How to Do a Hair Mask for Split Ends

Last Updated: November 3, 2022 References

Split ends are hard to repair, and trimming them off is usually the best option. However, a hair mask can nourish your hair overall. This can reduce the appearance of split ends and leave your hair healthier, which may prevent split ends in the future. You can use a commercial hair mask designed for your hair type. You can also use food and beverages to nourish your hair. Oils, like olive oil, can also help to protect the ends of your hair from becoming damaged.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Going for a Commercial Mask

1
Use a moisturizing mask for frizzy hair. If your hair is wavy or curly, it is probably prone to dryness and frizz. These types of hairs respond best to hydrating masks. Go for a mask that aims at hydrating dry hair if your hair is frizzy.^{[2]
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- Shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo before using a moisturizing mask. This will help to remove the excess oils and prepare your hair for the mask.
2
Buy a protein mask for thin, flat hair. Thin or flat hair can benefit from added protein. If your hair is on the thinner side, look for a mask that has a lot of protein. Protein-based masks can help replenish thin, flat hair.^{[3]
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3
Talk to a stylist if you have oily hair. If you have oily hair, talk to a stylist instead of applying a hair mask yourself. Oily hair may be made worse by a hair mask. A stylist can develop a specific solution for your hair in that case.^{[4]
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4
Look for ingredients that strengthen hair. Certain ingredients benefit hair more or less. You want a hair mask that has ingredients that help with general hair strength. Oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil help with hair strength.^{[5]
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Research source} You can also opt for products with wheat proteins. The ingredient keravis increases hair strength and protects hair from further damage due to heat.^{[6]
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- Argan oil not only adds shine and luster to your hair, but it keeps your tresses more manageable. Argan oil is anti-inflammatory, too, so it's safe for your scalp.
- Henna can also be a nourishing ingredient, but tends to build up over time. This can result in it altering the color of your hair. If you color your hair frequently, it's best to avoid henna.
5
Apply a commercial mask carefully. Consult the ingredients label for precise instructions. Most commercial masks, however, are applied after you shampoo your hair and dry it lightly with a towel. You apply them from the roots to the tips and then secure your hair with a shower cap. Most masks are left on for 20 to 30 minutes before you wash them out.^{[7]
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- Make sure to read the instructions on your specific masks. Some masks may be left on for longer or shorter periods.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Food and Drinks

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Try avocado and egg. Avocado can help nourish split ends. Mash a single avocado in a mixing bowl. Then, mix in one egg. From there, add a small amount of olive oil. You only need enough to get a thick, conditioner-like mixture. Apply it to your hair, put on a shower cap, and let the mixture sit for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing your hair with cool water.^{[8]
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- Don’t rinse your hair with warm water or the egg may cook in your hair.
2
Add honey to your hair. Mix two tablespoons of honey with three tablespoons of olive oil. Shampoo your hair like you normally would. Then, apply the honey mixture to your hair. Put on a shower cap and let the honey sit in your hair for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Wash your hair again with a moisturizing shampoo. This will further nourish your hair and remove any honey reside.^{[9]
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3
Use eggs. Mix an egg yolk with three tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey. Then, apply the mask to your hair. Put on a shower cap to prevent the egg mixture from dripping on your clothes and surfaces. Let it sit in for half an hour before washing it out with cool water.^{[10]
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- Don’t use warm water or the egg may cook in your hair.
4
Apply papaya to your hair. Use a blender to blend a ripe papaya and cup of yogurt into a pulpy paste. Then, apply the paste to your hair and put on a shower cap. Leave the mixture in for about 30 minutes and then wash it off. You should see a reduction in split ends.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Oil-Based Masks

1
Massage your hair with plant-based oils. In general, plant-based oils work best to restore hair health. Go for oils like olive oil and almond oil, or a combination. Massage small amount of a plant-based into your hair, working your way from the roots to the tips. Let the oil sit in for 30 minutes and then rinse it out.^{[12]
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- Make sure to rinse thoroughly. If you leave oil sitting in your hair, it can cause your hair to become greasy.
2
Use coconut oil. Shampoo and dry your hair as you normally would. Then, use a small amount of coconut oil and work it into your hair from the roots to the ends. If you have short hair, you will need only a very small amount of coconut oil, such as a teaspoon. You may need a little more if your hair is long. Wrap your hair in a towel and wait 30 minutes before mixing the oil out. When you're done, shampoo your hair twice.^{[13]
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- Make sure to wash your tub after rinsing coconut oil out of your hair. Coconut oil will make surfaces very slippery.
3
Use castor oil. Mix a tablespoon of castor oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and one egg. Apply this mixture to your hair. Secure it with a towel and let it sit on for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, wash your hair with cool water and let it dry naturally.
- Avoid using warm or hot water when using eggs on your hair. Warm or hot water may partially cook the eggs and make it difficult to get them out of your hair.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is there any way that a haircut can actually cause split ends?

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.

Courtney Foster

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

If you go to a licensed cosmetologist or a professional hair stylist, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if anyone uses dull instruments to cut your hair, these tools can actually cause split ends—which defeats the purpose of a haircut!
Question

Does your hair grow if you have split ends and how do you grow your hair longer faster?

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.

Courtney Foster

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Your hair grows in different stages—there are three different phases. Since hair growth is a natural process you just need to be patient with, you can't do a lot to make it grow faster. Anyone can grow longer hair, but it's important to maintain it by cutting away split ends. If you have too many split ends, the split ends will travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage. Essentially, if you're not clipping those split ends, then you're defeating the purpose of trying to grow out your hair.
Question

Is it really possible to repair split ends?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

No, at least not permanently. Some products cover the split with a protective coating that temporarily holds them together, but if you stop using the product the splits will reappear.