Split Ends 
Trichoptilosis also known as split ends, is among the most common cause of hair breakage, and will result when the tip of the shaft is broken at the cortex. The cortex determines the color, strength, elasticity and texture of the hair, and accounts for 75 to 90 percent of the hairs bulk. When the cortex is exposed, it becomes dry and the ends begin to fray and split, leaving the hair with a dull, ragged and thirsty appearance. Your hairs moisture and protein levels have to be restored to strengthen hair strands. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off completely, and start all over again with a proper hair care regime. If not your hair will continue to split further up on the hair shaft and result in flyaways, and further breakage.
Causes .bmp)
Split ends are caused by a number of factors including:
- Excessive use of chemicals including no lye relaxers and permanent color which tend to be very drying, robbing the hair of moisture.
- Excessive use of styling products such as gels, waxes and sprays. Most styling products contain alcohol which promotes dryness.
- Improper or rough combing and brushing, especially on wet hair.
- Use of metal or plastic clips to pull hair back.
- Excessive use of thermal styling tools.
- Excessive exposure to the sun.
- Swimming in chlorine or saltwater on a regular basis.
Solutions
To help avoid split ends you should always:
- Trim your ends every six to eight weeks, or in conjunction with your relaxer touch up.
- Always use end papers when setting the hair with steam or regular rollers to maintain proper moisture balance in the hair.
- At night, wrap your hair with a silk scarf or sleep with a satin pillow case.
- Don't repeat chemical application before the recommended time.
- Intensively condition hair after chemical application.
- Apply a heat protect-ant before using thermal tools on the hair.
- Avoid cutting split ends yourself. Cutting hair with blunt scissors results in a cut with a long, jagged edge, at which your hair will be especially vulnerable to further damage. This is why stylists use good-quality steel scissors, which are very sharp indeed and cut cleanly.
- Protect your hair from the sun. You can wear hats when it’s too hot outdoors or when you plan to go to the beach. There are some conditioners that have sunscreen such as Joico Sun Therapy Protective Sun Milk.
- Wet your hair with tap water before going to the pool/beach and apply a small amount of conditioner to the mid-length and ends of the hair. This will help reduce some of the harmful effects of the salt or chlorine on the hair ends.
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