How To Get Rid of Split Ends—And Prevent Them From Happening In The First Place

Split ends technically is harmless, but they are very annoying. No matter how much smoothing serum you use, too many split ends can make hair look unhealthy—which is why it’s almost always suggested to get rid of them via a haircut. But if you feel like split ends sneak up on you too quickly, there are certain practices and hair treatments that can protect against breakage and prolong healthy ends. We asked celebrity hairstylist Orlando Pita, and RyanTrygstad, co-owner of Mark Ryan Salon, for their expert tips on all things split ends—read on for their recommendations, then get thee to your stylist. 

Can You Prevent Split Ends?
Not really. “It’s impossible to prevent split ends altogether, but the best way to try and prevent them is to keep your hair moisturized and in good shape,” explains Pita. Some factors increase your likelihood of getting split ends: “If you style your hair frequently and use heat on your hair, it’s inevitable that you are going to get split ends,” says the stylist. By that same token, Ryan says you can help prevent them with a little extra TLC. “Split ends can be prevented by integrating mindfulness into your routine—being mindful and gentle when brushing and detangling the hair,” he says. “Also, you can prevent split ends by reducing thermal styling or pulling back from bleach or colour.”

Pita adds that another factor is length. “The hair also splits naturally once it reaches a certain length,” says the stylist. “I had long hair most of my life and once my hair reached a certain length, it wouldn’t grow anymore. At that point, I would get split ends even though I never applied heat to my hair.”

Can You Get Rid of Existing Split Ends?
Unfortunately, “There is no way to mend split ends,” says Ryan. “However, certain styling products like masks, protectant sprays, et cetera, will seal them and prevent them from splitting further.” Like a bad habit, the best thing you can do for split ends is to cut them off. However, as Pita points out, “The problem with split ends is that some people’s hair breaks higher in the hair, so it’s not just the ends of the hair. It’s harder to get those pieces higher on the head just by cutting the ends.” In those cases, says the stylist, “I will go back in with my razor and skim each section of hair to cut off the breakage that’s higher on the head, but that is a tedious process.”

How Often Should You Trim Your Hair to Avoid Split Ends?
Ryan recommends that clients get a trim once a season, or every two to three months. But Pita adds that there are some variables: “Everyone’s hair grows differently, at different speeds and not everyone styles their hair or uses heat on their hair.” If you’re unsure whether you’re due for a trim, Pita says to just take a look at your end. “It’s easy to tell if you have split ends—you can see them, and your hair will tangle at the ends. That is when you need to get them cut,” says the stylist.

What Products Help Prevent Split Ends?
Think moisture, moisture, moisture. “Split ends come from dryness, over-processing, and too much styling, so you’ll want to look for products that replenish and nourish your hair,” says Pita. And a good detangling brush on wet hair.