Has it been a “cruel cruel Summer” for your hair? Now that Fall is right around the corner and it’s time to start helping the kids get back to school, you might want to think about cleaning up those damaged split ends.
What are split ends, anyway? They’re what you get when the outer layer of your hair cuticle wears away. Caused by any number of factors ranging from heat styling to wind exposure, it leaves your hair in a weakened, dry, and damaged state. If you have split ends, it’s important to get a trim. Otherwise it’s like a snag in pantyhose that can keep running up, unraveling your hair, leaving more and more damage. Especially during the summer, aim for a hair trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
In the meantime, keep the damage down by treating your hair gently. Use a wide-tooth comb after conditioning in the shower, pat dry with a t-shirt, and detangle with your fingers as it dries to reduce breakage. Some believe that a natural boar brush is more flexible with your hair and helps distribute your scalp’s healthy oils. Avoid pulling your hair too tight or using uncovered elastics hair ties with metal pieces.
You can’t reverse damage, but the proper nourishment can add strength and help your hair appear healthier until you’re able to trim those split ends. Use Recovery Masque for a replenishing dose of argan oil and hydration that permeates into the cuticle. Be sure to rinse with cold water to help seal your cuticles. After showering, work some Diamond Drop Serum into the ends of your hair for extra nourishment and protection from the elements. Try adding greens, fruits, wheat, brown rice, beans, and seeds to your diet if you can.
To help reduce damage in the future, be sure you’re equipped with the right styling tools, and know how to use them. While an inexpensive “drug store” hair dryer literally cooks your hair, BNY’s Pro Dryer 3800 comes with a diffuser as well as technology that evenly distributes heat and reduces damage, not to mention an 80% faster drying time, which means less heat exposure. The ceramic plates of BNY’s 1.25” Diamond Flat Iron also offer even heat distribution, but have you tried turning the temperature down? Different types of hair require more or less heat, and you should try to avoid using more than needed. You might also consider taking a break from damaging chemical and color treatments to give your hair a chance to regain some strength.
How do you cope with split ends? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re doing to keep your hair looking healthy and radiant.