How To Get Rid Of Split Ends Once And For All

By

Mallika Chakrawarti

It’s entertaining to watch someone performing a split. Sure. But to have your own hair in splits? Hell no! No one would want that. But sometimes we’re faced with situations we just can’t seem to control. Ahem! Remember Covid!? Don’t answer that actually. How can anyone forget? 
 

Which brings me to the hairpocalypse I was dealing with during the first loooong lockdown in 2020. The first few months, I didn’t notice a thing. But later, I couldn’t ignore the obvious signs. Thinning hair, limp curls and when I looked closer… Split ends!

I was honestly confused! This had nothing to do with stress. I was mostly at home (did we have a choice!)  leading a fairly disciplined life and my hair wasn’t exactly exposed to the elements. So what was I doing wrong? After poring over several articles to figure out what causes split ends, it suddenly hit me! I hadn’t had a hair trim in over 7 months! No wonder my hair ends were looking damaged! 

My hairdresser had gone packing off to his hometown thanks to the pandemic, and let’s be honest. During those first terrifying months of Covid, a haircut was the last thing on anyone’s mind! Okay. Maybe, that’s not entirely true.

I had heard of enthusiastic folks who’d taken to chopping their hair at home, unable to wait any longer for the lockdown to lift. I had no such ambition! My curls need a professional’s touch. And since he wasn’t around, I just waited it out. 

That interminable wait taught me a thing or two! I needed a thorough split ends treatment. Here’s all that I learnt about how to prevent split ends. Let’s start with the one I’ve already kinda put out there. 

1. Take Hair Trims Seriously!  

Before all this (2020 specifically!)I hated having to trim my hair. I’ve always wished my hair’d be way longer than what it is, but well… My hair ends would start to look scraggly and then I’d just have to go for a trim again, every 3-4 months. That’s all I thought a hair trim was good for, btw!

And now!? Now I’ll jump in enthusiasm at the mere mention of a trim! That's the first thing I did when salons finally started opening up in the city.

I was right in thinking the split ends were connected to the long-pending trim. My hair instantly looked bouncy after that trip to the hairdresser. So, yeah. Being regular with your trims can help. More than you know!

2. The Mandatory Oil Massage! 

I read up that hair is more vulnerable to split ends if it’s dry and frizzy. 

Out of sheer forgetfulness, I’d sometimes skip my weekly hair oil massage.

Anyway, I got back to it. This time I tried a hot oil massage.

All you need to do is warm some Coconut Oil before applying it on the scalp and hair. It apparently distributes the oil better and improves blood circulation on the scalp. All in all, an effective split ends treatment. My hair did feel a lot softer and more manageable post-shampoo!

3. A Strong Shampoo Just Won’t Do! 

Try shelving hair products that contain strong sulphates. Also, two words for you. Don’t Over-shampoo! I switched over to using a shampoo with natural ingredients and I haven’t been disappointed. 

The WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo coupled with the WOW Coconut Oil + Avocado Oil Conditioner have turned my dull hair days to WOW ones! This combo’s great for a split ends treatment.

Btw, Major Tip: Curly hair or not, NEVER skip conditioner! 

On a friend’s suggestion, I also tried the Loreal Total Repair 5. It isn’t all natural, of course. But it does contain hair-empowering ingredients like Ceramide, Protein and Salicylic Acid. So, I gave it a shot. And I quite like the overall effect. Shiny hair and softer locks is what I’m talking about! 

Major Tip: If you’re using straighteners and hair styling tools, you should know that excessive heat is not good for the hair. Don’t use heating appliances if you can help it. Can’t say I didn’t warn you!

4. Honestly Good Hair Masks! 

Hair masks will teach you how to prevent split ends naturally. There’s really nothing like a natural hair mask. These masks can improve hair health, strength and vitality.  

I vaguely remember the last time I’d used an egg mask on my hair. While my hair never looked and felt better, the smell and mess were a major turn-off. It’s great there are better-smelling options now in the market. 

When split-ends popped up, I started looking for a hassle-free yet effective hair mask and I found one! 

The Alps Goodness Lotus Powder not only adds volume and shine to your hair, it’ll fix your split ends for good. 

5. A Wide-tooth Comb’s Your Weapon

Running a comb through curls is complicated. In fact, they say you shouldn't! But I still comb my hair out of habit. Can’t give it up now. That’s why I decided I should make this as pain-free as possible.

A wide-tooth comb has been a revelation. There are lesser tangles and practically no hair breakage. What causes split ends apart from what we mentioned earlier? Friction, tangles, breakage! Do you now see why this comb is a good catch!? 

 So, if split-ends are giving you a hard time, you could maybe give your regular comb a ‘wide’ berth!

Oooh, before I forget. In connection with tangles, here’s an honorary mention! The Livon Hair Serum. 

This cute little bottle has tamed my tresses in times of dire need. Adds so much shine and smoothens my hair too! Love it! 

You’ve got this! Sidestep those Split-Ends! 

Wait, are you still wondering why I got rid of split-ends in the first place? I mean, what possible long-term harm could a few damaged hair ends do, right!? 

Here’s the thing. You can’t fully repair split ends. No trims can weaken your hair and affect volume. That’s exactly what happened to my locks! So yeah, you’d be better off to just trim those frayed ends. 

The few hair care practices I’ve covered for you have kept me going all through the monsoon (and Covid!) wave. Now It’s your turn to split up with those no-good split-ends. Good luck!