Your ultimate split ends guide: causes and treatments

Split ends are those tiny forks at the end of your hair that show it’s feeling a little worse for wear. Sound familiar?, check out our guide on quick, short, and long-term treatments for split ends and get your hair back to its beautiful best. We’ll also let you know the best way to prevent those pesky split ends in future.

What are split ends?
Split ends or – if you want to be fancy about it – ‘trichoptilosis’ is when the end of your hair strand splits into two or more ‘branches’.

What causes split ends? The ends are the oldest part of your hair. Think of all the heat, chemicals , color, wear and tear, and extreme weather that have weakened the ends of your hair and caused your split ends. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the tips you need to make your hair happy again.

Are split ends bad?
Split ends are really common, so there’s no need to feel bad if you’ve got them. The best thing you can do now is to get them sorted. Luckily, split ends in hair are easy to treat and prevent – keeping your hair smooth, soft, and healthy.

Video of Dove Partner, Kelly U answering your questions, including her best advice on how she cares for split ends, hair breakage and damaged hair.

Quick fix: how to hide split ends
Need a quick and instant fix for hair with split ends? Use a shine serum to add moisture and shine to temporarily disguise them. You could also whip hair into a chic low bun, tucking the ends away out of sight.

Short-term fix: how to get rid of split ends
Once a strand splits, it can’t fuse back together – which means it could be the perfect time to get yourself a stylish new haircut. While you wait for your split ends haircut, do your best not to pick at them. If the split moves up your hair shaft, your stylist will need to cut more of your length off to stop them coming back.

So, now you know how to get rid of split ends with a haircut, let’s find out how to treat your split ends and keep your hair looking strong and shiny.

Different types of split ends and treatments
There are lots of different types of split and each needs a slightly different type of care. Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Check out our guide to the different kinds of split ends and how to treat them.

1
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The mini
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The mini is the first sign your hair needs help. Start using Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. It protects hair from daily wear and tear by nourishing and moisturising your strands.
2
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The basic split
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This is the most common type of split end and an early sign your hair needs more nourishing care. Rescue your hair pronto using a deep nourishing conditioner like Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner.
3
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The knot
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This is the curly hair version of the split end. Try using a wide-tooth comb for detangling to reduce split-end-inducing breakages.
4
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The candle
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The thinning of your strand means it’s lost its protective outer layer. Indulge in an oil-infused hair mask like Dove Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Mask once or twice a week to strengthen and replenish your strands.
5
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The fork
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This multi-split is a sign your hair needs some major TLC. Get things back on track by booking in for regular trims and using Dove Intense Repair Conditioner two to three times a week to restore strength and vitality.
6
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The tree
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This is a hair SOS call. Time for a trim. Use Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner to strengthen your strands.

Long-term fix: How to prevent split ends
Of course, stopping split ends in their tracks is great. But what we really want to know is how to prevent those split ends in the first place?

Use the right products
Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend says, “The best way to prevent split ends in general is to keep your hair strong and moisturized. Hair is more likely to develop split ends when it’s dry and brittle. So I always recommend using a nutrient-rich shampoo and conditioner to make sure your hair is strong enough to withstand damage. I really like the Dove Hair Therapy Breakage Remedy Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-On because they strengthen and nourish hair and offer 97% less breakage.”

Gently does it

Treat your hair with the same care you would the delicate skin on your face. Here’s how:
Towel dry gently after washing, your hair is at its most delicate when wet
Brush patiently using a wide-tooth comb to detangle without dragging
Blow-dry on a low heat
Be sure to use a heat defense product such as Dove Heat Protection Spray
Avoid harsh or tight hairstyles
Always use non-snag accessories
Protect your hair at night by sleeping on a silk pillowcase