What Causes Split Ends—and What Can You Do About Them?

What Causes Split Ends?

First, let’s back up a bit and answer a question you may have: What are split ends, anyway? In essence, split ends are a haircare concern that develops when a strand of hair splits lengthwise, creating a Y shape at the very end of your hair. This common concern can cause your mane to appear frizzy or frazzled—and it can make growing out your mane pretty challenging.

As for what can cause split ends, the answer is: a lot of things. The hair can splinter when the outer cuticle becomes damaged and wears down. Damage can occur as a result of chemical processing, excessive friction (like from brushing your hair), or following an improper haircare routine. Heat styling, too, is a common factor, Roche says. “Always use a thermal protector—the Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray is perfect—prior to blow-drying” or heat styling your hair, she urges. It’s also a good idea to set your tools to the lowest temperature setting to avoid unnecessary heat damage.

How Can You Tell If You Have Split Ends?

Split ends are one hair concern you can typically spot easily with just the naked eye. Take a close look at the tips of your hair. Split ends will usually appear as frayed or uneven strands, where the hair splits into two or more parts. They may feel rough or dry to the touch and can give your hair an overall dull, brittle, or tangled appearance. If your hair seems difficult to brush through smoothly or catches on itself at the ends, it could also be a sign of splitting. For a closer inspection, hold a small section of your hair up to the light—split ends are often more visible when viewed against a bright background. Regularly checking your hair can help you spot and address split ends early, preventing further damage.

If you assess your hair and still aren’t sure whether or not you have split ends, your best option is to consult your hairstylist. They can help you determine whether your strands are splitting and, if they are, offer advice on managing it.

Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair

How Do You Get Rid of Split Ends?

This may not be what you want to hear, but the only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. “Once a hair is split, it is split,” Roche explains. “The only way to fix it is to cut the end to make it blunt and fresh again.” A trim is also the only way to stop split ends from traveling further up the hair shaft.

If you’ve been working on growing out your mane and are hesitant to part with your hard-fought-for length, Roche says a light trim will save your mane from most of the damage. “If you are growing your hair out, get a one-eighth-inch trim every six weeks,” she says. She adds that this barely-there trim—known among stylists as a “dusting”—should be enough to remove split ends.

Can You Fix Split Ends Without Cutting Them?

As we mentioned, you can’t get rid of split ends without a trim. But you can make them less noticeable. If you’re looking for a temporary fix that doesn’t involve shears, Roche recommends the Pureology Strength Cure Split End Salve. This nourishing formula “smooths [split ends] and prevents hair from splitting further,” she says. We suggest using it alongside the Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner for added hair-strengthening benefits. If you plan to blow-dry your hair, prep it with the Pureology Strength Cure Miracle Filler, which helps protect against heat damage and strengthens the hair’s cuticle to help prevent future damage.

Matrix’s Instacure Build-A-Bond is also a great strengthening hair system that can help reduce the appearance of split ends. Wash with the Mighty Bonds Shampoo, then follow up with the Mighty Care Conditioner. Or, you can treat your hair to the Matrix Instant Revival Liquid Mask, which is infused with citric acid and squalane and helps strengthen the hair from the inside out. The line also features a Leave-In Balm, designed to soften and smooth each strand.

Good hair day by https://www.instagram.com/benjaminrosshair/

How To Prevent Split Ends

When Roche sees regular clients in her chair with noticeably split ends, she attempts to address the root of the problem even before touching her scissors. Post-trim, she says, the best thing to do is start fresh by developing a haircare routine that hydrates, nourishes, and helps strengthen your strands from root to tip.

However, selecting the right products is only one piece of the haircare puzzle. Make the following adjustments to your routine to help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking its best.

• Get regular haircuts. “To prevent split ends, you should get regular trims,” Roche says. Hit the salon as routinely as you can to stay ahead of your needs. Depending on your hair type and length, you should aim to get a trim once every four to eight weeks.
• Don’t over wash. Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils and leave it more prone to splitting. For help finding the right wash day frequency, check out our article Here’s How Often You Should Really Wash Your Hair.
• Incorporate a heat protectant. Anytime you heat style your hair, you’ll want to use a heat protectant to help shield your strands from unnecessary damage. As mentioned before, it’s also a good idea to use the lowest heat setting possible for your hair type and texture.
• Buy a good brush. ”Use the proper type of brush or comb to gently detangle and style,” Roche urges. A wide-toothed comb or wet brush is great for getting rid of tangles when your hair is damp—just be sure to detangle slowly, working from the ends up, to avoid yanking on your hair.
• Protect while you sleep. Sleeping with your hair in a bun or braid at night can protect the ends of your mane from friction-based damage. While you’re at it, swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk version to minimize frizz and breakage. A satin scarf or bonnet is also a great option for protecting your hair overnight.
• Skip super tight hairstyles. Styles that pull on your hair, like super high ponytails and taut braids, may lead to breakage. Opt for looser options that won’t tug at your tresses.
• Alter your hair accessories. Retire your drugstore elastic hair tie—they can put too much stress on your strands. Instead, opt for a silk or satin scrunchie, ribbon, or snag-free cord.
• Focus on hydration. Applying a nourishing oil or serum like Kérastase Intensive Shine Repair Oil daily at your roots or ends can neutralize persistent dullness and visibly help reduce split ends.
• Limit chemical treatments. We love fresh hair colors, perms, and so on, but it’s true that they can take a toll on your strands. Spread chemical treatments out and always go to a pro to help maintain the integrity of your hair.

Good hair day by https://www.instagram.com/hairstylistrocky/

How To Get Rid of Split Ends Overnight

Beyond a visit to the salon, you can’t effectively make split ends disappear overnight. You can, however, add a nourishing overnight mask or serum to your routine once a week to keep your strands hydrated and fend off future damage. We love the Kérastase 8H Magic Night Hair Serum, which contains plant-based proteins and niacinamide and helps protect against pillow friction (and, by extension, breakage). You can apply it to damp or dry hair before bedtime—no need to rinse in the morning.

If you're looking for other split end treatments to add to your routine, keep reading. We’re sharing a look at some of our favorite formulas from L’Oréal professional brands below.

Our Best Products For Caring For Split Ends

Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin

If your goal is to grow longer, stronger hair, this fortifying shampoo is a must-have. When used as a full system with Extreme Length Conditioner and Extreme Length Leave-In Treatment, this strengthening formula helps reduce breakage by 81% to help hair grow longer and healthier.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage Leave-In Treatment

Frequent styling can do a number on your mane—which is why having an arsenal of good haircare products is a must. We love this leave-in treatment from Redken, which helps protect against five types of damage (heat, chemical, mechanical, surface damage, and breakage). Mist it throughout damp hair before brushing or styling to help promote resilient, healthy-looking strands.

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment

Bleaching and coloring can do a number on your mane, but this intensive bond-repairing pre-shampoo treatment can help minimize the damage. Use it alongside the brand’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner to visibly smooth your hair—and cut breakage in half.*

*With continued use

Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray

We get it if you’re not ready to part ways with your blow dryer (in fairness, neither are we). To help prevent damage and breakage, however, we suggest beginning your blowout with a few spritzes of this luxe heat protectant. The leave-in formula protects against heat, detangles, hydrates, and helps prevent split ends and hair fall due to breakage from brushing.

Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Split Ends Hair Serum

Just as face serums can provide targeted care for specific skin concerns, a hair serum is a great way to address hair concerns like split ends. This Kérastase formula is an ultra-sealing concentrate that leaves you with 2X less splitting and instant smoothness.

Mizani Artful Edges Edge Tamer

If your natural hair is on the brittler side, it’s a good idea to add an edge tamer to your routine. We love this one from Mizani, as it contains shea butter and castor oil and helps nourish the hair—all while providing long-lasting, flake-free hold for your edges.

L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Hair Mask

Hair that’s splitting needs a ton of TLC. That’s why we recommend adding a deep-conditioning hair mask to your weekly routine. This buttery formula is a great pick—it hydrates and nourishes dry hair, helps reduce damage, and leaves the strands soft and shiny.

Biolage Strength Recovery Strength Repairing Spray

For split ends accompanied by lots of breakage, we love this spray from Biolage (along with the whole Strength Recovery line). The leave-in treatment leaves hair silky, detangled, and 82% more manageable after one use.* Pair it with the coordinating Shampoo, Conditioning Cream, and Deep Treatment Pack for a complete haircare routine that provides instant strength.

*Strength Recovery Strength Repairing Spray vs. non-conditioning shampoo

Up Next: Our Holy Grail of Hair Masks That Make Good Hair Easy

Use our salon locator to manage split ends with a pro near you. In the meantime, you can take our Hair Quiz for immediate expert advice.

Header photo credits (left to right): @pureology and @benjaminrosshair