Why You Should Never Pick Apart Split Ends - Women's Health

The message has always been clear: if you have split ends, cut them off.

Yet, 50% of people in the UK pick at split ends on a daily basis, 80% of whom are women. Known medically as trichotillomania, this habit can lead to more problems than simply having a bad hair day.

Why you should never pick apart split ends

As to why you should never pick apart split ends? When you pick and pull a strand of hair in two, you cause irreversible damage to the length of the hair shaft.

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In most cases, this will lead to your hair eventually breaking off, resulting in uneven, thin ends. In severe cases, a split end that is picked and splits all the way to your scalp, can result in follicular damage.

To get to the root of the issue, WH asked hair stylist Jordan Garret, of Hersheson salons, about the ramifications of this habit. Plus, what to switch up for the hair you're after.

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How to nix split ends: your 101

Firstly, what causes split ends?

Mainly your daily lifestyle. When you use heated appliances on your hair, it saps it of moisture, which can lead to splitting.

If you dye your hair without giving it the nourishment it needs before and after, it can lead to splitting. Even washing your hair with the wrong shampoo can lead to split ends.

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Why is it so bad to pull apart split ends?

When you pick at split ends, you damage the hair shaft further. Some people might think that splitting a hair in two only makes the strand thinner, but what you're actually doing is damaging the cuticle and the core, which makes your hair strand strong.

Once this damage has been one, your hair strand becomes weak and eventually breaks off.

How can you get rid of split ends?

The only way you can completely get rid of split ends is cut them off. Unfortunately, once they're damaged, they're damaged. You can make them look healthy, but at the end of the day, the only way to get rid of them is to actually get rid of them. Office scissors won't do the trick either.

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You need to see a professional, or purchase a pair of professional scissors. These are sharper than regular scissors, so you get a clean cut rather than a frayed cut, which can also lead to split ends.

Is there a way you can prevent split ends from splitting further without cutting them off?

There are products out there that can slow down the rate at which your hair splits, so if you want to hold onto your length for the weekend, you can without further damage being done. But at the end of the day, a split end will always split higher if left unattended.

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How can you prevent split ends?

Try to minimise daily manipulation of your hair like excessive brushing – and don't comb your hair after the shower.

Water causes your hair shaft to swell, so it's at its weakest point during this time. If this is the only time you can get a comb through your hair, start from the ends and work your way up.

Also, always spray your hair with a heat protector prior to using any heated appliances and try to apply a hydrating hair mask once a week to keep your hair healthy and strong.

Are there particular foods/drinks that can help prevent split ends?

Your hair is basically made up of protein, so having enough in your diet is essential. Chicken, turkey, fish, legumes and eggs are all excellent sources of protein, so try to alternate between them.

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Foods rich in Omega 3s (think: mackerel, anchovies, flaxseed) will also help strengthen your strands through hydration and because your body doesn't naturally create them, you need to get them through your diet with foods like fish and nuts.

Iron is also needed for stronger, healthier hair because the follicle and root are fed by a nutrient rich blood supply. Try adding lentils and dark leafy greens, like spinach and kale to your daily diet.

Now that you know why you should never pick apart split ends, find out about the 10 New Products To Tame Summer Frizz