep them reserved for special occasions only. Use of metallic hair accessories is also not recommended; instead make use of covered elastic bands, which do not inflict damage to your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair with towel for drying it. Let it dry naturally instead.
2. Make Use Of Wide Tooth Comb
Avoid combing your hair with a narrow toothcomb right after washing tem, as they are brittle at this time. Instead, run a wide toothcomb through damp hair and try to remove the tangles gently. This ensures that there is no breakage of hair, which is the basic cause of split ends.
3. Avoid Using Heat Styling
Use of heat styling products like hair dryers, curling rods and hair straightening rods can damage the hair and cause split ends. Avoid using such styling treatments and if you do use them, use good quality equipment, which does not overheat quickly.
4. Minimize Chemical Styling
Similarly, minimize the use of chemical products on hair as they deprive the hair of their natural moisture as well as protective covering. These products include hair dyes, sprays and chemical straightening products.
5. Make Use Of Leave In Hair Conditioner
One of the best ways to impart strength to hair, prevent breakage, and split ends is to make regular use of leave in conditioners of good quality. Such conditioning products protect the hair in the end as they stay in the hair, in comparison to the regular ones, which need to be rinsed immediately.
6. Regular Trimming
Though we are seeking to get rid of split ends from hair without cutting them, regular trimming is important as it eliminates the possibility of their appearance altogether. Once every 6-8 weeks would be effective enough as avoiding trimming can damage hair and carry the split ends to hair shafts. On the other hand, regular trimming would promote hair growth.
7. Nutritious Diet
Last but not the least, you have to be healthy inside out to keep your hair in a strong and problem free state. Proteins being the building blocks of your hair need to be taken in abundance. Other vital nutrients, which you need to include in your diet, are biotin and folic acid, both of which play a key role in increasing the length of your hair as well as improving its texture. Leafy green vegetables, wheat, soybeans and oranges are food items rich in folic acid, while walnuts, soybeans, brown rice, peas, lentils and sunflower seeds abound in biotin. Omega 3 fatty acids, selenium and Vitamin A and C should also be included in your diet. Staying hydrated is equally important for keeping your hair in good health. Drink plenty of water, at least 8-10 glasses every day, which will ensure that your hair does not become dehydrated and dry.
In addition to these hair health tips, you need to protect your hair from environmental factors such as strong winds and harmful UV rays of the sun. Wear a hat or scarf while you go out during a hot or windy day. Stress is another factor that can damage your hair and cause multiple problems, including split ends. Try to keep stress away and get strong, healthy and split end free hair.