“Momma, why are your hair so frizzy?”

This sentence made me examine my hair closely. I was under the impression that my hair are wavy and the frizz is the result of the same. However, a close inspection made me realize that these are split-ends that have attacked my beloved hair.

While we coldly call them split-ends, they are scientifically addressed as trichoptilosis.

In this condition, the ends of the hair shaft are damaged for one reason or the other. However, in several cases, hair is damaged even in the middle. This damage to the hair could be due to physical factors or improper nourishment or even environmental reasons. You will be surprised to know that split-ends could even be the result of improper detangling or brushing damp hair. It is even possible that your hair is not getting the nutrition that it deserves. The deficiency of minerals or vitamins could lead to damaged hair. At times, split-ends could also be a genetic problem. Visit a hair specialist if the damage persists for a long period.

Possible Causes of Split-ends in Hair

1. Blow Drying

A blow dryer emits hot hair. This takes away the natural oil and moisture present in the hair, thereby leading to split ends.

2. Styling

If you indulge in perming, curling, or straightening your hair on a regular basis, you might end up with split-ends. This is because the appliances used for such styling use excessive heat and make the hair follicles dry and brittle.

3. Hair Colour

You love brown, burgundy, or purple hair but it may be that your hair is not fond of getting colored. Chemicals present in such colors are not good for your hair.

4. Re-bonding

Many people like to get hair re-bonding. However, in this process, the hair is exposed to chemicals for more than three hours. Imagine the damage being done to the hair.

5. Shampoos

Please check the ingredients used in the shampoos at the back of the pack. Parabens, dyes, and other such chemicals are not good for the hair. If possible, do not experiment with the shampoos frequently. This might lead to rough and damaged hair. Also, do not use inferior quality shampoos.

6. Type of Brush

Use a good quality certified hairbrush for the hair. Make use of hand-made wooden combs for the hair. Never ever comb your hair when they are wet. Even do not indulge in forceful drying of the hair.

7. Environmental

Summer season could be harmful to your hair. Exposure to the sun for longer periods might lead to split-ends. Even excessive cold or windy season is not good for the hair.

8. Lack of Care

At times, not getting a trimming done on a regular basis too could lead to split-ends.

9. Rough Sheets

If you are sleeping on rough textured bed-sheets or pillows, you might end up with split-ends. Even check your fingernails. If they are rough, this might lead to damaged hair follicles.

Also Read: Easy Tricks to Get Rid of Dark Underarms With No Chemicals

How to Prevent Split-Ends

It is necessary that your hair is trimmed every 3 to 4 months. This cuts the damaged hair at the bottom and keeps the problem at bay. There are other actions that you can take or avoid in order to prevent your hair from getting split-ends.

• It is important to have a nourished and balanced diet
• Using a good quality micro-fiber towel avoids frizzy hair
• Stay away from heating appliances like blow dryers and others
• Use a wide-toothed comb for detangling
• Drink good quality and amount of water
• If possible, use natural dyes for the hair
• Deep condition your hair once in a while
• Use scarves to cover the hair before heading out
• Wash hair in cold water if possible. Use satin pillowcases to prevent friction

Home Remedies to Treat Split-ends

Before reaching out to the expensive cosmetic treatments at the salon, try these home remedies that will not only treat the split-ends in the hair but will also prevent them in the long run. They are easy, simple, and do not take much of your time.

1. Hot Oil Conditioning

If you ask your grandma about hair-care, she would direct you to oil. She has been proven right, scientifically too. It is one of the best home remedies to treat split ends. Try hot oil conditioning for the hair. It helps repair damaged hair and gives the nourishment it requires. For this, use either olive oil or coconut oil and warm it. Leave on the hair for an hour or so. If required, keep it overnight and wash it off with lukewarm water and mild shampoo.

2. Go Bananas

If your hair has gone bananas, treat them with the same. For this, mash up a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of yogurt and some lime juice. Do not eat this up. Instead, apply this on your hair like a mask for an hour. Wash it off with cold water. Bananas are brimming with essential vitamins and minerals. They help in treating split-ends. Do this on a regular basis.

3. Yummy Mayonnaise

This sandwich spread is good for dry hair, split-ends, and even dandruff. While you might be heading to the kitchen to eat it up, but here is a mask that needs to be applied first on your hair. This mask will also straighten your hair organically, sans any damage. For this, apply half a cup of mayonnaise onto the towel-dried hair, including the roots and length. If your hair is long or short, adjust the amount of mayonnaise. Leave this mask for about half an hour. Wash it off using shampoo and cold water.

4. Papaya

Brimming with antioxidants, this fruit can do wonders for your hair. For this, mash ripe papaya with natural yogurt (about half a cup). Apply this to the hair and leave for 30 minutes. Wash it off with shampoo and cold water.

5. Avocado

Proteins, fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E and many other elements present in avocado make it good for your body and hair. It is one of the best natural conditioners for your hair. For this, just mash a ripe avocado and add two tablespoons of both coconut and olive oil. Mix this till you reach a creamy texture. Apply this to your hair but not on the roots. Keep it for about hair an hour and wash it off with shampoo.

6. Honey

Opt for honey to treat your hair of split ends naturally. It is a sure-shot remedy. For this, mix both honey and curd. Apply this paste to the ends of the hair. Keep it for 30 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

7. Beer

A good natural conditioner for your hair, beer is suitable for all types of hair. Just rinse off your hair using beer post shampooing. It helps a lot to treat damaged hair.

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies for Acne and Acne Scars

Schedule for Hair

• Plan regular appointments with a good hairstylist
• Get Hair trimming done every 3 to 4 months
• Trim about 1/4th inch hair every month to avoid split ends

Getting smooth, beautiful, and healthy hair is not tough. Make sure that you stick to the schedule and take good care of them. Also, gorge on a balanced diet complete with fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-laden food. Happy Hair, Happy You! In case you have curly hair, don’t miss to read the best curly hair tips.

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