...Whether your hair is natural or chemically treated!
I was reading an article geared towards Caucasian women that had helpful tips for stopping split ends.
But how does a Black woman with natural or chemically treated hair deal with split ends whilst trying to grow her hair out?
We’ll take a quick look at what split ends actually are and what causes them.
What are split ends?
Having split ends is actually a condition called “Trichoptilosis”. This means “a splitting of the hair shaft” giving rise to a feathery appearance.
Causes of split ends
The most common cause of split ends in Black women is the excessive use of heat and chemicals in the form of permanent hair colours and relaxers.
Treatment
Split ends cannot be treated (there’s no cure for them) but I’ve learnt over the years that they can be controlled. You will find it a challenge to get rid of them entirely – especially if your hair is chemically treated.
How to prevent or control split ends
1. Reduce the use of heating appliances: Use of blow driers, tongs and straighters should be reduced to no more than once a week. Consider wrapping your relaxed hair for a straight look or using no heat for styling like some Natural sisters e.g. braiding the hair.
2. Reduce or stop brushing your hair: Sadly brushing your hair a lot can lead to disturbed cuticles – whether your hair is natural or chemically-treated. Keep brushing for special occasions only.
3. Manage your relaxer properly: Relaxers can cause excessive dryness which leads to dry and (ultimately) splitting ends. Start to stretch out your relaxer periods as this can have long-term benefits on the health of your hair.
4. Moisturise, moisture and moisturise: Make use of a good moisturiser. Greases and oils will sit on the hair and simply encourage split ends!
5. Reduce the use of alcohol: As black hair is already delicate, hairsprays and a lot of oil sheen sprays can cause dryness because of their high alcohol content.
6. Never backcomb your hair: Nothing will disturb your cuticles more than this! Opt for a hair piece instead.
7. Trim your hair once or twice a year or not at all if your ends are neat: You can do this if you’re growing your hair out. Go to a hairdresser that you trust to give you a trim instead of a haircut – you may need to pay a little more for such a hairdresser but this pays off in the end!
Conclusion
I will admit that the best remedy for split ends is to remove them entirely but this is not always practical for black women with natural hair or chemically treated hair who are trying to grow their hair out. If you do everything you can to prevent it and also control the ones that you do have, you are well on your way to successfully growing your hair out – whether it’s natural or chemically-treated.
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