What causes split ends and how can I prevent them. I have long hair… down to the middle of my back… and I have long layers so my hair doesn’t look flat on top. I just had my hair cut 2 months ago and it’s already grown about 1 inch and I have a ton of split ends!!
Sorry! I cliked submit twice!!
At least you now know what causes “split threads.” Other than that, I have nothing to add.
“There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.”
~P.J. O’Rourke~
First, you might get a better response if you post this in General Questions.
Secondly, I think some conditioners claim to keep your hair from breaking, don’t know if they work though. Do you do a lot of styling to your hair? I mean, do you subject it to a lot of heat and gels, etc? That might cause your split ends to show up faster.
Other than that, the only thing I can think of is to trim your hair regularly.
Cessandra
Killed a man with no hands. . .
You’re right… it should be in General Questions.
I don’ use anything on my hair. I wash and condition it and then blow it dry. I also use a de-fuser on my blow dryer.
Here’s a link that should help.
http://www.keratin.com/ag/ag006.shtml
A good friend of mine owns a salon and she always says that, even with long hair, you should have a trim every two or three months.
Confidential to the sickos: I’m talking about HAIR.
Formerly unknown as “Melanie”
My hair is very long and also very fine, er, thin… the worst thing you can do to your hair is apply heat to it. Blow dryers, curling irons… that will hurt your hair. Too much rough handling will also stretch your hair and cause problems, especially when it’s wet. Also, your diet can severely affect your hair; the better you eat, the better your hair.
Best!
Byz
I use to have long gorgeous hair down the middle of my back. In high school, rather than pay attention to whatever was being said in class, I use to hunt for split ends. the most I ever found was seven. ( Fairly interesting.)
My hair regardless of length ( it is now about 1-2" long) has been subjected to perms for years ( it’s been over five since the worst perm of my life and the reason why I have short hair now) and until this summer, been colored for 19 years. While my hair is very fine and lacks absolutely no body whatsoever, I’ve always been complimented on how shiney and healthy it is. ( Thanks Alpo)
Here are Shirley’s hair tips:
Heat will damage your hair. Try to air dry as much as possible.
Use a good deep conditioner at least once a week. You don’t have to get a bottle of the designer stuff. I’ve used Aussie 3 minute miracle since high school and a bottle ( long hair or short) lasts me well over a year.
Trims every few weeks to months. The only draw back to shorter hair is that you really have to maintenence it every 6-10 weeks to have it look good.
RE: Coloring - Stay within your color range. If you have dark hair and want to be a blonde, your hair will suffer painfully and not look healthy.
If you are growing out a short style the secret for that pain in the ass in between look is keeping your bangs trimmed. ( Oh, and changing your hair color will liven things up too.)
A good hairstylist is worth his/her weight in gold. when you find one you mesh well with, treat them well.
Split ends are pretty much unavoidable. Everyone gets them regardless of how careful they are. The main cause is the environment, exposure to the elements (wind, sun, etc.). Conditioners don’t get rid of them, they just seal them up until you wash your hair again.
Do what was suggested before…use a good conditioner and shampoo and get a haircut every 6-8 weeks. The secret to growing your hair out isn’t just cutting the bangs…it’s getting a trim every 6-8 weeks. Your hair will get dry ends. If you don’t cut them off it will just keep splitting and splitting and by the time you DO get a haircut you will need a lot more off than you’ll want off. Most people don’t take that off and they have hair with bad ends.
Don’t worry about falling behind if you get it cut that often. Hair grows an average of half an inch a month. So if you cut about a quarter inch off in the time frame I suggested you won’t fall behind. Another plus is that ti will take off some weight, too, so it will fell better.
So, what it boils down to is…to get rid of split ends get a haircut often. 
MaryAnn
No, stupid, it’s a boat!
Another good thing to o is not overwash your hair. The natural oils that are stripped away every time you wash are helpful towards not getting split ends.
Even washing your hair every day once is kinda bad, unless you have a job/hobbie that makes you really sweaty and dirty.
I was my hair twice or three times a week, and even though I do not condition that often, and I’m not great about getting trims, my ends are not too bad.
Yer pal,
Satan
Satan…it’s ok to wash your hair everyday. All you’re doing is cleaning it.
People ask me how often you should wash your hair and I always answer, “Only when it’s dirty.” I’m not being facetious when I say that. Some people (like me) need to wash it every day. Some can get away with washing it every other day, some every few days. The trick is to use a shampoo and/or conditioner that suits your hair type. If you use the wrong kind you may find yourself having to wash it too often or not enough, or you may use one too harsh for your hair or one that’s too gentle. Makes all the difference in the world.
MaryAnn
No, stupid, it’s a boat!