If you’re suffering from the travesty that is split ends, then you’re probably wondering why this is the case—could it be due to dryness? I’ve done my research and here’s what I found!
Split ends often occur when the ends of your hair become too dry, brittle, and then become frayed as a result. Exposing your hair to extreme weather conditions and heat styling tools are the main culprits for split ends, as well as the chemicals found in certain hair products.
Keep reading to find out how you can repair your dry split ends, as well as tips on how you can prevent this from happening in the future!
How To Repair Split Ends Caused By Dry Hair
When it comes to split ends, prevention really is key here. Repairing split ends is pretty difficult without actually trimming them off completely.
The easiest way to fix split ends caused by dry hair is to apply a homemade egg yolk protein mask to your hair. To make this mask mix an egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or almond oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Then apply the mixture to your hair’s ends and length; wait up to 45 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water
There are some remedies you can try at home that can help restore moisture and repair those ends. Here they are:
Step 01. Use an egg yolk mask
The egg is naturally protein-packed and helps to cure frizzy hair and restore shine. However, make sure that you are using the yolk of the egg, as this is the part of the egg that has the most nutrients to strengthen the strands of your hair and repair split ends.
Egg yolk also helps to restore moisture and can even be used as a conditioning treatment on your ends.
My advice is to mix the egg yolk with two tablespoons of olive oil, almond oil, and honey for the best results. Leave the mask on for 30-45 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Step 02. Beer
Yes, you read that right! Beer is just as good for your hair as it is for your mood! It supplies sugar and protein to damaged hair follicles and helps to control your split ends. Another added benefit is that it adds volume to hair, as well as doubling as a conditioner.
When doing this, make sure that the beer is flat before applying it as the fizz may be damaging to your hair. Start by shampooing, then add the beer to your hair and leave it for 2 minutes before rinsing.
Step 03. Honey
There’s really not much honey can’t fix, and your split ends are certainly not one of them! Honey is an all-natural healer, whether it is for your hair, body, or skin. Honey contains humectant, which prevents loss of moisture, therefore saving you from getting a dry scalp.
It also helps combat split ends as it strengthens the follicles of the hair. Its anti-bacterial properties will also keep your scalp clean due to its antibacterial properties.
To apply, mix some honey with curd, olive oil and an egg yolk. Apply this to your hair for 20-25 minutes before rinsing it off.
Step 04. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its ability to cure split ends and dryness in hair! It contains proteolytic enzymes that help to remove dead skin cells on the scalp, allowing optimal hair growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help cool your scalp and remove dirt.
If you can get ahold of 203 aloe vera leaves, simply squeeze some of the gel out of it into your hair. It may be a little sticky, but totally worth the results! Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse it out thoroughly. You can apply a milked shampoo afterwards to fully cleanse the hair.
If you can’t get ahold of aloe vera leaves, you can purchase the gel off Amazon.
Step 05. Trim your hair
If all else fails, the best and most effective way to get rid of those split ends is to simply cut them off. If the above methods failed chances are your split ends are severe, and are only worsening by the day.
The sooner you trim them away the sooner your hair can recover and grow back healthier and stronger!
How To Prevent Split Ends Caused By Dry Hair
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to split ends! The good news is that there are many methods to prevent split ends.
The best way to prevent split ends caused by dry hair is to be gentle when washing, drying and combing your hair. Avoid any techniques where you rub at your hair as this creates friction which dries your hair out and causes split-ends. Rather invest in a leave-in conditioner to use before combing or brushing through your hair for added protection.
I’ve made things easier by summarizing a few more prevention methods below for you. Take a look!
Step 01. Re-evaluate the way you towel dry your hair
While it may be a quicker way to dry your hair, vigorously rubbing your hair when it’s wet and at its most vulnerable can be extremely damaging, especially to your ends!
My advice is to invest in a microfibre towel, as it is must softer and more gentle than your normal cotton towel. It will also absorb moisture far more effectively, meaning it is a time-saver too.
Instead of rubbing your hair, simply wrap it up in a microfibre towel and leave it on for about 10 minutes, then you can either leave your hair to air dry or gently blow-dry it on a low-heat.
Step 02. Re-assess your blow-drying technique
As I touched on above, your blow-drying technique is super important! When drying your hair, focus the heat mainly on your roots and the top of your hair. Never blow the dryer directly on your ends, as this can dry them out unnecessarily.
Also, be mindful of the type of blow-dryer you are using. Cheap blow-dryers tend to focus high volumes of heat on one section of the hair, which fries the strands and dries them out, resulting in split ends. Rather invest in a good-quality dryer with a diffuser attachment, to distribute the heat evenly on your hair and prevent damage.
Is your hair still super dry after blow-drying? You could be making some common mistakes! Read our article here for some expert tips and tricks.
Step 03. Turn down the heat
Using your straightener or blow-dryer on your hair turned up to a high heat can actually kill the proteins in your hair, resulting in breakage and split ends.
According to researchers, 365 Degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature. This allows the most styling benefits in the fewest strokes for a straightener, which assists in retaining moisture and sealing your hair cuticle. This will leave your tresses smooth, shiny, and resistant to humidity!
Step 04. Get a new brush
If you’re still using an old brush with sharp, hard thistles, then no wonder your poor hair is splitting at the ends! Rather invest in a detangling brush that won’t pull at your hair and is safe to use even if your hair is damp.
When brushing, never brush your hair from the bottom down, rather start from the bottom and work your way up. Starting at the top and brushing own can literally tear and split the hair, especially if its knotty!
Step 05. Moisturize frequently
This one is key to keeping your hair smooth, soft and split-end free! You should be applying a good moisturizing treatment to your hair around once per week to prevent dryness and split ends.
I recommend Nexxus New York Salon Care Treatment Crème, Pro-Mend Split End Binding Leave-In for the best results!
Step 06. Change your shampoo and conditioner
If you are using products that contain harmful chemicals, these can build up in your hair and cause dryness and split ends over time. I always recommend using sulfate and paraben-free products on your hair to prevent this from happening.
My favorite pick is Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Sulfate Free Deep Treatment!
Step 07. Get a silk pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases can actually be damaging to your hair over time. This is because the tossing and turning while you sleep can create friction between your hair and the pillowcase, resulting in your hair breaking and splitting over time.
Rather invest in a silk pillowcase, as it is much gentler and softer on your strands!
Step 08. Don’t skip regular trims
This is probably one of the best ways to ensure your hair remains split-end free! This is especially true if you have very long hair, as it is more prone to splitting.
Make sure you are booking a trim every 6-8 weeks, as the longer you leave your hair the further up the hair shaft your ends will inevitably split, ultimately making your hair shorter than it was initially and leaving it looking untidy and dry.