Watch Out For Hair Products That Claim To Fix This 1 Common Problem — Because It’s BS

Split ends are to hair what acne is to skin — a frustrating beauty dilemma that can be stubborn to fix.

Many hair care formulas on the market claim to “zip up” or seal split ends, but is this actually possible, or is it marketing fluff? HuffPost spoke to hair experts, including trichologists and a hair stylist, to learn all about split ends, including what causes them, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have them.

Take a look at the ends of your hair. If you notice that they’ve frayed or split into two or more parts, you have split ends. The root cause? According to Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective, split ends occur when the protective outer cuticle of the hair is compromised. “Without this protective layer, the inner cortex becomes exposed, causing the hair to weaken and separate at the ends,” she said.

Sara Hallajian, a Los Angeles-based trichologist, said there are four different types of split ends. A basic split is a “Y-shaped split where the cuticle has begun to separate,” she said. A feather split is when there are multiple splits along the same strand, indicating severe cuticle damage. A tree split refers to several small splits coming from one point, often due to extreme dryness. Finally, a knotted split is when a single strand forms a knot, which Hallajian said is common in curly or coily hair types.

There are several factors that can contribute to the damaging of the outer layer of hair. Unsurprisingly, heat styling is a culprit. As Yates explained, excessive heat from styling tools like flat irons, curling wands and blow dryers can weaken hair, leading to split ends. (Not to mention, the exposure to high temperatures strips hair of its natural moisture, making it dry.)

“When heat is too intense or used too often without protection, it can literally cook the hair from the inside out, causing the cuticle to crack and exposing the inner cortex — this breakdown makes hair more prone to fraying, breakage and split ends,” Yates said.

While all hair lengths can get split ends, if you have a shorter style, you’re likely less prone to them due to the frequent trimming you get to keep up your style. This removes damaged ends before they have a chance to fray, Yates said.

All hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) are prone to split ends, too. “The degree to which someone experiences split ends depends on their hair routine and exposure to damaging elements of heat styling and harsh chemicals,” said Paulina Raciborski, a hair stylist at NYC The Team hair salon.

Split ends can also be caused by mechanical or chemical damage. Mechanical damage refers to damage that occurs due to physical stresses put on the hair. This can be anything from rough brushing, wearing tight hairstyles often or using hair accessories that pull on the hair. “All of these factors weaken the hair over time, creating damage that leads to split ends,” Raciborski said.

Chemical damage, on the other hand, occurs when hair treatments like coloring, lightening and hair relaxing break down the hair’s natural structure, making the hair dryer and weaker. “Both types of damage — mechanical and chemical — wear down the protective cuticle and increase hair fragility,” Raciborski said.

The short answer: No, split ends cannot be sealed. “Split ends are the splitting of one single hair shaft, and when there’s internal hair shaft damage, nothing can seal it,” Hallajian explained. The only real treatment for split ends is to get them cut. Raciborski recommended getting a trim every eight to 12 weeks to prevent split ends but noted that if you frequently heat style or get chemical treatments, getting a trim every six to eight weeks is ideal.

The good news is that even though no product can “seal” your split ends, there are certain hair care products that can minimize their appearance.

“Conditioners, leave-in treatments and serums that contain emollients and humectants can smooth the cuticle, thereby reducing frizz and making the hair look healthier,” Yates said. “These formulas work by coating the strands and filling in gaps in the cuticle, which can make split ends appear smoother and help prevent further breakage.”

The best course of action to prevent split ends is to follow a healthy hair care regimen. Incorporate deep conditioning masks into your routine one to two times a week, limit heat styling and tight hairstyles, and brush the hair gently, especially when it’s wet (as this is the time when hair is the most fragile).