Habits That Lead to Split Hair Ends
Hair breakage, shrinkage, and split ends are common complaints from women all over the world. However strange it may sound but it’s our own doings that bring such damage to the hair. But thankfully, it’s not too hard to get rid of these. Find out what may be causing the tips of your hair so much damage!
Talking on the phone and playing with hair
Isn’t that common? There is no shame in admitting to messing with hair tips playfully or solely out of boredom while talking on the phone. But whatever the reason, this is a bad habit, strangling the hair and contaminating the tips with all that it picks from the fingers.
Hair ripping (pulling out grey hair)
Certain specific hairstyles and techniques like twisting, backcombing, hair braiding, weaving, etc mean pulling the hair and forming the hair tightly and this may even lead to hair breakage. But the worse damage is suffered by the hair at the tips in addition to the scalp. Whether it is a voluntary grey hair pull-out marathon or just a really painful hairdo, avoid being so harsh on the hair.
Chemically treated hair
Nothing drives the hair tips and roots crazy as chemicals that are processed into hair while getting it colored/dyed. Bleaching hair rips the essential natural oils of the hair and dries the tips out, leaving them to get split.
Heat usage/Hair products usage on hair without protection
Blow dryers, straightening rods, curlers, etc may seem to be hairstyling essentials at first but their long-term damage is excruciating and one of the side effects includes split hair. The heat also strips hair of its natural softness and alters the biochemistry temporarily. In the long term, these changes weaken and dry out the hair tips and roots, often leading to split ends.
Drying ingredients like harsh cleansers (detergents) and alcohol
The most basic part of hair care is cleansing and using the right shampoo (mild ingredients, always check ingredients certification and clinical test results). Excessive harsh cleansing ingredients (alcohol) may lead to roughening of the hair, resulting in split ends.
Not getting haircuts or trimming done on time
So, going as natural is in fashion and you decided to let the strands flow freely. Regardless of the desperation with which you are waiting for your hair to grow long, regular trimming should be received. Shunning the trimming procedure will keep enable more damaged ends and prevent hair from growing.
Avoiding Haircare
Nothing can take better care of your hair than a good haircare regimen. If regularly oiling your scalp sounds too old school, you can try weekly hair masks using natural ingredients. These hair masks keep your hair moisturized and prevent split ends.
When you do not apply oil or other hydrating agents to your scalp, it turns dry, thereby weakening your hair, primarily at the ends. Natural hair masks provide a deep conditioning treatment that infuses moisture into your scalp, thereby reducing frizziness and dryness. It also makes your hair shinier and softer.
The Body Shop – Shea Butter Hair Mask 240ml
However, a word of caution, avoid using chemical conditioners. It is healthier to prepare hair masks at home using natural ingredients. Even if you buy a ready-made hair mask, pick one with ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, honey, aloe vera, and bananas.
Damaging Wet Hair
Do you always towel-drying your hair every time you wash them? Well, squeezing wet hair with a towel is not uncommon. However, it is a habit that causes maximum damage to your hair. Frequent rubbing can damage hair cuticles and cause frizziness and split hair ends.
When you wet your hair, they are most fragile and hence more prone to damage. So, next time you pick that towel to squeeze dry your hair, gently tap it to remove excess water and let the rest of your hair dry naturally.
Some even have a habit of combing wet hair. This habit may rough up the cuticles and increase frizz, leading to more split ends. Not to mention, the damage caused at the roots of the hair that leads to hair fall and breakage. You can avoid this damage by using a wide-toothed comb. Further, make sure that the hair is 80% dry before you run your comb through them.
The Internet is a bonfire of creative ideas but unless you’re an expert, don’t get your hair tied up in a mess of DIY techniques and products. The most important technique remains safe hair care, proper nourishment, and SPF protection.
