Preparation
Out of all the hair issues we face, split ends are arguably the most universal. Ultimately, if you have hair—whether it is thick or fine or straight, wavy, curly, or coiled—you have likely experienced this particular issue. And while regular trims literally take away split ends, there are ways to prevent them, to some degree, before they become your stylist’s problem; using reparative products, like the expert-approved formulas you will discover below, is one of them. But first, it’s important to understand why (and how) this type of hair damage occurs in the first place.
Split ends appear for many reasons. According to Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Haircare, this type of damage occurs when hair becomes dry, brittle, and frayed. (Fitzsimons notes that they often look like unraveled rope). Exposure to extreme weather conditions and or the excess use of hot tools may also be to blame. TREsemmé global stylist Justine Marjan agrees and adds that manipulation while styling, color jobs, chemical processes, wear over time, rough brushing or toweling, tight hair elastics, and friction (from your strands rubbing against your pillowcases at night) are other culprits. Ultimately, anyone can get split ends, though Fitzsimons says that already dry and brittle strands are more susceptible; Marjan notes that those with finer hair are also more prone to this issue, since thinner strands are more delicate.
Andrew Fitzsimons Virgin Repair Restructuring SerumTRESemmé Keratin Repair Shampoo and CondionerKristin Ess Weightless Shine Leave-In ConditionerBread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday GlossPantene Split Ends TreatmentRedken Extreme Anti-Snap TreatmentOribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Hair SpraySol de Janeiro Brazillian Joia Milky Leave-In ConditionerAct + Acre Cold Processed Hair OilDevaCurl Curlbond Re-Coiling Split End Serum
Luckily, there are a few ways to treat this type of breakage—and prevent split ends from happening in the future. Fitzsimons notes, however, that the “only tried-and-true way to effectively get rid of split ends is to cut them off.” Regular haircuts and trims every six weeks will help keep them at bay for good. As for preventative methods? Marjan explains that most fixes are temporary or are designed to prevent further splitting up the hair shaft. She recommends sleeping on a silk pillowcase and using a microfiber towel to dry hair; both are gentler on strands than anything made from cotton. Opting for silk scrunchies or claw clips—as opposed to elastic hair ties—should also minimize damage, as will cooling it (in both temperature and frequency) on hot tool use.
Last, but certainly not least, using the correct hair products with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, honey, and shea butter, explains, Fitzsimons, will both make hair stronger (minimizing its susceptibility to split ends and breakage) and treat damaged hair. To help you tackle these concerns at home, Fitzsimons and Marjan shared their top 10 product picks for combating damage. Below, find the formula best suited for your strands, and let the repair process begin.
