How to Prevent Split Ends in Your Natural Hair

Split ends are the common enemy for every natural hair type. They cause frizziness and your hair will be unable to retain length making you wonder why your hair doesn’t seem to be growing. Unfortunately, not many people pay attention to split ends. But you should and we’ll tell you why.

What Are Split Ends?

Hair follicles are embedded under the skin and that is where hair growth begins. Then the root of the hair and then your hair strands. Natural hair growth is constant, that means new hair is always coming out, making the tips the oldest part of your hair at every given time. Depending on how long your hair is, the tips may have been through a lot! The good and bad times, hot and cold weather, scarves and hats, they have seen it all.

In addition to all of this, your tips are vulnerable and exposed almost always. They bear the grunt of stretches, knots, hot irons, and combs. It’s no wonder they get weak and tired.

When this happens, the hair cuticle wears down and exposes the inner cortex of your hair (you had no idea hair strands could split, right?). This is what is referred to as split ends. The scientific term for this is trichoptilosis. The hair shaft, more commonly referred to as hair strands, splits due to damage which begins between 12 to 16 weeks. Even though split ends are natural, there are things you can do to reduce and prevent damage. 

Natural Hair ends can split in different ways. There’s the normal split in two places. This is called the classic or basic split. There is also the “tree split” where the hair splits into smaller, multiple pieces like a tree branch or broom. There is also the candle split where the straight up the shaft. Unless you trim your hair regularly, you will definitely experience split ends at one point or another. It’s a natural occurrence.

So, What Causes Split Ends in Natural Hair?

Split ends don’t happen overnight, it is a gradual process. Different damaging factors contribute to cause split ends. Here are some of the common factors that damage hair and cause split ends:

Hair Handling

Daily brushing, stretching, styling, detangling, touching, etc. can all cause your natural hair cuticle to break down. Remember that when your hair cuticle breaks down, it exposes the inner cortex. For easy detangling that will leave you with soft, moisturized hair after, try our number one Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner.

Friction

Many materials are not friendly to your Natural hair and using them regularly will result in hair damage. Hats, scarves, turbans, sweaters, and cotton materials (towels, pillowcases, and bed sheets) all have adverse effects on the hair. If you must, always use silk as this does not cause friction on the hair. (You can get the African Naturalistas Silk Hair Bonnet HERE. It is reversible and absolutely great.)

Heat

Heat is not friendly to natural hair and will cause split ends faster than anything else. 

Environmental Factors

Weather conditions have an effect on your hair. Wind, cold, dry weather, humid areas, etc. all do their own bit to your natural hair. When your ends are exposed, they are affected. 

Health

A healthy body breeds healthy Natural hair. A healthy diet and good water intake are necessary for the healthy growth of your hair. Your hair needs proteins and other vitamins to aid development. If these things are lacking, your hair will be weak and more prone to split ends.

Chemical Products

Dangerous chemicals are never good. Putting them on your delicate hair is even worse. You should use only tested and trusted natural hair products such as the African Naturalistas line of products that have been specifically formulated to contain no dangerous materials and all the natural goodness your hair will thank you for. 

Getting Rid of Split Ends in Your Natural Hair

You might not like to hear this, but there is no way to “cure” split ends. Once your hair splits, there’s no going back. Not even glue can save them. The only solution is to cut them off. It really isn’t as bad as it sounds. When getting rid of split ends, you would only need to trim off about half an inch from the end. By trimming your hair every 3-4 months, you can trim off only about a quarter inch. This way you get the splits early before it gets worse.

Your hair is not “alive”, so it can’t heal like a wound. Split ends are an indication that your hair isn’t healthy. Trimming gives you an opportunity to start over. 

You need to first get rid of already split ends before you begin working towards ensuring they don’t happen again. Here are ways you can follow to prevent split ends.

1. Get Regular Trims
   We already know that the hair naturally begins to split from 4 months. Beat the system and get a trim before the splitting starts. Have a professional do it for you to ensure all splits are gone. However, if you are doing the trimming yourself, ensure you use sharp tools so you get a clean cut.
2. Deep Condition
   Make deep conditioning a priority activity. Your hair will thank you for it. Deep conditioning improves the moisture content of the hair. It also improves the moisture and protein balance of your natural hair. Doing it often helps maintain moisture and protein levels in the hair. The hair becomes more flexible and less likely to break or split.
   
   Consider using the African Naturalistas Deep Conditioning Mayonaise to deep condition your natural hair. It revitalizes your hair and gives you a great shine while also softening it.
3. Eat Healthily
   As we said, when your body is healthy, your hair will be too. Incorporate drinking lots of water into your daily routine. Water hydrates your body and helps keep your hair moist from the inside out. 
4. Give Your Hair TLC
   Try not to use force when you work on your hair. When you brush, wash, or detangle, be gentle. Excessive pulling and combing or brushing puts a strain on your hair, weakening it and thereby increasing the chances of it splitting. Use the African Naturalistas Daily Hair Care products to make detangling, brushing, and combing much easier. 
5. Use Safe Natural Hair Products
   There are products that contain toxic components that are harmful to your hair and will cause terrible damage. Use only products that have been certified safe. The African Naturalistas range of products is designed to give your hair all the TLC and zero toxins or harmful chemicals. We are committed to healthy, beautiful hair for all. Check out our range of products here.

No one enjoys cutting off their hair when they are trying to grow it out. It may not make seem like the best thing to do, but that is what your hair needs. Regular trimming can make all the difference. With these tips, you are sure to have health, split ends-free hair in no time! Want it all in one package? Check out our Breakage Be Gone set today.

What else would you like to add to this list that has worked for you? Got any tales of split ends you would like to share? Tell us in the comment section or send us an email, we would love to hear from you!