What are Split Ends in Hair?

Table of content:

Introduction
Introduction to Split Ends
What Causes Split Ends?
Prevention & Treatment of Split Ends
Commonly Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

We all know that split ends are a common indicator that your hair is damaged, but what are split ends exactly, and can you treat them? This blog will explore these questions in detail, helping you understand what are split ends in hair and what are split ends caused by.

80% of women experience split ends regularly.

Introduction to Split Ends

Hi! I'm Emma, a skincare expert from Catwalk Backstage. I'm here to help you understand the health of your hair, skin, and nails, so you can discover products that truly work for you.

What do split ends look like?

So, what are split ends? Split ends, also known in dermatology as trichoptilosis ^[1], are an acquired hair shaft abnormality. Your hair shaft refers to each individual strand of hair, which can develop congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed over time) abnormalities. These abnormalities occur in the structure of the hair itself, making it look less vibrant and more prone to breakage.

When you examine a strand of hair microscopically, you’ll see that it’s not a smooth, straight line. Instead, it might have small breaks, coils, or frays. These irregularities cause hair to look frizzy, broken, or dull. When we discuss what are split ends, we’re describing the longitudinal fraying or splitting of the hair, typically at the distal ends, which are farthest from the scalp.

What Causes Split Ends?

Understanding “what are split ends caused by” involves recognizing the effects of daily wear and tear on the hair shaft. Here are some common causes:

Brushing and Combing Dry Hair: Repeatedly brushing dry hair can snap the hair’s cortex, which is the inner layer. Over time, this creates fractures that develop into split ends.
Chemical Treatments: Bleaching, coloring, and other chemical treatments affect hair’s structural integrity. The hair cuticle (outer layer) lifts to allow color penetration, leaving it susceptible to split ends.
Friction: Towel drying, wearing tight hairstyles, and using elastics can all cause physical damage.
Heat Styling: Blow drying, curling, and straightening involve high temperatures that break down hair proteins, leading to split ends.
Sun and UV Exposure: Ultraviolet light can weaken hair, making it more prone to splitting and fraying.
Lack of Moisture: Insufficient conditioning or hydrating treatments leave hair prone to breakage.
Diet and Hydration: Poor nutrition and dehydration impact hair strength and resilience.

Understanding “what are split ends caused by” helps us take preventive measures to maintain hair health.

40% of heat users get more split ends.

Here’s a table summarizing common types of split ends, their causes, and contributing factors:

Split End Type	Description	Common Causes
Baby Split	Small separation at the end, an early sign of damage	Heat styling, environmental exposure, lack of conditioning
Y Split	The hair splits into two separate ends, appearing as a "Y" shape	Frequent styling, over-brushing, or chemical treatments
Incomplete Split	Hair partially splits along the shaft but does not reach the full separation	Rough handling, towel drying, or friction from fabrics
Knot	The end of the hair forms a knot	Curly or coily hair types prone to tangling, dry brushing, or lack of moisture
Taper	The end of the hair strand thins out, tapering off without a split	Aging of hair strand, natural wear and tear, or inadequate trimming
Tree Split	Multiple branches split off from one hair strand	Severe dryness, heat damage, chemical treatments like bleaching or perming
Feather Split	Resembles feathers with multiple branching splits	Extensive chemical treatments, lack of hydration, high heat exposure, poor diet, or stress

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Prevention & Treatment of Split Ends

While there’s no permanent way to “fix” split ends, you can temporarily bond them together and prevent new ones from forming.

Tips for Preventing Split Ends

Reduce Physical Manipulation: Brush gently, starting from the ends and working upwards. This reduces stress on hair strands and minimizes split ends.
Use Protective Products: Look for products containing polyelectrolytes, like polyquaternium-28 and PVM/MA copolymer. These work by temporarily sealing split ends, although the effect won’t last after washing.
Trim Regularly: Getting regular trims removes damaged hair ends and helps prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft.
Minimize Heat Styling: Use heat styling sparingly and apply heat-protectant products beforehand.
Consider Hair Oils and Leave-In Conditioners: Oils and leave-in conditioners coat and protect the hair, reducing the friction that contributes to split ends.
Avoid Towel-Drying with Regular Towels: Opt for a microfiber towel or a soft hair towel to minimize damage.

By understanding what are split ends in hair, you can choose protective styling methods, like using silk scrunchies, to avoid tight hairstyles that strain the hair. Applying these practices will keep your hair looking healthier and prevent further damage.

Chemically treated hair is 60% more split-prone.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are split ends normal?

Yes, split ends are very common; about 80% of women experience them due to factors like styling, heat, and friction.

Are split ends bad?

Yes, split ends indicate hair damage and make hair look dull, frizzy, and prone to breakage.

Can men get split ends in their hair?

Yes, men can absolutely get split ends, especially if they have medium to long hair.

Final Thoughts

Split ends are a common issue, but with the right care, you can minimize their occurrence. Regular trims, using protective hair products, and being gentle with your hair can make a big difference in its overall health. Remember, healthy hair is less likely to split and fray, so maintaining a good hair care routine is essential.

My recommended products for preventing split ends are listed below, all from the New Me brand, based in Australia. If you're interested in exploring a variety of brands and options, check out the best product for split ends post for more choices.