Pesky split ends are something that just about every natural experiences. With daily wear and tear, brittle, split ends are sometimes inevitable. However, there are some tips that can help to lessen the frequency and severity of split ends throughout your hair. Here is how to prevent split ends in natural hair:
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1) Be gentle when detangling
Detangling can be a lengthy process for some of us. Unfortunately, we may sometimes get impatient and start to rush through the detangling process. This can lead to breakage and over time, split ends. So, it is important that you are patient and gentle with your strands when detangling. Work in sections and make sure that you coat your strands with a detangling product to help loosen tangles.
Additionally, it helps to use a wide-tooth comb or some other detangling tool to help simplify the process. All in all, being gentle when detangling will aid in how to prevent split ends in natural hair. Tearing through your hair will cause breakage and splitting throughout the hair shaft, which can not only create split ends, but mid-shaft splits as well.
2) Get regular trims
The only way to get rid of split or damaged ends is by trimming them off. Split ends can be temporarily improved, but not repaired. Getting regular trims or trimming your hair as needed, aids in keeping your ends smooth and healthy. If you go too long without a trim, your split ends can worsen and turn into mid-shaft splits and thus result in more hair having to be cut off when you do go to get a trim. There are a few tell-tale signs to look for that can tell you whether your strands are in need of a trim.
Click here to see signs your natural hair is in need of a trim:
3) Deep condition weekly
One way to keep your hair soft and smooth and your ends nourished, is with moisture. Deep conditioning weekly can benefit how to prevent split ends in natural hair by supplying your strands with intense moisture from root to tip. Deep conditioners contain a combination of hydrating and strengthening ingredients, including proteins, natural extracts, oil blends, and more.
To add to this, deep conditioning regularly can help to gradually strengthen your strands over time, as well as temporarily alleviate damaged problem areas. When your strands are adequately moisturized, your natural curl pattern will be at its full formation and thus create springier, softer ends.
4) Seal your ends with an oil
Apart from keeping your strands moisturized to prevent split ends, you also want to make sure that you are retaining this moisture with a sealant. An oil can serve as a great moisture sealant as it helps to smooth the hair cuticle and your ends. Jamaican black castor oil makes a good choice as it is made of a thicker consistency.
Jamaican black castor oil easily coats and smooths your strands, aiding in the prevention of split ends. Making the effort to routinely seal your ends with an oil will pay off in how to prevent split ends in natural hair.
5) Be aware of your clothing fabrics
Another cause of split ends is sometimes our clothing. The friction of our drying clothing fabrics rubbing against the ends of our hair can accelerate the formation of split ends. The ends of our hair are the oldest parts and are already prone to dryness and breakage. So, an easy way to prevent split ends in natural hair is to switch up your hairstyles from time to time. Also, try to keep the ends of your hair off your shoulders when possible – wear protective styles on occasion.
6) Wear protective styles on occasion
In mention of protective styles, it is of much benefit to switch up your hairstyles from time to time to protect the ends of your hair and give your strands a break from daily wear and tear / manipulation. Twists, cornrows, puffs, etc., are all examples of protective styles that can aid in how to prevent split ends in natural hair.
7) Do monthly protein treatments
Finally, another tip to help with how to prevent split ends in natural hair is to do monthly protein treatments. Our hair is made of protein, so it is essential that we are receiving an adequate amount of protein both in our diet and applied directly to our hair. Protein helps to keep our strands strong, including the ends of our hair as protein treatments can help to alleviate damage. If we don’t get enough protein, it can lead to weak strands as well as breakage.
