Hair · June 6, 2021
7 Ways to Mend and Repair Your Split Ends
In the Shower
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb After Applying Conditioner
When hair is wet, it's especially prone to breakage. While youre still in the shower, use a wide-tooth comb to get out all the knots after applying conditioner. This allows for more even product application and it helps prevent breakage in the first place.
Detangle The Ends First
When it comes to the actual combing technique, don't go from root to tip on your first passyes, even we are guilty of doing this sometimes too. Your ends tend to take the brunt of the damage as you try to work through the knots. Instead, start at the bottom of the hair shaft first and concentrate on the tangles there, then tackle the mid-shaft, and finally pull the comb through from roots to tips in a single stroke.
Mask it Out Weekly
Just like skin, hair needs moisture too, especially in the winter. Get in the habit of incorporating a weekly mask (try: Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Coconut & Fig Hair Masque) into your routine. Dont skimp either, apply generously after shampooing, particularly focusing in on the ends. This decadent formula helps improve texture, enhance shine, fight frizz, and detangle. Plus, your ends will look almost as good as new.
After The Shower
Absorb Excess Water With a Microfiber Towel
Wrapping your wet hair in a towel and plopping it on top of your head is another cause of breakage. Thankfully, swapping out your cotton or terrycloth varieties can pay off. Aquis Rapid Dry Lisse Hair Turban is literally a strand savior, it gently wicks away water and cuts down on drying time. Another solution? Letting your hair air dry a bit more before completing your routine. Not only will it allow this help define your natural texture, but also minimize excess frizz and tangling.
Take Care When Blow-Drying
It's no secret that continual use of hot tools can be damaging to every part of your hair, but you dont have to break up with them completely. Get into the habit of incorporating a heat protectant spray (or cream, if thats your thing!) into your routine. Some of our favorites include the cult-favorite Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible + UV Protective Primer and Arrow Detangling Texture & Protect Spray. When it comes to blow drying your hair, utilize the nozzle attachment that comes withor buy one! The nozzle will help control the flow of air, just avoid positioning it too close to your roots and ends.
Put Some Product On It
On particularly bad hair days (think: when you're pushing 10 months without a trim), add a repairing product to ends. Oribe Split End Sealer and Davroe Ends Repair both work on damp or dry hair and they're color-safe, which is perfect for our Birchbox Babes who bleach their hair. For those, who love serums Oribes silky, formula contains a special blend of polymers, vegetable proteins, and natural extracts to mend split ends and protect against future breakage. Davroe's formula is ideal after showering when you need little reinforcement and fewer flyaways. It also strengthens hair as it smooths and adds shine with rice and wheat proteins.
When All Else Fails
Pull the Trigger and Get a Trim
Last but not least, we left the most permanent tip towards the end (yes, pun intended!) If you really want to say goodbye to split ends for good, a trip to the salon is required. Make sure to talk to your stylist about your hair goals so you dont end up with a look you dont want. A bob is only fun if thats what you asked for, you know? Heres a cheat sheet: If you want to keep your hair at the same length, get it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. But if you want to grow it a little longer, cut it every 8 to 12 weeks.