Beautiful, straight, healthy hair to the tips – who doesn’t dream of that? But brittle hair ends, also called split ends, can quickly make the hair appear dry, brittle and dull. The only thing that usually helps is going to the hairdresser. We reveal how you can protect your hair from split ends in the long term and sustainably. The optimal care and the right know-how quickly ensure strong, shimmering and well-nourished hair.
Table of Contents
What is split ends and how to get rid of them?
What happens with split ends in the hair?
What are the causes of split ends?
What can you do about split ends?
Preventing split ends is better than cutting them off
Reduce heat styling
Reduce harmful environmental influences
Apply strengthening and nourishing hair care products
Careful styling
Knead dry and do not rub
Sleep on a silk pillow
High up – the best hairstyle for split ends
Proper care for colored hair
Proper care for perms
The best care products against split ends
Hair milk against split ends
Hair oil against split ends
Hair treatment and hair serum against split ends
Shampoo against split ends
DIY hair treatment against split ends
The best nutrition against split ends
Conclusion
What is split ends and how to get rid of them?
Split ends, also known as trichoptilosis, is a physical splitting of the ends of the human hair. The entire hair often appears dull, brittle and lackluster due to split ends.
On closer inspection, split ends can be recognized by a frayed end of the hair and usually small white dots at the end of the hair. The hair fans out into two, three or more small “forks” and can look a bit like a branch, fork or feather.
Split ends are a clear sign that your hair urgently needs intensive care and an adapted care routine. Because split hair can keep tearing open and also affect the length of the hair. Then one no longer speaks of split ends (which only happens in the ends of the hair), but of hair breakage.
What happens with split ends in the hair?
Everyone has seen split ends or brittle hair at some point: Broken hair sticks out, the ends of the hair look dull, dry and matt.
But how does split ends actually happen? You have to look at how human hair is actually structured. Human scalp hair consists of three layers:
cuticle, cortex and medulla.
- Cuticle:
The cuticle is the surface of the hair and is made up of overlapping keratin scales that lie on top of each other like roof tiles. Each cuticle cell contains a protein membrane covered with a lipid layer. Underneath the cell membranes of the cuticle are three layers. All contain proteins, such as cystine. - Cortex:
The cortex makes up most of the mass of human hair and is made up of elongated, spindle-shaped cells that are interconnected. The cortex layer ensures the flexibility of the hair. - Medulla:
The medulla contains keratin and is the core of the hair. The medulla is the hair’s weak point and can easily tear once split ends occur. The hair then tears further upwards – hair breakage occurs.
Split ends occur when the horny plates of the outer protective layer of the hair, i.e. the cuticle, protrude. This weakens the protective barrier, the hair dries out and the medulla tears: the hair is split, split ends appear. If the damaged tip is not cut off, the tear can get bigger and also tear the lengths of the hair: hair breakage occurs.
What are the causes of split ends?
Healthy, shiny and strong hair – that’s what everyone really wants. However, due to a number of factors, the hair can lose its beauty and vitality. These are the main reasons for hair breakage and split ends in healthy hair:
- Too frequent and too hot styling
- Damaging environmental influences (UV light, chlorine, salt water, exhaust fumes)
- Too vigorous brushing
- Dry hair (wrong care products)
- Wrong clothing (electrostatic charge/friction)
- Perm treatment and coloring.
What can you do about split ends?
The secret lies in prevention. Once you have split ends, only a haircut can help. Hair ends with split and hair breakage cannot be saved, the damaged hair ends must be removed. Because there is a risk that the frayed ends of the hair will split further and further upwards – the result would be damaged hair down to the root.
So if you have noticed split and hair breakage, have your hair cut by a hair stylist so that all the split are removed. With this new starting position, prevention can begin and the way to beautiful, long, healthy hair is paved.
If you combine the perfect care products with a care routine that is optimally tailored to your individual hair needs, you only rarely need to visit the hairdresser – and if you do, then only to trim the ends.
Preventing split ends is better than cutting them off
It is therefore essential not to let split develop in the first place and thus to avoid hair breakage. What can you do to prevent split and hair breakage.
Reduce heat styling
Because heat from the hair dryer, curling iron or straightening iron can damage the hair. The outer horny layer of the hair breaks open and the hair splits. Heat protection is the solution here. Simply apply to damp hair after shampooing, massage in or comb and style as usual.
Reduce harmful environmental influences
UV rays can damage hair, dry it out and make it prone to split ends and breakage. Hair styling products that protect against UV rays are ideal here. For example, a hairspray can be used here , which is sprayed onto the hair after the usual styling. The UV protection protects the hair from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays and thus actively prevents the causes of split ends and hair breakage.
Apply strengthening and nourishing hair care products
A strong, healthy and well-nourished hair has an intact outer horny layer. This horny layer protects the hair from damaging external influences. Stressed hair, for example on summer vacation (sand, wind, salt water) therefore benefits from nourishing and moisturizing care products. A hair treatment with arginine or with moisturizing hyaluronic acid can intensively nourish and strengthen the hair as a preventive measure.
Careful styling
Hard brushing and overly aggressive styling, such as tightly tied braids or braids, can be physically taxing on the hair. 1 Try using gentler styling tools and hair bands made from soft, natural materials. Plastics tend to statically charge hair. This makes it easier for the hair to knot and the horny plates of the outer protective layer are lifted. The hair dries out more easily and is prone to breakage and split ends.
Clothing and plastic brushes or combs can also weaken the hair through friction. Natural materials such as wool, cotton and natural bristles made from wild boar hair or brushes made of wood are better here.
Knead dry and do not rub
Many tend to rub their hair dry after washing it. But that means stress for the hair, because the physical forces roughen the hair and split ends appear much faster. It is better to wrap the hair in a towel after washing it, gently knead it and let it air dry. The use of a cotton towel or an old T-shirt is particularly suitable for this, as the hair is less roughened by the fiber. In this way, the horny layer of the hair remains intact and split ends do not occur in the first place.
Sleep on a silk pillow
Similar to a towel, the pillowcase also rubs against your hair at night. Synthetic fabrics can electrostatically charge the hair and coarse material roughens the fine hair fibers. Better here is a pillow case made of fine cotton satin or silk. The fine, smooth and soft natural fibers are gentle on the hair and can thus prevent split ends. The care products from the Dream Length Curls range also ensure a dreamlike “silk cushion effect”. Do you have curls? Then you are well equipped with the leave-in and the mask for curls.
High up – the best hairstyle for split ends
Long hair is particularly affected by split ends. The reason for this is that the ends of the hair are correspondingly older and that the hair rubs on the clothing. The hair is roughened faster and splits faster. Here it helps to wear your hair loosely tied up. The transition from shoulder-length hair to over-shoulder-length hair can be bridged in a hair-friendly way.
Proper care for colored hair
If you want to give your own look a makeover with a new hair color, you should not be too drastic. Be sure to only color one or two shades lighter or darker. The less bleach that comes into contact with the hair, the better. After the color treatment, use care products that repair split ends, restructure the hair and intensively moisturize it. The Elvital Color-Shine Wonder Water hair fluid also ensures perfect color protection with a shine effect.
Proper care for perms
Hair that has been shaped with a perm is also particularly stressed. For the permanent restructuring of the hair shape, the hair is intensively challenged with active ingredients and heat. After the treatment, it is therefore important to support and strengthen the curly hair with rich and regenerating care .
The best care products against split ends
In addition to everyday behavior, the right care products and an optimized care routine can also prevent split ends in the long term. A hair treatment against split ends, hair oil against split ends and shampoo against split ends can achieve a significant improvement in mane prone to split ends and hair breakage.
Hair milk against split ends
Long hair in particular is often affected by split ends and hair breakage. What the hair needs now is intensive, regenerating care. The Elvital Dream Length No Spliss Milk for long and damaged hair not only cares for the tips, but also the lengths of the hair sustainably and thoroughly. This is how you can effectively counteract split ends.
The Elvital Dream Length No Spliss Milk repairs hair damage and guarantees an anti-split effect. The hair treatment, enriched with vegetable proteins, vitamins and castor oil, has an intensive moisturizing effect and restores moisture to dry hair ends and tips, but also to the hair lengths.
This gives your hair an extra portion of shine and makes it easy to style again. The result is smooth, lustrous and richly nourished hair. For optimal effect, apply Elvital Dream Length No Split Ends Milk to dry or washed wet hair and do not rinse.
For a perfect hair care routine, it is best to coordinate your hair care perfectly. Therefore rely on the innovative Dream Length hair care products , which were specially developed for long, shiny and richly cared for hair. The products from the Dream Length Curls range by L’Oréal Paris are particularly suitable for long, wavy and curly hair .
Hair oil against split ends
Do you have normal hair that tends to be dry? Then the Elvital ÖL Magique Refining Hair Oil can bring shine and suppleness back to your hair.
Because the coconut oil it contains is antibacterial and rich in amino acids, vitamins and trace elements. Your hair is therefore supplied with moisture and important nutrients. In this way you help your hair to help itself, because the protective barrier of the hair is strengthened.
The Elvital OIL Magique Coco Refining Hair Oil from L’Oréal Paris cares for your hair with coconut oil in depth without making it look greasy, unkempt or weighing it down. This gives your hair new suppleness and radiance.
The special deep care of the Elvital OIL Magique Coco Refining Hair Oil from L’Oréal Paris nourishes your hair from the inside out. Because it prevents and prevents frizz (anti-frizz), it ensures healthy hair with a fantastic shine.
In addition, the Elvital OIL Magique Coco Refining Hair Oil from L’Oréal Paris can be used as a pre-shampoo and as protection against heat of up to 230°. Dry and unruly hair is tamed, defined and deeply cared for.
What can you use the Elvital OIL Magique Coco Refining Hair Oil for (respective use / effect and application)?
- Cure:
Immediate wellness experience! Simply massage into damp hair lengths. - Intensive tip care:
The brittle tips are cared for immediately. Massage a few drops into the tips regularly and as needed. - Shine Restorer: Instantly refreshes
dull, damaged hair. Work a few drops into the lengths. - Intensive care before washing your hair:
for instant shine. Use a few drops before shampooing. - Anti-frizz immediate help:
frizzy hair is smoothed and given a silky shine. Treat damaged hair with a few drops. - Protection from styling:
heat protection. Distribute the oil evenly in the damp hair lengths. - Brilliant styling finish:
for breathtaking smoothness and shine. After styling, gently knead a few drops into the hairstyle. If you want, you can also use extra heat protection. - Shampoo refinement:
extra care for everyday use. Mix a few drops into the shampoo for that extra something in your daily care experience. - Sun Protection:
Protects against heat and UV damage. Gently knead the oil into your hair before sunbathing. A lightly plaited ponytail for longer hair offers additional protection. - Deep relaxation overnight:
For intensely relaxed and cared for hair. Massage oil into hair lengths and leave on overnight.
Tand hair serum against split ends
Hair treatments are also a good solution for stressed hair that tends to split ends. Because the rich active ingredients and the long exposure time give the hair time to regenerate, so that no split can occur in the first place.
The L’Oréal Paris Elvital Full Resist Express Power Treatment cares for the hair with arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that plays a major role in metabolic processes and promotes hair growth.
The light formula of the leave-in spray is easy to apply and distribute. Stressed hair becomes silky and supple and gains new strength. In addition, the innovative shine care serum complex protects the hair from frizz and split. The leave-in treatment is suitable for daily hair care on wet or dry hair.
Also discover the rescue for hair in need of moisture: The Elvital Hydra [Hyaluronic] Plumping Moisture Serum also supplies the dehydrated lengths of your hair with intensive moisture – for lively hair with a natural shine.
Shampoo against split ends
For the daily cleaning of hair that tends to split ends, a shampoo is needed that cleans on the one hand and intensively cares on the other. The Elvital Dream Length Super Restorative Shampoo provides long, damaged hair with active ingredients such as vegetable proteins, vitamins and castor oil. The hair is nourished, cleaned and cared for.
The shampoo is especially suitable for long, damaged hair. It repairs stressed hair lengths, creates an anti-split effect and the hair is intensively moisturized.
The Elvital Dream Length Wonder Water hair fluid is particularly good as a nourishing reinforcement. After shampooing, the hair fluid provides an impressive, glossy finish and makes styling easier – for easier combing and to prevent split.
DIY hair treatment against split ends
If you don’t have a hair treatment at hand, you can also mix an effective hair treatment yourself with ingredients from the pantry. For this you need:
- A tablespoon of coconut oil
- A tablespoon of olive oil
- A tablespoon of honey
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients in a muesli bowl to create a homogeneous mass. Now massage the freestyle thoroughly into dry or wet hair, before washing your hair.
Now leave it on for at least half an hour. For deep-acting intensive care, wrap your hair in cling film and let the treatment work overnight. Then wash your hair with a shampoo as usual .
The best nutrition against split ends
Beauty is known to come from within. And healthy, well-groomed, shiny hair is partly the result of a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, trace elements and water. Here are the best foods for beautiful hair (each food /what it can do):
- Oats:
Oats contain biotin, which strengthens hair from within by helping to form keratin and collagen. - Eggs:
Eggs are high in protein and biotin, both of which strengthen hair structure. - Pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of zinc, which promotes cell growth and strengthens the scalp. - Carrots: Carrots
are high in beta-carotene, which is synthesized into vitamin A. Vitamin A can protect against sun damage. - Legumes:
Legumes are high in protein, zinc, biotin, iron and magnesium. The combination packages strengthen the hair structure, promote hair shine and hair growth. - Salmon and Nuts:
The orange fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B6 and B12, which can harmonize sebum production and have an antibacterial effect on the scalp. - Millet:
The small grains contain a lot of silicic acid, which supports hair growth and strength.
Conclusion
Once split ends and hair breakage have occurred, the only thing that helps is going to the hairdresser. But it is worth changing your hair care routine and diet afterwards in order to nourish and strengthen the hair from the outside and activate its own protective ability. Some everyday behaviors can also be easily changed in such a way that they can effectively prevent split and hair breakage and prevent them in the long term. Split ends can be effectively counteracted – the hair looks beautiful, strong, nourished and shiny again.