Different Types of Split Ends: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
You have definitely heard about split ends and may have even experienced them. Split ends are generally caused by a weakening of the bond between the cuticle and the cortex of the hair shaft. If your hair has split ends, you may have questions about what you can do to fix them and prevent them in the future. Here is some vital information about different types of split ends.
What Do Different Types of Split Ends Mean?
First off, there isn’t one way that damaged hair splits. Some common types of splits include partial splits, double splits, fork splits, and tree splits. Here are some reasons why each of these different types of split ends occurs and what they mean.
Partial Splits
These types of splits are probably the ones you’ve seen the most. This is a small-scale split and isn’t serious. They usually happen when your hair is dry and sustains damage, causing one part of the strand to break away from the main part. When your hair starts to have partial splits, sometimes called an incomplete split, it just means it is dry and overexposed to heat.
Double Splits
While these can look like larger partial splits, the dreaded double split is the easiest to recognize, if you see your hair split in two from the tip, creating a y shape, it is damaged by friction or over-styling your hair.
Fork Splits
While a little less common than the other types of split, a fork split happens when your hair follicle splits into three parts. This shape ends up looking like a fork. When you see this damage, it means your hair isn’t receiving proper hydration.
Tree Splits
If your hair damage has split ends coming out of various places of the follicle, you’re experiencing tree splits. If you see this damage, it means you must receive proper hair trimming because your hair is damaged.
No matter what type of split end you notice, you want to act quickly to prevent more damage. Split ends can signify health problems and ultimately cause further damage to your hair.
What Causes Different Types of Split Ends?
There are many different health factors and habits that can cause damage to the hair, often resulting in split ends. Here are some common causes:
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Over-brushing your hair
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Not using the right shampoos and conditioners for your hair type
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Towel drying your hair
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Heat styling your hair, like with a blow dryer on a high setting, frequently.
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Brushing out hair after a shower while it’s still wet
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Wearing tight ponytails, buns, or other high styles frequently
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Over-exposure to harsh chemicals or chemical treatments, like in swimming pools or hair bleach
Your hair is also affected by everyday wear and tear; some hair types are more prone to splitting than others.
How Do I Fix Different Types of Split Ends?
Before cutting off your hair, treat the damage first. Different hair types require specialized treatment for different types of split ends. Preventative hair care can go a long way toward keeping hair hydrated and healthy. For instance, if you have curly hair, staying hydrated may require a deep condition since it takes longer to absorb the conditioner. The right hair mask can achieve this process.
If you have fine, straight hair that suffers from excessive heat damage, consider getting a heat protectant spray and applying it to your damp hair. Preparing your hair for exposure to heat helps prevent split down the line and keeps the necessary moisture in your hair.
Schedule an Appointment with an Expert Houston Hair Stylist Today
Sometimes, home treatments aren’t enough to help reverse your hair’s damage. You may need to work with a professional to fix your dry and damaged hair. The right hair stylist can help assess the level of damage to your hair and use a suitable treatment. At Therapy Hair Studio, we’ll work with you to ensure your hair gets the treatments and care it needs to recover. We can even help you schedule regular trims to prevent split ends in the future.
As Houston’s expert salon, we’re prepared to help address your hair’s health through specialized treatments, regular trims, and personalized hair care advice. Let us help support your hair care and help you maintain healthier, split-free hair so that you can feel confident. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today at (713) 355-4247 to book your appointment!
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