“Some serums wrap around your split ends and keep them at bay so they’re not visible,” says Michele. “This is only a cosmetic fix as the split end remains under the product, but they can be a great option to make your hair appear healthier.”
6. Invest in bond-building products
Bond-building treatments are huge in hair right now as they pose a triple threat against damaged strands: they chemically repair hair strands damaged by bleach and heat; they prevent future breakage and they boost resilience.
The OG of bond-building treatments is, of course, Olaplex, which is powered by a patented active molecule, which helps to repair disulphide bonds inside the hair. But other brands are also harnessing high-tech formulas that go beyond the simple nourishment of a hair mask.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Rescue Pre-Shampoo deploys a citric acid complex and has been dubbed the high street’s answer to Olaplex. The K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask uses a patented peptide to encourage amino acids in stressed strands to reconnect. While Living Proof’s Triple Bond Complex builds three types of bonds — hydrogen, ionic and covalent — to make even bleached ends look freshly cut.
7. Do have ‘micro’ trims
There is a sweet spot when it comes to getting a trim. If you’re scared to lose your length, you can visit your hairdresser more regularly for smaller trims. Hair stylists can cut cleverly by working in minimal layering, a technique that makes the hair appear long but cuts out the bulk of split ends.
If you’re feeling brave you could also try ‘hair dusting’, a DIY technique that involves twisting dry strands of hair and pushing up the tips to reveal split ends. Using hairdressing scissors, simply snip away any the part of the hair that has split in two.
8. Use a microfibre towel
Hair ‘plopping’ was never just a flash-in-the-pan trend. While it has gained steam in the curl community, it’s actually a really good way to avoid aggressively roughing up your hair cuticles whatever your hair type.
As far as how it works, dab your hair with a Microfibre towel then wrap it on your head to dry. Not only does the material absorb moisture fast but it is also more gentle than your standard Terry towel, which will help to stave off split ends in the long run.
9. Invest in a keratin treatment
Keratin is a type of protein in the hair that smooths down the cuticles (layers of cells) that overlap to form your hair strands, making making them soft to the touch and easy to style. For this reason, Steve says that in-salon keratin treatments are an excellent option (he recommends Kerasilk by Kerastase).
Put simply, it replaces keratin molecules where the keratin is missing to pack out the hair shaft. Once locked in with heat, it will last for a good few months. “This, however, is just a temporary solution and regular trims at the salon are essential,” he notes.
10. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Unlike cotton, a silk pillowcase won’t rough up the hair’s cuticles. This lack of friction is credited with preventing split ends. Slip Silk Pillowcases are made from 100% pure Mulberry silk and come in a variety of cool colours and patterns.
11. Collagen supplements
Collagen isn’t just a boost for skin – it can help with split ends, too. “With age, your hair loses its elasticity, leading to hair breakage,” says Michele. “Collagen will improve the strength and hydration of your hair. You’ll notice a difference after 4-6 weeks of taking it and optimal results in 12 weeks.”
12. Opt for an acidic semi-permanent hair colour
“Naturally heathy hair has an acidic pH,” says Michele. “So it follows that an acidic semi-permanent hair colour without ammonia will help to bring it to its optimal pH. What’s more, hair with split ends usually looks dull and lifeless so adding colour to white looking split ends will make them much less visible.”
