First things first: The only way to get rid of split ends is snipping them off. With that said, there are many ways you can prevent split ends from developing in the first place, and from climbing further if you already have them. From changing up the way you straighten and style, to getting a keratin treatment at your local Cary hair salon, here are our top recommendations on what to do when you’ve got the splits.
Dry Your Hair Carefully
Split ends happen when the hair follicle is placed under stress, and the strand separates into fragments. You might be surprised to learn that one of the most stressful things we do to our hair is towel dry it. Instead of vigorously rubbing it, try gently squeezing out the excess water. You might need to set your alarm a little earlier, but if you want breakage-free hair, we say it’s worth it.
Minimize Blow-Drying and Straightening
Mechanical heating tools are one of the quickest ways to damage hair. That’s why we recommend air-drying your hair as much as possible before letting loose with the dryer. The less time your hair spends under the heat, the healthier it will be. For the same reason, keep your straightener on the low setting, and use it sparingly. Hair straightens best at 180 degrees, and anything hotter than that just dissolves the keratin. Really!
Use High-Quality Shampoo and Conditioner
We’ve touched on this a bit already, but drugstore shampoos and conditioners are usually cheap because they skimp on conditioning agents. While there are no magic shampoos or conditioners that will get rid of split ends, there are salon-strength alternatives that can help control them. We’re not going to recommend a particular product here, because we’d have to see your hair first! If you’re curious about the best shampoo and conditioner for you, stop by Artisan Hair Cary and our friendly stylists will be happy to help you out.
Get a Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatments are great for those suffering from fuzzy, parched split ends. Essentially, a large dose of proteins (mainly keratin, the stuff hair is made of) is blow-dried into the hair, smoothing and reinforcing the strands. Keratin treatments can also lend a mirror-like shine to your hair and cut your styling time in half, and they last for months.
Book a Trim at Our Cary Hair Salon!
If you don’t have the time or budget for a keratin treatment, a simple trim can go a long way towards helping control split ends. The longer you go between hair salon appointment, the more likely you are to cause further breakage, as the hair follicle continues to break and snap along the hair shaft. Frequent cuts—about every 6 to 8 weeks—will help your hair grow faster, too! To schedule an appointment with our Cary hair stylist, click here.
