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[Metal Detox] Anti-porosity filler pre-shampoo for breakage protection
Prevent hair breakage & colour shift.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Hair Care Routine for the Anti-Breakge - Metal Detox
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:
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.
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.
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.