Types of Split Ends and What to Do About Them

Bplit ends aren’t just a beauty issue. They say a lot about how you care for your hair and what it needs to get healthy again.

If you have split ends, don’t worry—there’s hope! We’ll help you understand your hair and how to fix split ends before they become a bigger problem.

What Causes Split Ends?

Sometimes split ends just happen. You might get them because of genetics or your hair type. In those cases, the most important thing is knowing your hair type and learning about what types of products work best to keep it healthy.

Other times, split ends mean you’re not giving your hair enough TLC. You might not even know you’re doing something wrong until you see the splits. Sometimes, you need to make a change in how you brush or blow dry it, since both those things can cause damage if you’re not careful.

If blow drying is a regular thing for you, taking steps to protect it and knowing how to blow dry your hair the right way can help. Likewise, too much straightening and other types of heat treatments can dry out—or worse, burn—your hair and cause breakage. Even things as simple as being too rough with the brush or styling it certain ways, like sticking with tight ponytails or twists, can damage your hair.

Split ends can show up because of pollution and weather, from harsh sunlight to heavy rain to cold, dry conditions. And you can’t control the weather. Even diet and lifestyle can contribute to hair health, so pay attention to foods that are good for your hair.

Different Types of Split Ends

Depending on the type of split ends you have, it can mean different things. Not all hair types experience the same split ends, and paying attention to the kind you have will tell you a lot about how to repair them.
There are four main types of split ends:

Double split: This kind is exactly what it sounds like. A single strand of hair splits off in two directions at the end. Generally, you can repair it, if you work on hydrating and properly caring for your hair.
Partial split: Partial splits happen when a strand first splits but hasn’t quite made it to a full double split. You might not notice it at first, but it’s an early sign to get on top of your hair care.
Fork split: This three-way split signals badly dehydrated hair. It’s a level up from a double split, but you can still repair it.
Tree split: Tree splits and feather splits are the ultimate signs of hair damage. You’ll see several splits off the end of a single strand, and the only real way to heal them is to get your hair cut.

Knots also count as a type of split end, even if they don’t actually split, and they’re common with curly hair. They can make it easier to break your hair by brushing, which can lead to other types of split ends. You might also see crinkles, incomplete splits, and tapered strands that form a candlestick shape. No matter what type of split ends you have, take them as a sign to kick your hair care up a notch.

How to Get Rid of Split Ends

If you’ve already got split ends, one of the easiest ways to get off to a better start is to get a haircut. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need more cut to repair the damage, since split ends can go beyond just the ends of the strands.

When it comes to hair maintenance, always use the right shampoo for your hair type. Using the wrong one can damage it, and you should avoid harmful ingredients in shampoo, like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Conditioner hydrates your hair, which is one of the key parts of healthy tresses, and ingredients like shea butter and vitamin B5 will soften and strengthen your hair. Using hair masks weekly, especially in winter when your hair gets dry and breaks easily, helps fortify your hair and deep conditions it, so it makes it through the season without getting dull and unhealthy.

After you wash your hair, microfiber towels are kinder than cotton when it comes to drying off. If you blow dry your hair, use a heat protector and start at the roots. That way, you’ll cause less damage and lessen the amount of time you keep the heat on your hair. You can also use products to seal your ends and improve the repair process.

Keshoume has everything you need to make your hair soft and shiny. Check out our selection of shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks, and say goodbye to split ends!

Sarah Wood - April 12, 2021

Sources:
“7 Ways to Mend and Repair Your Split Ends.” Birchbox. https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-fix-split-ends. Accessed 1 April 2021.

“Split Ends: Types, Causes, and Effective Ways of Treatment.” The Right Hairstyles. https://therighthairstyles.com/split-ends-causes-treatment/. Accessed 1 April 2021.

“What Causes Split Ends?” L’Oreal Professional Paris. https://www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/hair-advice/hair-care-advice/what-causes-split-ends. Accessed 1 April 2021.

“What Your Split Ends Are Telling You.” Ogle School. https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/split-ends-telling/. Accessed 1 April 2021.