Habits That Cause Split ends of Hair
Hair breakage, shrinkage, and split ends are common complaints from women all over the world. No matter how strange it may sound, it is our own actions that cause damage to the hair. But luckily, it’s not that hard to get rid of these. Find out what might be causing your very damaged ends!
Talking on the phone and playing with hair
Isn’t that common? There’s nothing wrong with admitting to fiddling with the ends of your hair playfully or out of sheer boredom while talking on the phone. But whatever the reason, it’s a bad habit, choking your hair and dirtying the ends with everything you pick up from your fingers.
Hair removal (removing gray hair)
Certain hairstyles and techniques like twisting, backcombing, braiding, weaving etc means pulling hair and shaping hair tightly and this can even lead to hair breakage. But more severe damage is experienced by the hair at the ends besides the scalp. Whether it’s a voluntary gray hair removal marathon or just a really painful hairstyle, avoid being too rough on your hair.
Chemically treated hair
Nothing drives the ends and roots of hair crazy like chemicals that are processed into hair when it is dyed/dyed. Hair bleaching strips the hair of its natural essential oils and dries out the ends, leaving them split.
Use of heat/use of hair products on unprotected hair
Hair dryers, straightening rods, curlers, etc. may seem essential for styling hair at first, but the long term damage is excruciating and one of the side effects includes split ends. Heat also takes away the hair’s natural softness and temporarily changes its biochemistry. In the long term, these changes weaken and dry out the ends and roots of the hair, often causing split ends.
Drying agents such as harsh cleaners (detergents) and alcohol
The most basic part of hair care is cleansing and using the right shampoo (gentle ingredients, always check ingredient certification and clinical trial results). Excessive harsh cleansing agents (alcohol) can cause hair to become rough, resulting in split ends.
Not getting a haircut or trimming done on time
So, going natural is in fashion and you decide to let the strands flow freely. Despite your desperation waiting for your hair to grow long, regular trimming is a must. Avoiding trimming procedures will make the ends of the hair more damaged and prevent hair from growing.
Avoiding Hair Treatments
Nothing can take better care of your hair than a good hair care regimen. If oiling your scalp sounds too old-fashioned, you can try a weekly hair mask using natural ingredients. This hair mask keeps your hair moisturised and prevents split ends.
If you don’t apply oils or other hydrating agents to your scalp, it can dry out your scalp, weakening your hair, especially at the ends. Natural hair masks provide a deep conditioning treatment that provides moisture to your scalp, thereby reducing frizz and dryness. It also makes your hair shinier and softer.
The Body Shop – Shea Butter Hair Mask 240ml
However, as a warning, avoid using chemical conditioners. It is healthier to prepare hair masks at home using natural ingredients. Even if you buy a pre-made hair mask, choose one that contains ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, honey, aloe vera and banana.
Damaging Wet Hair
Do you always dry your hair with a towel every time you wash it? Well, squeezing wet hair with a towel is not uncommon. However, it is a habit that causes maximum damage to your hair. Frequent scrubbing can damage hair cuticles and cause frizz and split ends.
When you wet your hair, it is at its most fragile and therefore more susceptible to breakage. So the next time you grab that towel to dry your hair, gently tap it to remove the excess water and let the rest of your hair dry naturally.
Some even have a habit of combing wet hair. This habit can damage the cuticles and increase frizz, leading to more split ends. Not to mention the damage to the hair roots which leads to hair loss and damage. You can avoid this damage by using a wide-toothed comb. Next, make sure your hair is 80% dry before you comb it.
The internet is a bonfire of creative ideas, but unless you’re an expert, don’t get your hair tied up in messy DIY techniques and products. The most important technique remains safe hair care, proper nutrition and SPF protection.
