Beauty Guru Post: How To Eliminate Split Ends
Split ends of the hair shaft are a result of damage to the cuticle layer. The cuticle layer is the protective layer of the hair. It consists of overlapping cells much like shingles on a house and protects the cortex (the second layer of the hair) and the medulla (the marrow of the hair). Depending on how well the overlapping cells are woven determines your hair porosity (how porous your hair is). You can read more about hair porosity and simple tests to determine your hair porosity at my blog post.
Now that we understand the hair's structure, let's take a look at why we get split ends. For the most part, split ends occur in dry and/or brittle hair and occurs when the cuticle layer as been stripped away from the end of the hair. Dry and brittle hair is a direct result of not providing enough moisture and/or protein to hair.
In order to take preventative measures against split ends we first need to do an assessment of the hair's health. In order to do this assessment test you will need to discontinue hair care products that are silicone based for 8 weeks. Silicone based shampoos and conditioners actually coat the hair shaft and while it may look healthy and shiny it is actually depriving your hair of the necessary moisture and protein it requires. If you can not live without a silicone based hair care product then do a clarifying rinse with diluted vinegar to remove all traces of product buildup in the hair.
Strand Test - with a wet strand of hair stretch the hair strand, if it breaks immediately and has no stretch it has a moisture deficiency. If the hair strands stretches over 30% but does not bounce back to its original state then there is a protein deficiency. There are several products on the market to add protein back into the hair but a homemade remedy I just heard about and am going to try is an infusion of catnip poured directly onto the hair then rinsed out. Other ingredients that will add protein to your hair are egg yolks, coconut milk or oil, soy, and mayonnaise. Mix some of these ingredients up with some olive oil and make a hair mask.
You can get more hair care recipes at Complete Hair Care Therapy
To fix split ends in between trims is a simple matter of cutting them off also known as dusting. This will prevent them from moving further up the hair shaft. You will need a very sharp pair of hair cutting shears. Take a section of hair and gently twist into a loose rope, any hairs that pop out of the rope you can cut off. Albeit you may want to have friends help with this.
While there is no cure for split ends once the cuticle layer has been damaged you can take these preventative steps:
Get a hair trim every six weeks, I know what a pain; I am guilty of going way to long between trims!
Always use cloth or rubber coated bands in your hair.
Invest in a satin pillowcase. Not only is it gentler on the hair it is gentler on the face too. See my post "Bothered by pillow case creases in your face!"
Never brush the hair when wet, always use a wide tooth comb or pick.
Consider a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a month.
Invest in the right hair care products for your hair texture.
As stated above, you can not really get rid of spilt ends once they have developed however you can prevent their occurrence with a little preventive maintenance.
Below are what I consider the best hair care products on the market to nourish, hydrate and add protein to the hair!
L'anza Hair Repair Protein Plus Shampoo is a gentle coconut based cleanser that carries nutrients and protein deep into the hair shaft. This shampoo is recommended for chemically treated or environmentally damaged hair because of its ability to restore pliability, strength and shine. Active Jojoba and Biotin contained in Protein Plus Shampoo help to restore the acid mantle of the scalp, ultimately leaving the hair and scalp in renewed condition and on its way to continued well being. Keratin Bond System™: Strengthens hair and replenishes its inner structure. Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Coconut-derived surfactant. Very gentle on fragile, damaged hair. 100% Active Jojoba and Biotin: Replaces scalp's natural acid mantle. Algae Extract: Increases lubricity and moisturizing potential. A creamy coconut-based cleanser that carries nutrients and proteins that replace and balance the vital protein and moisture ration in damaged, overstressed hair.
Emu Shampoo & Conditioner - Our best shampoo and conditioner for dry, brittle hair. Super-moisturizing dry, fly-away hair while adding volume, bounce and manageability! Save with this top-selling combo! Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners help hydrate your hair deep down into the scalp.
Emu oil shampoo is the best shampoo that I have ever used. I had done a lot of research on omega 3's for skin and hair and found that emu oil has one of the highest contents. I could not find it in 99.9% of the shampoos out there. When it comes to conditioner this is the best moisturizer for dry hair.
For more hair care articles and recipes visit Complete Hair Care Therapy and for 15% of hair care products visit Healthy Hair Plus, you won't be disappointed!
