Q&A for How to Detect Split Ends

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What causes hair to split and break?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Hair color, bleach, perms, relaxers, rough brushing, heat styling, and even over-use of drying products can cause splitting or breakage.

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Question

Can you actually repair split ends?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

No. You can make them look better and some products temporarily seal them, but you can't fix them.

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Question

Do split ends cause hair to stop growing?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Split ends weaken the integrity of the hair, so the hair is prone to breakage. The roots will continue to grow, but they ends will fray and you won't gain length.

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Question

What causes split ends in my beard?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Split ends in facial hair are usually from dryness or over-combing/brushing/manipulating. Try using a beard conditioner and only style your hair once a day; then try not to touch it.

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Question

Do split ends prevent hair from growing longer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, the split ends will weaken your hair and lead to breakage. If your split ends are frayed, your hair won't look long, even if it's growing.

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Question

How do I detect split ends on African curly hair, especially if my hair is thick?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Check the ends of your hair to see if they feel very dry and often stick together. This is a sign that you have split ends.

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Question

Does everyone get split ends?

Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist
Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.

Jenny Tran

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes! Split ends are totally natural, but some people get more than others. This just depends on how you style and manage your hair, as well as if you do anything that might damage it throughout the day. Luckily, split ends are relatively easy to manage with proper hair care.

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Question

I have curly hair. I oiled my hair and straightened it just once. Is my hair too damaged?

Community Answer

Your hair will not be damaged after straightening it once. Damage is more for people who do it once or more every day.

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Question

Will dryness cause split ends?

Community Answer

Yes. Dryness weakens the hair and is a common cause of split ends. You should moisturize your hair regularly to prevent damage.

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Question

What if you have a lot of split ends? Should you cut them all at once or take them bit by bit?

Community Answer

It would be best to get your hair trimmed every couple of months and cut them all off at once. If you cut them randomly bit by bit, it can mess up your haircut and end up looking bad.

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Question

If I brush my hair when it is wet, how will I get split ends?

Community Answer

Your hair is weaker and more stretchy when it's wet, and it's easier for the brush to damage it then. It would be better to gently comb your hair, whether wet or dry; combing is usually less damaging than brushing.

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Question

About half my hair is falling out. What do I do to keep from going bald?

Community Answer

Look into dietary changes, shampoos, and medical treatments that can help with hair loss.

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Question

I haven't cut my hair for about a year, and I straighten it once or twice a month. Do I have a lot of split ends?

Community Answer

It depends on your hair, but yes, you probably do. Try to get your hair trimmed every month or so, that will help keep your hair healthy and free of split ends.

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Question

I have been tearing off the ends with my hands for a week, is it too damaged now?

Evangelina King

Community Answer

It might be. Try an extra virgin olive oil hair mask to keep your ends hydrated and healthy to heal them.

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Question

How can I tell if I have split ends?

Sciba Trista

Community Answer

The best thing to do if you can't figure it out by yourself is to ask a hairdresser or hair stylist. They will know whether or not you have split ends.

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Question

My hair has split ends, but not all strands. A myriad of my strands are healthy and split end-free, but there are specific strands with them. What do I do to get rid of them, but still keep them long?

Community Answer

Detect how far up they go and which strands they are. This way, your strands that are not damaged do not have to be cut. Also, determining how far up they go helps to not cut too low, and not to cut the strands too short, either.

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Question

What if my split ends seem to be more than half way up my hair? Or is it just frizz?

Community Answer

It is probably frizz. Oil your hair regularly and use a conditioner.

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