Split ends are heartbreaking since they make your lustrous hair look brittle and dishevelled. Even if you take utmost care of your long hair, split ends are sometimes inevitable due to pollution, heat, and use of products on your hair. Split ends are a common problem for people with long hair since longer tresses are more prone to this issue. The most effective remedy for split ends is to get a haircut to remove the part of the hair with splits. However, if you do not feel like getting a haircut soon, then there are home remedies for split ends you can try out.
What are Split Ends and How Do They Appear?
One of the common hair conditions is split ends that lead to dryness and brittleness of the tips of your hair. When split ends occur, the ends of the hair look unravelled and start breaking apart into thinner strands. Split ends occur when cuticles of hair wear away exposing the cortex due to an external factor, causing the hair to grow weak and dull.
Some of the major causes of split ends include:
- Exposure to pollution, heat, and dust particles
- Excessive use of chemical products in the hair like serums, dry shampoos, or hair sprays
- Use of hair gadgets like hair straighteners, hair curlers, and hair dryers
- Improper care of the hair and irregular oiling
- Washing the hair excessively
- Chemically treating the hair (bleaching or colouring)
- Constant exposure to chlorinated water (in swimming pools)
- Washing the hair with hot water regularly
Home Remedies for Split Ends
While the best treatment for split ends involves cutting the hair, you can still try your hands at these home remedies for dry hair and split ends:
1. Coconut Oil Treatment
The application of coconut oil is very beneficial for the hair, as it is absorbed quickly by the hair, providing moisture to it. Coconut oil is great for split ends treatment at home too. It nourishes the hair and makes the split ends appear less dry and dull.
The best way of doing this treatment is to apply coconut oil on shampooed and towel-dried hair. Massage gently on the tips of the hair. Avoid the roots and only apply a small amount at a time. You can even try massaging your hair with warm coconut oil and leave it for about 1-2 hours before washing it off.
2. Egg Yolk Treatment
Egg yolks are rich in proteins and effective for split ends treatment at home. The yolks strengthen the hair and help moisturise the tips to reduce the damage due to split ends.
Mix one egg yolk along with a tablespoon of any oil like olive oil or almond oil. Apply this egg mask and make sure to spread it evenly across the tips of the hair. Leave the mask on for 25-45 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water to get lustrous hair.
3. Honey and Olive Oil Treatment
Honey and olive oil make a great combination to cure your split ends. Honey is very efficient as a hair moisturiser. The combination of honey and almond oil not only treats split ends but also helps moisturise dry scalp.
Mix two tablespoons of honey and three tablespoons of olive oil. Shampoo your hair before applying this treatment. Towel-dry your hair before applying this mixture. Wash your hair after 20-30 minutes of application.
4. Ripe Papaya and Yoghurt
Ripe papaya contains folic acid which is beneficial for hair follicles. It is also rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes the production of sebum (a natural oil) that helps the scalp and hair stay moisturised.
Blend one raw papaya into a thick paste along with 2-3 tablespoons of yoghurt. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30-45 minutes. You can rinse this off using cold water. Using this method improves your hair health and reduces split ends by keeping the hair moisturised naturally.
5. Aloe Vera Treatment
Aloe vera is quite beneficial for the skin but did you know that it is equally beneficial for your hair too? The application of aloe vera is one of the easiest home remedies for split ends. Aloe vera helps reduce the effect of split ends by moisturising the hair and stimulating healthy hair growth. It also strengthens hair from the roots and makes it look shiny.
You can apply aloe vera gel from the plant directly onto your split ends and the rest of your hair. You can even massage it gently on your scalp for a cooling effect and growth of healthy hair.
6. Beer Wash
Apart from being a great drink on a hot summer day, beer is also one of the best remedies for split ends. Beer contains proteins and sugar which help nourish, moisturize and strengthen the hair. Beer is a great conditioner that protects your hair from split ends and controls the damage due to it. Beer adds great volume to the hair too.
You should only use flat beer on your hair, as beer fizz can damage it. Use the beer on your hair after shampooing and leave it for around 5 minutes. Rinse it with water as you do with a conditioner.
Tips That can Help You Prevent Frequent Split Ends
While the remedies for split ends are not very difficult to implement, you can avoid frequent split ends by following a few simple tips:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the summers. You should cover your hair with a cap or a scarf to avoid it.
- Use hair gadgets such as irons, curlers, and straighteners occasionally as they are the major cause for split ends and damaged hair.
- Using shampoos and hair products full of chemicals increase the chances of split ends. Try using herbal or organic hair products.
- If you have long hair, do not wash it daily as it can reduce the natural oils. Wash your hair thrice a week and use a mild shampoo for rinsing.
- It is very important to stay hydrated, as split ends are caused due to hair dryness.
- Avoid using hot water to wash your hair frequently as it leads to damage, eventually causing split ends.
- Avoid brushing your hair frequently and be gentle while doing so.
The Bottom Line
Split ends are bound to happen due to the amount of pollution and other irritants in the air. You can reduce split ends by avoiding excessive hair products and hair gadgets. Trying out home remedies for split ends can be very beneficial. If you don’t want to try out these remedies, you can go for a haircut!
