Lifestyle and health, bad habits that lead to split ends
Habits that lead to split ends
Hair breakage, shrinkage and split ends are common complaints from women all over the world. Strange as it may seem, it is our own actions that cause such hair damage. But fortunately, it is not too difficult to get rid of it. Find out what can cause so much damage to the ends of your hair!
Talking on the phone and playing with hair
Isn’t that common? There’s no shame in admitting that you play with hair ends playfully or just out of boredom while talking on the phone. But whatever the reason, it’s a bad habit, strangling the hair and contaminating the ends with everything it plucks from your fingers.
Torn hair (pulling out gray hair)
Some specific hairstyles and techniques like twisting, backcombing, hair braiding, weaving, etc. involve pulling the hair and squeezing it tightly, which can even lead to hair breakage. But the worst damage is suffered by the hair at the ends in addition to the scalp. Whether it’s a willful gray hair-pulling marathon or just a really painful hairstyle, avoid being so hard on the hair.
Chemically treated hair
Nothing drives hair ends and roots crazier than the chemicals that are turned into hair while coloring/dying it. Bleaching hair rips the essential natural oils from the hair and dries out the ends, leaving them to split.
Use of heat/use of hair products on unprotected hair
Hair dryers, hair straighteners, curlers, etc. may seem like hairstyling essentials at first, but their long-term damage is excruciating, and one of the side effects includes split ends. Heat also strips hair of its natural softness and temporarily alters the biochemistry. In the long term, these changes weaken and dry out the tips and roots of the hair, often resulting in split ends.
Drying ingredients like harsh cleansers (detergents) and alcohol
The most basic part of hair care is cleansing and using the right shampoo (gentle ingredients, always check ingredient certification and clinical test results). An excess of harsh cleansing ingredients (alcohol) can make hair rough, leading to split ends.
Not getting a cut or haircut in time
So going au natural is all the rage and you’ve decided to let the locks flow freely. No matter how desperately you wait for your hair to grow, a regular trim should be received. Avoiding the trimming procedure will result in more damaged ends and prevent hair growth.
Avoid hair care
Nothing can take better care of your hair than a good hair care regimen. If regularly oiling your scalp seems too old-fashioned, you can try weekly hair masks made with natural ingredients. These hair masks keep your hair hydrated and prevent split ends.
When you don’t apply oils or other moisturizing agents to your scalp, it becomes dry, which weakens your hair, especially at the ends. Natural hair masks provide a deep conditioning treatment that infuses moisture into your scalp, reducing frizz and dryness. It also makes your hair shinier and softer.
The Body Shop – Shea Butter Hair Mask 240ml
However, a word of warning, avoid using chemical conditioners. It is healthier to prepare hair masks at home using natural ingredients. Even if you buy a ready-to-use hair mask, choose one with ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, honey, aloe vera, and bananas.
Damaged wet hair
Do you always towel dry your hair every time you wash it? Well, squeezing wet hair with a towel is not uncommon. However, it is a habit that causes maximum damage to your hair. Frequent rubbing can damage hair cuticles and cause frizz and split ends.
When you wet your hair, it is more fragile and therefore more susceptible to damage. So the next time you choose this towel to wring out your hair, pat it gently to remove excess water and let the rest of your hair dry naturally.
Some even have the habit of combing wet hair. This habit can roughen the cuticles and increase frizz, leading to more split ends. Not to mention the damage to the hair roots that leads to hair loss and breakage. You can avoid this damage by using a wide-toothed comb. Also, make sure the hair is 80% dry before combing through it.
The internet is a bonfire of creative ideas, but unless you’re an expert, don’t get your hair tied up in a mess of DIY techniques and products. The most important technique remains safe hair care, proper nutrition and SPF protection.