Most Common Causes of Split Ends | How to Fix Split Ends

Climate is also among the common causes of split ends. (Image via Unsplash/ Alexander Krivitskiy)
Climate is also among the common causes of split ends. (Image via Unsplash/ Alexander Krivitskiy)

If you're annoyed with the split ends and looking for ways to get rid of them, first you need to know what are the causes of split ends.

Split ends, also known as trichoptilosis or schizotrichia in medical parlance, are caused by hair fiber fraying or splitting, usually near the end of the hair strand, but can also happen further up the hair too.

With frizz, dryness, and damage, split ends progressively steal peace of mind. Before moving on to treatments and ways to fix them, let's first have a look at the causes of split ends.


Common Causes of Split Ends

Dryness can also cause split ends. (Image via Unsplash/ Velizar Ivanov)
Dryness can also cause split ends. (Image via Unsplash/ Velizar Ivanov)

Dry scalp, itchy scalp, split ends, and hair loss are some of the common issues people face. Even while genetics plays a part in how well hair grows without breaking, there're things you can take to lower your risk of split ends.

For the common causes of split ends, check out this list of common habits that may do more damage than good.

1) Rubber bands for ponytails

How can hair elastics be among the common causes of split ends? Have you ever noticed how many strands a rubber band can pull out when you untie a ponytail? If you're not utilizing the right hair ties, headbands, or accessories, you're probably doing more damage to your strands than good.

2) Color and chemical treatments

While you may have finally achieved the ideal shade, straight hairstyle, and/or curly style you've been yearning for, it wasn't without a price.

These procedures typically include the use of a lot of chemicals, which can strip your hair of its natural moisture and dry it out, making it more prone to splitting. Chemical treatments substantially increase the likelihood of split ends in the hair by causing internal damage and weakening the cuticle.

3) Heat styling

Loosely tied hair are less prone to split ends. (Image via Unsplash/Tamara Bellis)
Loosely tied hair are less prone to split ends. (Image via Unsplash/Tamara Bellis)

Regular use of hot styling products such as hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and hot rollers is also on the list of common causes of split ends. As they dehydrate the hair, that make hairs more sensitive and prone to splitting.

4) Climate

Use less chemicals treatments for healthy hair. (Image via Unsplash/Tamara Bellis)
Use less chemicals treatments for healthy hair. (Image via Unsplash/Tamara Bellis)

Even while most of these factors are under your control, there are fewer common causes of split ends that are more challenging to identify and treat. Split ends are more likely to occur as a result of environmental aggressors that cause dryness, such as sun exposure or a lack of humidity.


Split Ends Treatment

Strong and healthy hair depends on proper diet and less stress. (Image via Unsplash/Alina Kovalchuk)
Strong and healthy hair depends on proper diet and less stress. (Image via Unsplash/Alina Kovalchuk)

It's impossible to mend split ends. Cutting them off is the only surefire way to get rid of them.

The latest way for treating split ends is velaterapia, commonly referred to as candle cutting. Candle cutting entails twisting a part of your hair and lighting a candle to burn it halfway.

It's believed that burning off your split ends form a seal that prevents them from splitting again. However, some hair care professionals are concerned that it can harm hair follicles and create split ends.

If you wish to try candle cutting, get a skilled expert's assistance. Burnt skin or hair can result from attempting the process on your own. Hair masks are frequently promoted as a split-end treatment. Although they nourish hair and might cover or prevent split ends, they cannot remove them.


Along with the aforementioned causes of split ends, stress is also one of the reasons. Extreme stress can cause hair roots to stop developing earlier than they should. As a result, the root will start to fall out or split from the ends.

Having a healthy, balanced diet is also very important, as we are what we eat. Include meals high in proteins, iron, vitamin C, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet for strong hair. Additionally, it's important to stay hydrated.

App download animated image Get the free App now