How to deal with split ends
Feb 21, 2011
FOR two years, Rosette has been wearing hair extensions because her hair has lost its lustrous and bouncy look. Prior to that, she had over exposed it to chemicals and it splits at the ends.
By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
FOR two years, Rosette has been wearing hair extensions because her hair has lost its lustrous and bouncy look. Prior to that, she had over exposed it to chemicals and it splits at the ends.
Florence Ndiwalana of Beauty Tips in Kampala says split ends are common among long-haired women although the condition can also occur among people with short hair.
Ndiwalana says split ends occur when the protective hair cuticle is washed away from the ends of the hair fibre. “Split ends are more likely to develop into dry or brittle hair, which can be sparked off by excessive dying, tinting or energetic brushing of hair,†she adds.
“Satin pillows can also accelerate the problem,†she says. Ndiwalana cautions against repeated use of heated appliances like irons or blow dryers and uncovered elastic bands because they ruin hair.
Dr. Martin Mulumba, a dermatologist, says once the hair cuticle is removed, it cannot be replaced. So if hair splits consistently, especially into two or three strands, it is better to cut off the split ends of the damaged fibre. This
rejuvenates the hair to grow.
Mulumba says as hair grows, the ends are deprived of natural oils from the scalp, causing them to split. If hair has had extensive exposure to the sun, gone through many washes and been overheated by hair dryers, it dries up and becomes brittle at the ends.
He says irregular trimming and under nourishment also causes split ends. Hair needs to be maintained regularly by keeping it as natural as possible.
Mulumba adds that brushing hair when it is still wet, using poor quality brushes and combs can also cause split ends.
How to get rid of split ends
Damalie Irumba, a beautician in Kampala, gives some tips:
Invest in professional hair products that seal the splits temporarily.
Opt for deep conditioning treatment, especially if your hair is chemically treated or treated by ceramic strengtheners and is prone to splitting.
Conditioning is mandatory every time you apply chemicals.
Trim your hair regularly to get rid of tangled and brittle hair.
Avoid excess heat and energetic brushing and combing. Do not brush, scratch or shampoo your hair and scalp before applying chemicals. Invest in quality combs and real bristle brushes.
Shampoo your hair after a workout or strenuous exercise because salt from perspiration damages hair.
Home remedies
Mix a teaspoon of castor oil, mustard oil and olive oil. Massage the scalp for at least 30 minutes and apply it to the full length of hair. Cover with a warm towel.
Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with an egg yolk and apply to the scalp and hair. Wash after an hour.
Avocado, when applied to damp hair prevents split ends. Make an avocado hair moisturising mask and leave it in the hair for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
If it is hard to get avocado, use mayonnaise and apply once a week.
Apply regular conditioner after every wash and do this once every month.
FOR two years, Rosette has been wearing hair extensions because her hair has lost its lustrous and bouncy look. Prior to that, she had over exposed it to chemicals and it splits at the ends.
Florence Ndiwalana of Beauty Tips in Kampala says split ends are common among long-haired women although the condition can also occur among people with short hair.
Ndiwalana says split ends occur when the protective hair cuticle is washed away from the ends of the hair fibre. “Split ends are more likely to develop into dry or brittle hair, which can be sparked off by excessive dying, tinting or energetic brushing of hair,†she adds.
“Satin pillows can also accelerate the problem,†she says. Ndiwalana cautions against repeated use of heated appliances like irons or blow dryers and uncovered elastic bands because they ruin hair.
Dr. Martin Mulumba, a dermatologist, says once the hair cuticle is removed, it cannot be replaced. So if hair splits consistently, especially into two or three strands, it is better to cut off the split ends of the damaged fibre. This
rejuvenates the hair to grow.
Mulumba says as hair grows, the ends are deprived of natural oils from the scalp, causing them to split. If hair has had extensive exposure to the sun, gone through many washes and been overheated by hair dryers, it dries up and becomes brittle at the ends.
He says irregular trimming and under nourishment also causes split ends. Hair needs to be maintained regularly by keeping it as natural as possible.
Mulumba adds that brushing hair when it is still wet, using poor quality brushes and combs can also cause split ends.
How to get rid of split ends
Damalie Irumba, a beautician in Kampala, gives some tips:
Invest in professional hair products that seal the splits temporarily.
Opt for deep conditioning treatment, especially if your hair is chemically treated or treated by ceramic strengtheners and is prone to splitting.
Conditioning is mandatory every time you apply chemicals.
Trim your hair regularly to get rid of tangled and brittle hair.
Avoid excess heat and energetic brushing and combing. Do not brush, scratch or shampoo your hair and scalp before applying chemicals. Invest in quality combs and real bristle brushes.
Shampoo your hair after a workout or strenuous exercise because salt from perspiration damages hair.
Home remedies
Mix a teaspoon of castor oil, mustard oil and olive oil. Massage the scalp for at least 30 minutes and apply it to the full length of hair. Cover with a warm towel.
Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with an egg yolk and apply to the scalp and hair. Wash after an hour.
Avocado, when applied to damp hair prevents split ends. Make an avocado hair moisturising mask and leave it in the hair for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
If it is hard to get avocado, use mayonnaise and apply once a week.
Apply regular conditioner after every wash and do this once every month.