How to Treat Split Ends

Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian

Split ends occur when hair becomes weak and begins to break near the end of the hair shaft. Too much heat styling, sunlight, or harsh styling products can all cause split ends. Fortunately, there is a way to manage those split ends; keep in mind, however, that you will need to trim your hair in order to completely eliminate split ends. You can treat and care for your split ends to minimize their appearance, but the effects are temporary.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Salon Products and Treatments

1
Use the right type of shampoo and conditioner. Look for something that says restructuring, repairing, nourishing, hydrating, or moisturizing on the label. These types of shampoos and conditioners are designed to add extra moisture, proteins, and vitamins to your hair, making it healthier and stronger. They won't seal the split ends back up, but they will help manage them and prevent the split from going further up the hair shaft.
- Remember, you can't repair split ends. You can only minimize their appearance.
2
Use a deep-conditioning hair mask 2-3 times per month. Wash your hair as you normally would, but instead of using your usual conditioner, use a deep-conditioning hair mask. Do not rinse it out; instead, squeeze the extra moisture out of your hair and put it under a shower cap. Leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes or for as long as the product instructions advise, then rinse it out using cool water. However, make sure that you don't leave the mask on too long, as that contains proteins could cause your hair to become brittle. If you can't find a hair mask designed specifically for split ends, look for something that says:
- Deep repair
- Hair repair treatment
- Restorative
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3
Apply a hair serum on the ends of hair once a week. Find one that has a conditioning agent and ingredients that gives hair a shine. Apply a generous amount of this serum to damaged split ends. Style the hair as usual. The serum works to help treat and smooth split ends. Serums for split ends will typically include anything of the following on the label:
- Split end cream/mender
- Pure oil treatment
4
Try a Brazilian blowout split end repair treatment. You will need to find a certified salon to get this treatment. It will take about 10 minutes, and is most effective right after a haircut or trim. The combination of product and gentle heat styling will help seal the split ends for up to four weeks.^{[1]
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- This treatment will coat the ends of your hair, sealing the split ends. However, keep in mind that they aren't repaired and the treatment is temporary. In fact, using the treatment too often can further damage your hair.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Natural Products and Treatments

1
Apply ½ teaspoon of olive oil onto your hair.^{[2]
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Research source} Pour some oil into the palm of your hand and gently massage it into your hair, focusing on the ends and working your way up. Do not rinse out the oil, unless it makes your hair look greasy. If you do rinse it out, use cool water. If you do not have any olive oil at home, here are some other great options:^{[3]
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- Avocado oil is moisturizing, making it ideal for dry and frizzy hair.
- Castor oil tends to be slightly drying, but it also adds strength, making it great for oily hair as well as brittle hair.
- Coconut oil is moisturizing and suitable for all hair types. It will leave your hair soft and shiny.
- Jojoba oil is weightless and ideal for oily hair.
- Sesame oil is great for all hair types. It will condition your hair and add shine.
2
Use an oil treatment. Warm ¼ to ½ cup (60 to 120 milliliters) of olive oil in the microwave; you want it to be very warm, but not hot. Apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and leave it there for 20 to 60 minutes.^{[4]
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Research source} Once the time is up, take the shower cap off and wash your hair. You may need to wash it a few times to get all of the oil out. If you have particularly weak hair, consider adding any of these strengthening ingredients to the olive oil:^{[5]
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- 1 teaspoon of neem oil
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- 4 drops carrot seed oil
3
Make a nourishing hair mask using an egg and oil. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 egg in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and wait 30 minutes. Remove the shower cap once the time is up, and wash your hair using cool water; do not use hot water or you may get scrambled eggs in your hair.
- Olive oil is very moisturizing. It is also full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
- Coconut oil is not only moisturizing, but it is also full of proteins and vitamins E and K, all of which are important for keeping hair healthy and strong.^{[6]
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- Egg contain vitamins A, D, and E, which are important for hair health. They also contain moisturizing fatty acids and plenty of protein.^{[7]
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4
Make a moisturizing hair mask with honey and coconut oil. Mix together 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Massage the mixture into the ends of your hair and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes; you can tuck your hair under a shower cap to prevent the mixture from drying out or getting everywhere. Once the time is up, wash your hair.
- Coconut oil is full of proteins and vitamins, all of which are important for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Coconut oil is also very moisturizing.
- Honey will help draw moisture into your hair. Split ends usually happen to hair that is brittle and dry, so keeping your hair hydrated can help prevent split ends—and keep existing ones from getting worse.
5
Mix avocado, some egg whites, and olive oil for a nourishing hair mask. You will need 1 avocado (pitted and skinned), 2 tablespoons of egg whites, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mash the avocado with the rest of the ingredients until you get a smooth, creamy texture. Spread the mixture throughout your hair, and tuck everything under a shower cap. After 45 to 60 minutes, take the shower cap off and wash your hair as usual.^{[8]
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Research source} Avoid using very hot water, or the eggs may cook in your hair.
6
Blend a papaya with some yogurt for a healthy, protein-packed hair mask. You will need 1 papaya (skinned and with the seeds scooped out) and ½ cup (125 grams) of plain yogurt. Mix the two ingredients using a blender until you get a creamy consistency, then spread it throughout your hair. Tuck your hair under a shower cap and leave it there for 45 minutes, then wash it out using your usual shampoo.^{[9]
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7
Use gelatin to make a healthy hair mask. Wash and shampoo your hair first, then mix 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water with 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup. Spread the mixture throughout your hair and leave it on for five minutes. Rinse the mixture out after the time is up. This will help strengthen your hair and prevent the ends from getting split. It may also help prevent existing split ends from worsening.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Split Ends

1
Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.^{[11]
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Research source} Cotton and linen pillowcases may be more affordable, but the coarse texture can snag and tear your hair, making existing split ends worse than they already are. Consider investing in a satin or silk pillowcase.
- If you cannot find a satin or silk pillowcase, consider getting a cotton one with a high thread count, such as Egyptian cotton.
2
Consider trimming your hair once every 6-8 weeks. This will help prevent the ends of your hair from splitting. If you already have split ends, then you will need to cut 1 ½ inches above the split; this will prevent your hair from splitting further up the shaft.^{[12]
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- After you get your split ends under control, you can maintain healthy hair by getting a .5 inches (1.3 cm) trim every 6-8 weeks.
EXPERT TIP

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist

Adequate and consistent hair cuts prevent your hair from splitting. If your hair is broken, the ends can split into two or three pieces. But if you have good, regular hair cuts, the hair doesn't get to the split-end stage. Hair cuts can actually help the hair grow a little bit longer.
3
Eat plenty of protein-containing foods.^{[13]
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Research source} Protein is very important for strong, healthy hair. It may not cause the split ends to seal themselves back together, but it will help make the rest of your hair stronger, and prevent the damage from becoming worse. Here are some foods that have lots of protein: ^{[14]
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- Beans
- Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
- Eggs
- Fish and seafood, including halibut, salmon, and tuna
- Meat, including chicken, lean beef, turkey, pork, and veal
- Nuts and seeds, such as pistachios and pumpkin seeds
- Soy-based products, like tofu and soymilk
4
Eat plenty of vitamin and biotin-rich foods. Some examples are, proteins, vitamins are important to maintain strong, healthy hair and thus prevent the damage from getting worse.^{[16]
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- Try adding some citrus, broccoli, or spinach into your diet, all of which are rich in vitamin C.
- To add more biotin to your diet, eat more berries, fish, and nuts.
5
Protect your hair from environmental damage. This may not necessarily fix the split ends, but it will help prevent them from getting worse. There are different ways in which you can protect your hair from the elements. There's a list to get you started:
- Wear hats and scarves when going outside, even in the winter. The cold air can be just as damaging as the hot sun. Consider using a UV-shielding spray for your hair if you are going to be outside on a hot, sunny day for a long time.
- Protect your hair from chlorine when swimming by wearing swim caps.
6
Avoid hair products containing sulfates, silicones, and parabens. These ingredients are very damaging to your hair, and will make your split ends worse. Here is what you should try to avoid and why:^{[17]
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- Sulfates, sometimes listed as sulfites, are harsh detergents also found in commercial cleaning products. They give shampoo that nice lather, but they can also strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle.
- Silicones are plastics that help your hair become smooth. Unfortunately, they can only be removed with sulfates; a buildup of silicone can lead to limp, dull hair.
- Parabens are preservatives and may lead to cancer. It is best to avoid them.
7
Stay away from harsh chemical treatments. This includes perming, straightening, and coloring your hair, all of which can damage your hair. Chemical treatments also weaken your hair, making it more easily damaged. If you do use chemical treatments, use them as infrequently as possible.
- You can also minimize damage by sticking to touch-ups instead of making major changes.
8
Avoid heat-styling your hair and use protective sprays when you do. Try to air dry your hair when possible; if you must use a hair dryer, then turn it on to the lowest setting. Also, avoid using hair straighteners and curling irons every day. Excessive heat can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, which will make split ends worse than they already air.
- Always your hair with a heat protection spray before straightening or curling it. This will protect it and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
9
Brush properly to avoid tearing your hair. Start from the ends and work your way upward, brushing in small sections at a time. If you have curly hair, consider using a wide-toothed comb. Never brush your hair from the roots straight down; this can cause your hair to snag and tear, which will make the split ends even worse.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you grow your hair with 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

If the ends of your hair are split, you'll have a hard time increasing the length. Getting regular trims will help keep split ends under control so you can grow your hair.
Question

How do you stop 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

Be gentle with your hair. Avoid heat styling, comb with a wide-tooth comb, and sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Question

Can you actually 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, unfortunately, split ends can not be permanently repaired. The only permanent solution is to cut them off.