When the bond between the cuticle and cortex of the hair shaft becomes weak due to any reason, the cuticle will separate from the cortex. This is commonly known as a split end. The split usually occurs at the end of the hair shaft because the overlaying layers of the cuticle come to an abrupt end.
Symptoms of Split ends
Split ends are common and often natural occurrence on the end of the hair shaft. Because the overlaying layers of the cuticle come to an abrupt end at the end of the hair shaft, eventually the cuticle will begin to separate from the cortex. You can easily recognize the split ends symptoms. Sometimes visible to the naked eye, a split end will appear to be broken or frayed at the end of the hair shaft. Hair will feel dry on the ends and will be frizzy. It will tangle and knot, certainly making hairstyling difficult. In the case of severe split ends, the hair ends will feel spongy or mushy when wet.
Types of Split Ends
There are several different kinds of split ends, and we can’t discuss them all in this article; we will discuss here four main types of split ends.
Moderate Severity Split Ends
In mild to moderate severity split ends, the damage to the hair is not yet permanent. The cuticle has begun to flare up away from the cortex, but the separation is not yet complete. Some or all of the cortex may be intact. With a salon based hair treatment, you can treat this type of split ends.
Severe Split Ends
Extreme split ends are the instance where the damage to the hair is permanent. The cuticle has completely separated from the cortex and the cortex is damaged beyond repair or is gone all together. Usually, in this case, fraying of the cuticle has occurred. Severe split ends must be treated immediately to avoid any further damage. Although severe split ends are an example of permanent damage, they are not the worst-case scenario. So you should consult with a salon professional for possible split end treatment.
Traveling Split Ends
When a severe split end is left untreated, and no changes are made to the damaging incident that caused the split ends, the split can travel along the hair shaft. As the split end continues to contact damaging incidents and the cortex is exposed to this damage, the separation between the cuticle and cortex will travel along the hair shaft towards the root of the hair. This includes exposure to water. If an individual has severe split ends and does nothing about it, each hair cleansing and styling session will increase that damage, increasing the risk of allowing the split to travel up the hair shaft.
Hair Breakage
Although breakage is not usually considered to be a split end, the truth is that breakage is an example of mechanical damage that resulted in a split end somewhere along the hair shaft. The hair shaft has been stretched to the point of breaking, and at that point, the end that is left is a damaged split end. This split end is usually caused by some other underlying problem with the hair shaft, and individuals with breakage should consult a salon professional for hair treatment.
Causes of Split Ends
There are several different causes of split ends. In some cases, persons may be predisposed to split ends. You can be one of them if you have dry hair, which can easily break, or persons with fine hair where the hair shaft diameter is small.
What are the treatments of Split Ends?
There are some effective salon treatments available for split ends. But if you are unaware what kind of split ends you have and how to treat them, then you must visit one of the best hair salons and consult with skilled hairstylist in your town. If you don’t know how to find the specific one, for example if you are from Fredericton then you can search online like split ends treatment in Fredericton or split ends treatment near me and you will find a lot of options to choose.
Treatment for Moderate split ends
Mild to moderate split ends are easy to manage, but discussion with a hair salon stylist is the best way to decide the current level of damage and the suitable treatment for this. In general, these treatments focus on the replacement of moisture and protein in the cuticle and cortex. This is achieved with in-salon products that open the cuticle and collagen or all amino acids to enter the cortex. Most of these treatments are called Protein treatments. When combined with a proper hair care regimen, they are beneficial and can significantly reduce or eliminate the problem.
Treatment for Breakage and Severe Split Ends
There is only one viable option for the treatment of severe split ends. That treatment is to cut off the affected portion of the hair shaft. This may be a difficult decision, especially for those interested in growing out their hair, but unfortunately, there is no other option except this. By eliminating the split ends, the hair will no longer be kinky and uncontrollable or vulnerable to traveling split ends. The best solution for Traveling split ends is to cut off and stop the process and avoid further damage.
How to Prevent Split ends
Prevention of split ends is the most effective and most important way to manage and treat split ends. No matter the severity of split ends, a hair care routine intended to stop split ends will always be crucial. Aggressive prevention may not be essential for everyone, and a salon hairstylist should be consulted for the most significant results.
Protect the Cuticle
Prevention methods are designed to protect the cuticle. When the cuticle is intact and the cuticle's amount of damage takes during its lifetime, the cortex of the hair will be protected from harm.
Be Alert
The first step in prevention is to be alert of damaging instances. When one happens, limit the damage as much as possible and get hair treatment as soon as you can. This will help your hair get better and stop additional damage.
Use Conditioner with UV Protection
In the next step, you must look after the cuticle of your hair from the regular damage. A leave-in conditioner with UV protection will reduce the amount of friction your hair is exposed to during styling and from the wind. UV protection will save the sun’s rays from penetrating the cuticle and damaging the cortex.
Protect Hair Shafts
Cover the ends of your hair with a product designed to coat and protect the end of the hair shaft. This lessens the friction between each hair end and supports defending the exposed cortex at the end of the hair shaft from damage and keeping the bond between the cuticle and cortex strong.
Avoid Excess Washing
You must review your cleansing and conditioning habits. Everyday cleansing can strip the hair of moisture and necessary oils. If you are prone to split ends or dry hair, consider cleansing every other day and only apply the shampoo to the hair's root and work it no further than mid-shaft. This allows the older sections of the hair shaft to retain some of their moisture and oils. Always condition when you cleanse if you are prone to split ends or dry hair. Make use of in salon hair services to improve overall your hair health. These treatments improve hair elasticity and strength. And help to close and smooth the cuticle.
Regular haircuts
Regular trims are the best way to control split ends and still allow the hair to grow. At first, this may seem counter-intuitive. However, let’s understand first how it works. Vibrant Salon and Spa recommend that clients return to the salon after every two months for a haircut. When the salon is visited, according to recommendation, it is only necessary to remove a maximum of 1/4 of an inch of hair from the end of the shaft. This will remove the split ends but also renews the hairstyle because hair grows at an average of 1/2 an inch per month. This is 6 inches a year. If 1/4 of an inch is trimmed after every two months, then a total of one and a half inches per year will be trimmed. Leaving a gain of 4.5 inches of growth. In addition, hair will be easy to manage and healthy.