Reasons for Split Ends and How to Deal with Hair Damage

Our hair is an important part of the body that helps maintain the temperature of the head at an appropriate level and serves a protective role, so it is something that can truly be said to be indispensable.

As the seasons change, especially during the cold winter like now, we can experience various mental and physical changes.

Also, as the temperature drops sharply, the humidity in the air decreases and moisture becomes insufficient, causing the oil-moisture balance of the skin throughout the body and the scalp that surrounds the hair to break down. Hair overall can also become dry and rough.

In addition, static electricity occurs more easily, and it is no exaggeration to say that it appears frequently in hair in particular. On top of that, there is one more issue that becomes a concern: split ends.

Human hair is mainly made of protein, and it has a structure covered by the cuticle, which is made of keratinized protein and acts like a shell protecting the inside. That is why the outermost surface is wrapped by this cuticle, and if hair is well cared for overall, it will have a glossy shine and a smooth texture.

However, when it is damaged by various causes, the internal tissue is damaged as well. The most commonly seen symptom of this kind of damage is split ends, which are often described as natural hair breaking and becoming damaged.

When this happens, the most necessary response is to focus care on the very ends and supply abundant nourishment. Also, because this is a symptom that appears in the early stage of hair damage, if it is not managed properly, the condition is highly likely to worsen significantly, so caution is advised.

Split ends can appear in various forms. In the early stage, the split may be small or only divide into two strands, and it is not severe. Even if you have been taking good care of your hair consistently, this can happen to anyone. However, if care is neglected or done incorrectly, it can be seen as the first stage in which the symptom may become severe. And if it is observed as a three-way split, like a trident or fork, it means the damage is more serious than when it is split into two strands. In the beginning, the damage progresses in the fibers, but from this point onward, the affected area becomes wider and the symptoms become more visible.

For that reason, if you are going through this kind of situation, self-care alone can be extremely difficult even if you are trying to improve clearly. To prevent further damage, getting help from a relevant institution that can provide focused care may be one option.

If split ends are left untreated and ignored, the damaged area can gradually spread upward, so if there are broken or separated sections, the best method may be to cut off the affected upper part right away. Combing your hair regularly with a wide-tooth comb to keep it from tangling is also a good method, but if you do it too often or use a fine-tooth comb, it can actually damage the hair, make it easier to dry out, and cause static electricity.

Therefore, using a product with wider spacing between the teeth or applying hair products such as essences and oils that contain moisture and nourishing ingredients evenly can be helpful, so it is worth keeping in mind. Also, improper shampooing methods can worsen split ends. People often wash their hair by rubbing it, but this can cause unnecessary friction and damage, so it is better to shampoo by clasping and releasing your hands as if gently massaging the hair. The same applies during rinsing.

It is advisable to thoroughly cleanse the scalp under running water at a lukewarm temperature and gently massage the hair while washing it. Even if you do not usually use conditioner, it is especially important to use it in autumn and winter, and conditioner can help protect the hair from friction by coating it smoothly.

Also, using a treatment correctly and following the proper time before split ends appear can help as a preventive measure. It can replenish moisture and nourishment, helping hair maintain a healthy condition and better withstand external irritation. However, if there is not enough time to use these products in order, it is said that using conditioner instead can also be helpful, so it is good to remember that.

Also, if the wrong method is used when drying the hair, you may encounter splitting, so when removing water, it is better to press the hair gently with a towel to absorb moisture and then dry it with lukewarm or cool air. Occasionally rubbing the hair vigorously with a towel also causes unnecessary friction and can lead to damage, and drying with air that is too hot is not helpful either. So when using a hair dryer, it is correct to use your fingers like a comb and be careful not to let the hair twist, tangle, or become damaged.

In addition, one of the main causes of split ends is changes in hairstyle. Frequent procedures such as dyeing, perming, or bleaching are never a good idea, and if you must try them, it is important to keep an interval of about 6 to 8 weeks. It is also advisable to consistently eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. As mentioned earlier, hair is made of protein, so getting essential nutrients is very important.

Therefore, making sure to consume only the recommended amounts of vitamins and protein, and also including healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, can be very helpful in restoring natural hair health. Correcting unhealthy lifestyle patterns and habits will also be of great help.