How to Get Rid of Split Ends

Learning how to get rid of split ends takes one second. You cut them off. Once a split has formed on a strand of hair, there is nothing that can permanently repair it. The only thing you can do is remove the damage. This is why preventing split ends is so vital to healthy and attractive hair.

Removing Split Ends
If you have problems with split ends, you need to make an appointment with a stylist. The split ends need to be trimmed off to help prevent further damage. For the best results, try to have your hair trimmed every four to six weeks, depending on how fast it grows. Regular trimming helps remove a weak end before it breaks and causes a split to travel up the shaft to healthy hair.

Trimming split ends is generally not something you want to do at home. Proper trimming requires extremely sharp, thin scissors and experience in shaping techniques. Most scissors found in the home are too thick and dull to cut hair effectively. They will end up smashing and ripping your hair, creating terrible split ends.

Preventing Split Ends
The best way to deal with split ends is to prevent them. Keep your hair healthy, moisturized and treat it gently. If you follow these three rules faithfully and consistently, you're hair will look amazing.

• Keep Hair Healthy. Eat a well-balanced diet filled with fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains to help promote hair health. Drink plenty of water to help keep your scalp hydrated and promote healthy hair. Refrain from ingesting large quantities of caffeine, sugar and alcohol, as they will suck essential nutrients from the body.

• Keep Hair Moisturized. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and warm water. Use an oil-based, moisturizing conditioner and rinse with warm water. Turn the water to cool and rinse your hair again. Never use hot water to wash your hair, it dries the strands, causes cuticles to remain open and weakens the hair. Pat excess water from hair and let it air dry. Blow-drying dries and whips hair strands around, causing split ends.

• Treat Hair Gently. Avoid creating needless damage to strands by treating your hair gently. Never brush your hair from root to tip when it's tangled. Instead, start two inches before the ends and work out the tangles. Move up one inch, remove tangles and repeat until all the tangles are gone. This prevents tangles from clustering into knots.