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If the ends of your hair look frayed and damaged, bad news: you have split ends. Split ends -- their scientific name is "trichoptilosis" -- occur when the protective outer cuticle of a strand of hair wears away. When the cuticle is gone, the cortex (the inner layer of a strand of hair) becomes exposed and frays into several pieces, like a rope.
Can Split Ends Heal?
Your hair is dead, so unlike the rest of your body, it can't repair damage. (Yeah, you can't actually have "healthy" hair, just hair that looks healthy.) You can probably find a hair product that claims it'll protect or fix your split ends, but don't waste your money -- that's just wishful thinking. This type of hair damage can't be fixed.
What Causes Split Ends?
Split ends can result from anything that damages or dries out your locks, like dyeing, relaxing or perming your hair, brushing too hard or staying out too long in the sun. Anything that adds heat -- like your curling iron or straightening iron -- is a prime culprit of split ends, because extreme heat leaves your tresses dry and brittle.
What Should I Do?
If you have split ends, call your hairstylist -- you need to get those ends chopped off, pronto. Don't wait too long -- the frayed ends will gradually travel up your hair, making the problem worse. Even if you're trying to grow out your hair, it's definitely a good idea to get a trim now to limit the damage.
How Can I Avoid Split Ends?
Go easy on your locks -- let your hair air-dry whenever you can, turn down the temperature on your straightening iron and skip the chemical relaxers or hair dye. In addition, don't wash your hair more than you need to (you might not need to shampoo every day), because washing removes natural protective oils along with dirt. Use conditioner on the tips of your hair, and if you can't give up that super-straight style, apply a heat protectant before using your straightener or blow-dryer.
