There’s nothing more unattractive than when you’ve been desperately trying to grow your hair out for months, and are left with a mass of split ends. We know what causes them: Styling tools, chemical treatments, infrequent trims, and even brushing too rigorously, all play a part. To prevent, treat and successfully conceal your straw-like ends, we begged hairstylist Stacia Lance Gambrell of Lotus Salon in NYC to share her best tips.
PREVENTION
1. Get Regular, Professional Trims Every 6-8 Weeks: “Attempting to trim a little at home can result in excess damage because more than likely your scissors aren’t sharp or professional,” says Stacia.
2. Don’t Brush Wet Hair: “When hair is wet, it’s extremely fragile. The hair shaft stretches and weakens, and brushing causes it to snap and break.” Always use a wide tooth comb, advises Gambrell.
3. Don’t Overuse Heat Tools or Harsh Chemically-based Products: In other words, go easy on the flat iron, curling iron and hairdryer. If you color your hair, wait as long as possible between appointments.
TREATMENT
1. Use a Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner: Your ends are splitting due to physical and chemical stress to hair, which strips it of its natural oils, says Stacia. “To add back that lost moisture, try a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and even use a leave-in conditioner or treatment.”
2. Rinse Hair in Cool Water: “Cool water closes and seals the cuticle,” notes Stacia, “and can also make hair appear shinier.”
HOW TO HIDE THEM
1. Wear Your Hair Curly: Create curls by amplifying natural waves and texture. If an iron is a must, avoid using it
on the ends of hair, says Gambrell.
2. Style Hair in a Bun or Braid: “And apply a leave-in treatment for extra moisture,” adds Stacia.
3. Use a Finishing Serum: “Serum will temporarily seal the ends, but the only way to prevent split ends from getting worst is to get a trim!” The longer you wait, the more breakage you’ll have, and the more length you’ll have to snip off, and the longer it will take to grow your hair out!
