Hair with Split Ends: Causes and Best Treatment Options

Last Updated on 08/04/2025 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
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Split ends are a force to reckon with when it comes to growing longer and thicker hair. When not taken care of, they will only get worse and leave your hair uneven, dry, and increasingly shorter. Read through to the end to find out how you can identify split ends, what causes them, and how you can treat hair with split ends. 

What Do Split Ends Look Like?

In medical terms, split ends are referred to as trichoptilosis or schizotrichia. They happen when the ends of your hair splay into two or more. The split can be at the tips of your hair or further up and it’s a sign of damaged hair. A split strand of hair looks like a rope that’s unraveled at the ends. You can examine your hair by loosening it and putting it in front of your eyes. If you see that several hairs are forked in two or three, then you have split ends.
You can also pluck out your hair and hold it under a magnifying glass to look for splits. 

If you’ve noticed that your hair is dry and tangled at the tips yet it’s smooth at the top, then it may have split ends.  You can also detect split ends by plaiting your hair into braids that are about 1 inch wide each. If it tappers drastically from the top to the tip, then it’s a sign you have split ends.

What Causes Hair with Split Ends?

Split ends occur when the protective cuticle layers of the hair shaft are damaged, causing the hair to weaken and split. Several factors contribute to this damage, often making hair more susceptible to breakage and fraying. Understanding these causes can help you prevent and treat hair with split ends more effectively:

Heat Styling
Frequent use of heat tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause significant damage to your hair. Heat breaks down the polypeptide chains in your hair’s protein structure, weakening it over time. Overuse of these tools strips hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and prone to split ends. To prevent damage, limit heat styling and always apply a heat protectant before styling.

Hair Coloring
While changing your hair color can be a fun way to update your look, the chemicals in hair dye can lead to dryness and brittleness. Hair coloring strips away natural oils and moisture from the hair, leaving it vulnerable to split ends. To minimize damage, opt for gentler, ammonia-free formulas or consider using natural alternatives that nourish the hair while adding color.

Chemical Treatments
Chemicals used on hair such as relaxers and perms can also cause split ends. They work the same way as heat styling by altering the structure of the hair. If not done properly, chemicals destroy your hair cuticles so it becomes weak and prone to split ends.

Using Rubber Bands 
You’ve probably noticed how much hair comes off when you remove a rubber band that you’ve used to tie a ponytail. Friction is created between the rubber band and your hair which causes the breaking and splitting of your hair ends. Opt for gentle hair ties made from fabric or materials designed to reduce friction and breakage.     

Over-manipulation
Brushing and combing your hair too often will break your hair and cause split ends. Brushing your hair too aggressively also weakens your hair and splits its ends. This is because of the friction that is created between your brush or comb and your hair. Your hair will split even more when you brush it while wet because that’s when hair is at its weakest.

Over-washing
Frequent washing strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more vulnerable to split ends. The ends of your hair are farthest from the scalp, where oils are produced, and therefore, they suffer the most from over-washing. To keep your hair healthy, wash it 2-3 times a week and use a sulfate-free shampoo to retain moisture.

Towel-Drying
After washing your hair, using a rough towel to dry it can create friction and damage the cuticle layer, leading to split ends. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot your hair dry. This helps reduce friction and prevent unnecessary hair breakage.

By understanding the causes of hair with split ends, you can take proactive steps to protect your hair from further damage and promote healthier, stronger strands.

How to Prevent Split Ends

To maintain healthy hair and avoid split ends, incorporating the following tips into your routine can make a big difference:

1. Trim Your Hair Regularly

Regular trims are essential for keeping split ends at bay. By trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks, you prevent them from progressing and affecting your hair’s appearance and texture. Even a small trim helps maintain the health of your hair, making it look smoother and shinier.

2. Use a Heat Protectant When Styling

Heat styling can quickly lead to damage, so always apply a heat protectant before using tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers. Additionally, consider lowering the temperature on your styling tools, or even better, let your hair air-dry whenever possible to minimize damage from heat.

3. Protect Your Hair Before Coloring or Chemical Treatments

Before coloring your hair or undergoing any chemical treatments, apply protective products that help shield your hair from moisture loss and damage. Deep conditioners or leave-in treatments can hydrate your hair and create a barrier, reducing the risk of dryness and split ends caused by chemical processes.

4. Limit Chemical Treatments

Frequent chemical treatments, such as perms, relaxers, and dyes, can compromise the integrity of your hair. To avoid unnecessary damage, limit how often you subject your hair to these treatments. Giving your hair ample time to recover between applications can help maintain its strength and health.

5. Use Gentle Hair Ties

Rubber bands can cause friction and lead to breakage. Instead, choose fabric-covered hair ties or scrunchies that are gentler on your hair. These alternatives reduce the strain and friction, preventing unnecessary damage and split ends, especially when tying your hair in tight styles.

6. Wash Your Hair Less Frequently

Washing your hair too often strips it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to split ends. Aim to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week, and always follow up with a nourishing conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your hair hydrated.

→ It’s crucial to use a shampoo that isn’t laden with chemicals. Check out this article to learn what your shampoo should not contain. 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo: You Don’t Want Them Near Your Scalp

7. Be Gentle When Detangling

Avoid over-brushing, as it can cause breakage and split ends. If your hair is tangled, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle it. Applying a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can make the process easier and reduce the likelihood of causing splits.

8. Dry Your Hair Gently

The fibers in ordinary towels can be too rough on your hair, leading to friction and split ends. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to blot your hair dry. These materials are gentler and help minimize damage, leaving your hair smoother and less prone to breakage.

How to Treat Split Ends

If you already have split ends, don’t worry—there are effective ways to treat and repair them using natural home remedies and essential oils. With consistent care, you can restore your hair to a healthier, more lustrous state, free of split ends. While split ends cannot be “repaired” once they’ve occurred, these treatments help minimize further damage and improve the overall health of your hair.

Best Essential Oils to Cure Split Ends

Essential oils are a natural and effective way to treat split ends, nourish your hair, and improve its overall strength and elasticity. Here are some of the best essential oils for split ends treatment:

1. Lavender Oil
avender oil is known for its soothing properties and can also promote hair growth while strengthening hair follicles. It improves the circulation of blood to the scalp, which helps nourish the hair and prevent further damage. Regular use can help prevent split ends and encourage healthier hair.

How to Use: Add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Massage this mixture into your scalp and hair, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo.

2. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil helps stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair strands, making it a great option for treating hair with split ends. It also helps to balance scalp oil production, which can prevent further damage.

How to Use: Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Massage it into your scalp and work through the ends of your hair. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before washing.

3. Argan Oil Argan oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which help to restore moisture and reduce frizziness. It’s particularly beneficial for dry, damaged hair and can help seal split ends temporarily by providing hydration and nourishment.

How to Use: Apply a few drops of pure argan oil to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it in or style as usual for soft, smooth hair without split ends.

4. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is excellent for improving circulation to the scalp and promoting hair growth. It also has moisturizing properties that can help prevent dryness and reduce split ends.

How to Use: Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to a carrier oil of your choice, massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Find the product here.

5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help cleanse the scalp, preventing conditions like dandruff and build-up that can contribute to split ends. It also helps improve the overall health of your hair.

How to Use: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

Read more:
Which essential oils promote hair growth?

Best Home Remedies to Heal Split Ends

While essential oils are powerful for treating split ends, several natural home remedies can also help nourish and repair damaged hair. Here are the top home remedies for split ends treatment:

1. Coconut Oil Treatment Coconut oil is one of the best oils for nourishing dry hair. It penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, providing intense moisture and repairing the hair from within. This helps reduce the appearance of split ends and prevent further damage.

How to Use: Warm a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to your hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight for deeper penetration. Wash your hair as usual.

2. Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and its ability to hydrate and soothe the scalp. It helps restore the moisture balance in your hair, improving its overall texture and reducing the occurrence of split ends.

How to Use: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

3. Avocado Mask Avocados are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants that deeply moisturize and nourish the hair. They help to repair damaged strands and seal split ends, leaving your hair softer and more manageable.

How to Use: Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey or olive oil. Apply this mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

4. Honey and Olive Oil Mask Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your hair. When combined with olive oil, which is rich in nourishing fatty acids, this mask helps smooth out frizz and reduce the appearance of split ends.

How to Use: Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

5. Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask The protein in eggs helps strengthen hair and repair split ends, while yogurt’s moisturizing properties leave hair soft and hydrated. This combination is perfect for restoring the health of damaged hair.

How to Use: Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water to avoid cooking the egg in your hair.

6. Banana Hair Mask Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, which help nourish the hair and prevent breakage. They’re also effective in restoring moisture and improving hair texture.

How to Use: Mash one ripe banana and mix it with a tablespoon of honey or olive oil. Apply the mask to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Hair without split ends is something that many people have tried to achieve but it has remained a pipe dream. The home remedies and essential oils above are bound to get you ahead of the game with healthy hair without any breakages. Start your hair routine today and you won’t regret it!

Conclusion

Many women have hair with split ends so it’s a common issue, but with the right care and attention, you can prevent and treat them effectively. By understanding the causes of split ends and incorporating natural remedies, essential oils, and simple hair care practices into your routine, you can enjoy healthier, more vibrant hair. Remember, consistency is key—regular trims, gentle styling techniques, and nourishing treatments can go a long way in keeping your hair smooth, strong, and split-end-free.

Whether you’re using natural oils like lavender, argan, and rosemary or indulging in DIY masks with ingredients like coconut oil and avocado, you’re giving your hair the best chance for restoration. Share these tips with friends and family, and help them discover how to achieve the healthy, lustrous hair they’ve always wanted. With patience and care, you’ll be well on your way to a split-end-free mane that shines with vitality.

Read more: https://www.healthtenfold.com/sage-oil-benefits-for-hair/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/why-use-hair-oils/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/the-power-of-essential-oils/