Split Ends Explained: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Split ends are the ultimate hair nuisance, seemingly appearing out of nowhere and turning a sleek style into a frizzy mess. But what exactly causes those pesky split ends, and more importantly, how can you get rid of them?

In this guide, we'll uncover the truth behind split ends, including causes, effective split end treatments, and pro tips to keep them at bay. We’ll cover:

• What are split ends and what do they look like?


• What causes split ends?


• What hair is prone to split ends?


• How to prevent split ends


• How to treat split ends

What are split ends?

Let’s start with the basics: what are split ends? Known in the medical world as "trichoptilosis" or "schizotrichia", split ends are the result of fraying or splitting of the hair fibre. This most typically occurs at the end of the strand, although splitting can occasionally occur further up the hair.

Split ends are very common, affecting almost everyone with longer hair at some point.

What do split ends look like?

Not sure how to tell if you have split ends? Split ends and broken hair fibres can cause the hair to look dry, straggly and uneven at the ends, with the lengths looking flat and dull. Why? When the cuticles (the overlapping scales that cover the hair strand's core) are damaged, they don't lie down flat against the fibre. This means the light does not reflect as well off the hair, which is why people with split ends often notice a lack of luminosity and depth.

These damaged cuticles are also less supple, which means they do not lie smoothly against one another, but have a tendency to tangle, create knots, and break even further.

Different types of split ends

So, what do split ends look like? Check for tell-tale V-shaped tips or branching ends on hair strands, known as tree split ends, and you'll know it's time to treat those split ends.

Unfortunately for us, there are lots of different types of split ends to look out for. The most common kinds include:

• Traditional split ends – The most common type of split end where the hair shaft splits into two at the very tip, resembling a Y or V shape.


• Partial split ends – Minor splits that occur at the hair tips, often a precursor to more significant splitting if left untrimmed.


• Fork split ends – Splitting resembles a tuning fork, with the end dividing into multiple, unequal strands.


• Tree split ends – Characterised by multiple branches extending from a single strand, similar to branches on a tree.


• Feather split ends – The hair is thinned and weak at the ends, creating a feathery appearance with multiple splits running along the shaft.

Does everyone get split ends?

Not to the same degree. All hair types can suffer from split ends, but you may have more or less split ends than your neighbour due to your hair type, how you style your hair, how intensely, what products you use, or if you use heated tools.

Certain environmental conditions like the weather (wind, rain, sun), pollution and lifestyle can also affect the quality of your hair, making it more prone to damage which can cause split ends. Hard water can be a culprit, too, causing split ends by depositing minerals on the hair, stripping away natural oils, and leaving strands dry and brittle over time.

What causes split ends?

To identify the source of the problem, you need to know what practices are affecting your hair health. Some common causes of split ends include: 

• Heat styling – Excessive use of heat styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons weakens the hair shaft, leading to dryness and breakage at the ends, especially without adequate heat protection. 


• Chemical treatments – Processes like colouring, perming, and relaxing alter the hair's structure, making it more susceptible to splitting.


• Environmental damage – Exposure to sun, wind, and pollution can degrade the hair's protective cuticle, resulting in frayed ends.


• Mechanical stress – Over-brushing or using the wrong type of hair brush can cause physical damage to the hair, leading to split ends, especially when hair is wet. Rough towel drying can also weaken the cuticles and even break the fibre. 


• Dry hair – Insufficient hydration results in dry hair prone to splitting, as there isn't enough moisture to keep the strands flexible.


• Using the wrong haircare products – Using shampoos and conditioners with harsh chemicals or products unsuitable for your hair type can strip moisture and weaken hair, contributing to split ends.


• Poor diet – A lack of essential nutrients in your diet can weaken hair from the inside out, making it more prone to damage and splitting.

Hair Care Routine for the Anti-Breakge - Metal Detox

How to prevent split ends

As split ends are caused by the weakening of the hair shaft and splitting of the fibre, prevention comes in the form of damage avoidance and control. It’s best to practice a haircare routine that keeps the hair shaft moisturised and supple. Pro Longer from Serie Expert is a range specifically formulated with amino acids, which are proteins that can help protect the hair from future damage.

Some other ways to prevent split ends include:

• Regular trims – Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends before they travel up the hair shaft.


• Use heat protectant – Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using hot styling tools to shield your hair from thermal damage.


• Use the right haircare products – Choose targeted shampoos and nourishing conditioners to maintain hair moisture and prevent split ends. Regular use of hair serums and hair oils can help restore moisture to dry hair and target specific concerns. For example, Metal Detox from L'Oréal Professionnel is a range formulated especially to prevent breakage and nourish hair, making it ideal for hair prone to split ends.


• Avoid over-washing – Limit washing frequency to prevent stripping natural oils, which help protect the hair and reduce split ends.


• Detangle gently – Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush on wet hair to prevent breakage, starting from the ends and working upwards.


• Protect from the elements – Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from harsh environmental conditions, like high UV exposure. Protect your hair from metal particles in your water supply, such as copper, with the Metal Detox haircare range.


• Condition regularly – Use a deep-conditioning treatment or hair mask weekly to keep your hair hydrated and resilient.


• Watch styling habits – Avoid tight hairstyles (like slick-backs) that cause tension and stress on the hair, leading to breakage and splitting


• Use a silk pillowcase – Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction on your hair, helping to prevent split ends and preserve overall hair health.

To prevent split ends from mechanical stress, it’s recommended to squeeze out excess moisture using an old cotton t-shirt before blow-drying on a low heat, and using a wide paddle brush only once hair has begun to dry. When brushing your hair, start gently from the bottom, working your way up slowly as you detangle. 

Heat damage is one of the major causes of split ends and fly-aways because, when too high, it breaks the chemical bonds, which normally provide strength to the hair fibre. This is why professionals recommend you avoid using curling irons and straighteners where possible, always apply a heat protectant, and turn your hairdryer to its lowest temperature.

For long hair suffering from thinned ends, Pro Longer Renewing Blow Dry Cream for lengths and ends helps renew the fibre instantly and protects hair from heat up to 230°C. Its professional formula leaves the hair fibre feeling strong and shiny and ideal to use before styling.

How to get rid of split ends

Wondering how to get rid of split ends? When the hair strand is split or fractured, the only split end treatment available to restore a healthy fibre is a visit to your hairstylist for a trim. Once neatly cut off, however, you can start your prevention plan to stop split ends from coming back and help you grow long, healthy hair.

How to care for damaged hair?

Whether it be due to heated styling, the environment or naturally weak hair, the best way to repair damaged hair is through a tailored haircare routine. The Absolut Repair Molecular range contains a shampoo, conditioner, treatments and a mask designed to nourish and reinforce weakened hair. This range has been formulated to repair damaged hair and rebuild hair molecular structure.

Split end takeaway: if you notice split ends, get the tips trimmed at your hairdresser's, then (now that you know what causes split ends) start a preventative anti-breakage haircare routine at home using the right haircare.

If you’re concerned about split ends and breakage, discover the Metal Detox haircare range, designed to prevent breakage and colour fade at the same time.