Split ends are annoying and unattractive that prevents healthy hair growth. Split ends are the weak areas of the hair shaft where the outer protective layer is damaged. The hair becomes dry and dull looking and tends to lose volume. They begin to crack, causing hair splits. Here, you can see how to get rid of split ends at home? Ways to prevent split ends naturally.
Causes of hair split
Split ends are found mostly at the ends of the hair. There are several factors that are responsible for hair split. These include external factors like blow dryers, flat iron and hot rollers, which are used by women for hair styling. Brushing or combing they are soaking wet is another major reason to weaken the hair. Chemicals present in hair dyes and other hair care products tend to weaken the hair from the root to the tip. Rough cloth used for pillow cases and hair bands also lead to breakage of hair. Over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and harsh cold winds in winter are harmful to the hair and can damage the hair shaft and cause split ends. In some cases, genetics plays a major role in the cause of hair splits.
Ways to avoid split ends naturally
Trimming to prevent split ends
Trimming the hair with special sharp shears is the best preventive maintenance of split ends. These shears should only be used for trimming, or else they become blunt. The ends of the hair must be cut straight across the ends and never in a slanting position. Hair cut at an angle increases the surface area and gives chances for more split ends. Trimming should be avoided when the hair is wet because this can lead to split ends.
Avoid heating to get rid of split ends
Heat often leads to loss of the natural moisture of the hair causing damage to the hair. It also changes the protein structure of the hair temporarily. Constant use of hair styles like blow dryers and flat irons must be avoided. If they unavoidable, they must be used at the minimum temperature over clean and well conditioned hair. The hair must be sprayed with a heat protectant before using heat tools. The head must be well covered and hair properly tied before going out in the sun.
Reduce the use of chemicals to protect hair
Chemicals present in hair coloring products, and hair styling products become effective only when they reach deep down into the hair cuticles. These tend to weaken the cuticles and lead to split ends. Damage from these chemicals can be treated by regular deep conditioning with coconut oil or olive oil to prevent split ends.
Deep conditioning for smooth hair
Deep conditioning should be done weekly with using a good quality moisturizing conditioner. Protein treatments help to repair the hair cuticles and shafts and prevent hair breakage and hair split. It also maintains the natural balance of the moisture in the hair. You must make a habit of providing deep conditioning to your hair.
Hair moisturizing to get shiny
Applying oil to the hair with water based oils provide a protective shield over the hair, which prevent the damage caused by external factors like ultraviolet rays of the sun, humidity and harsh winds blowing in the winter. The ends of the hair shafts must be moisturized daily as they are more prone to get rid of damaged than the roots. Moisturizer can be done with coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil.
Combing to reduce hair damage
Hair strands are weak immediately after a shampoo when they are soaking wet. It is advisable to use a broad tooth comb to detangle the hair. Always comb the detangle hair from the lower end and then move upwards towards the shaft. Combing and brushing of wet hair must be avoided. If it is necessary some conditioner must be applied before combing to reduce damage to hair ends.
Use cotton hair scarf to protect hair from pollution and heat
Cotton scarf does not damage the hair as they are soft and smooth. Scarf made from rough material like wool and synthetic tend to weaken the hair by pulling them. Similarly, it is advisable to use cotton pillow cases. Cover your hair with scarf to get rid of hair fall due to excess heat, dust and pollution.
Shampoo twice a week
Hair need to be washed twice as the first wash simply loosens the deposit of dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells. The second wash cleans the scalp, nourishes the skin and improves the circulation of blood
Avoid brushing wet hair
Brushing should be done with a soft hairbrush with natural bristles. It is better to avoid brushing wet hair. The best hair brush is the pure boar bristle brush is similar to human hair and does not remove the natural oils from the hair, which seals the moisture in the scalp and prevents hair split.
Keep the hair tied
Always pull the hair back and tie with soft standard ties which prevent hair breakage. Rubber and steel bands tend to pull and break the hair. On the other hand open tresses exposed to environmental hazards are more prone to split ends than those tied in a bun and covered with a scarf or hat.
Carefully apply shampoo to your hair
Shampoo for hair is good enough with the quantity, but not using it too much on your scalp. Thus, too much shampoo can strip away healthy oils. This also helps to leave your hair vulnerable to damage your hair. These tips can regimen and can minimize split ends. Shampoo your hair not more than three times a week. It is better as less often as you have thick curls or Afro textured hair. Wash your scalp and the hair nearest to it. Leave the rest of your hair down. The shampoo should run down as it receives enough washing. Rinse your hair with cool water and you can stand as hot water strips ways protective oil. Try a different or mild shampoo, if your hair still splits rapidly. Make sure to avoid shampoos with sulfate or paraben.
Eat foods that are rich in folic acid and biotin
You can add some nutrient foods into your diet to get good build and protein that makes up your hair strands. Take Vitamin B with folic acid and biotin as a supplement for hair health, length and thickness. Folic acid helps to produce red blood cells. This can increase the growth of hair. So, include foods that are rich in folic acid such as green leafy vegetables, oranges, soybeans and wheat. Biotin also strengthens your hair and nails. This acts a natural metabolism of fats, carbs and proteins. The foods that you need to include in your diet are brown rice, lentils, peas, sunflower seeds, walnuts and soybeans which are rich in biotin.
Home remedies for split hair
Papaya mask- is an ideal mask to prevent and also repair split ends. Mix some mashed ripe papaya and curd together into a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the scalp and hair and leave it for an hour. Wash the hair using a natural shampoo.
Mustard oil and castor oil remedy is found to be very effective in preventing split ends if done regularly. Mix mustard oil and castor oil in equal amounts and massage the hair thoroughly with it. Cover the head with a hot towel and shampoo the hair after an hour.
Curd and honey hair pack for split ends remedy is another good home remedy to nourish the hair and repair split ends. Mix some honey in a cup of curd and apply it on the head. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing it off.
Black lentils and fenugreek remedy is helpful in preventing split ends of the hair. Powder the black lentil and seeds of fenugreek in a grinder. Mix curd and prepare a fine paste. Apply this paste on the hair and scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water.
Hot Oil Deep Conditioner is helpful in preventing split ends as it adds moisture to the hair. The most effective oils for deep conditioning include olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil. Heat any one of the oils and massage the hair thoroughly with it. Wrap a hot towel and leave it for an hour for the oil to go deep into the hair follicles. Wash the hair using a mild shampoo.
Shea Butter or cocoa butter can also be used to prevent split hair. Massage Shea butter immediately after a shampoo and leave the hair to dry.
Clarified Butter or Ghee is an excellent nourishing agent that keeps the hair strong and healthy. There are no chances of such hair to develop split ends. Massage the hair with warm ghee at night before going to bed. Shampoo the hair in the morning using a natural shampoo and lukewarm water.
Egg pack to protect your hair naturally Egg pack is the best natural home remedy to make your hair strands free from split ends. This helps to remove hair dryness and dullness. There are various other hair packs to relieve split ends. Take an egg and break it out in a bowl. You can separate egg yolk and egg white in a bowl. Add olive oil or almond oil and honey, into egg white. Apply this mixture as a hair mask. Leave it for about 30 – 45 minutes. You can also use a beaten egg with an added spoon of water as shampoo. Alternatively, pour orange juice, banana and two egg mixture as a hair mask. Mix them well and apply this paste to your hair. Leave it for about 30 minutes. Rinse it off using a mild shampoo.