What Are Split Ends? Causes, Types, and What You Can Do To Prevent Them

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What causes split ends?

When it comes to issues with our hair, split ends are an oh-too-familiar occurrence. But exactly how do split ends happen?

The first thing you need to know is that your hair grows out of follicles located in the deep layers of the skin on your scalp. Each hair follicle is connected to a blood vessel, which ensures that your hair gets all the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that your body can supply to it. 

There are two parts to what we call a hair strand: the root and the hair shaft. The hair shaft is the part you can see. It is surrounded by an oil gland, which provides it with natural lubrication. The hair is made up of 95% keratin—a protein that is insoluble in water—which serves to protect the hair. 

The last thing you should know about the hair shaft is that it is made up of three distinct parts: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. The medulla and cortex are the innermost parts of the hair shaft and are what gives your hair its shape and strength, while the cuticle is the outer part of the hair shaft.  

The cuticle protects your hair from things like the sun and saltwater, chemical treatments, and  even excessive hair brushing. When the cuticle wears away, the inner part of the hair is exposed, which can cause it to unravel. This can lead to the hair “splitting.”

What do split ends look like — are there different types of split ends?

Now that we understand why you get split ends, let’s look at the different types of split ends that you can get. 

Keep in mind that, although there are many different types of split ends which indicate varying degrees of damage, they always indicate one underlying problem: damage to the hair shaft. Read on to find out which split end types you have and what solutions you can use to fix them.

The basic split

This is a classic sign of hair damage and is probably the most recognizable type of split end. Basically, the end of your hair strand will look like it is split into two equal parts. What this means is that the cuticle has been worn away and that the inner part of your hair shaft is beginning to separate, which will lead to further splitting if not mended. 

Of course, a haircut is the most foolproof solution to getting rid of split ends, but for those of us who want to keep our length, we can use a product to reduce the degree of hair damage and preventing our split ends from getting worse. A nourishing hair mask that restores moisture might be just what you need. 

The baby split

This is similar to the basic split but in its early stages. In this case, the hair cuticle is beginning to split, but it may be barely noticeable. This means that there is a much smaller degree of damage to the hair cuticle. 

Similarly to with a basic split, if you notice that you have baby split ends, you can do a lot to improve your hair and prevent further damage by upping your use of hair masks and leave-in conditioners designed to give you added moisture.

The candle

This is the very beginning stage of a split end. If you have this type of split end, you’ll notice that the bottom of the hair shaft is much thinner than the rest. This means that the cuticle has been worn away. However, the good news is that your hair has not started to split yet. Continue to nourish your strands and practice good hair care to keep the damage from getting worse.

The knot

While not exactly a split end, a knot—also known as a fairy knot—occurs when hair strands (most often curly kinds) tangle into themselves and cause it to form a knot. This can lead to hair breakage, especially if you brush your hair using a brush that isn’t right for your hair type. Take this as an early sign of damage and make sure that you are using a hairbrush made for your hair type while continuing to provide your hair with moisture and nourishment. For fine to medium hair, a boar bristle brush is the perfect combination of softness and strength.

The feather

If your hair strand is splitting in multiple places, you will know you have feathered split ends. This means that the hair cuticle has been worn away completely and that the hair cortex is completely losing its integrity. 

If you notice a lot of feathered split ends in your hair, it might be hard to fix the damage with products alone, and a trip to the salon may be necessary. We know the time and effort it takes to grow out your hair. So, if growing your hair is an important goal of yours, make sure you give it the nutrients it needs after your trim. The right supplements can help your hair grow faster, prevent future split ends, and even leave with softer and shinier hair.

Split from split ends with the right hair care routine

Split ends happen when your hair cuticle is damaged because of, well, being human. We all experience sun and wind exposure, we all wash our hair with water of questionable quality, and some of us swim in salt and chlorinated water regularly. And, of course, part of feeling good about  our appearance means doing things to our hair that may not be so good  for its health (despite looking great). 

With the right hair care products and a solid hair care routine, it’s possible to prevent and fix different types of split ends. For the best results, make sure you use shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, and other products that are designed for your specific hair type. 

The best products will also take into account your lifestyle, hair care habits, your environmental stressors, hair goals, and more. For help curating a custom hair care routine designed specifically for you, book your free consultation with the Prose hair experts today. Together, we’ll make your hair care routine work for you.