25 Effective Ways To Treat, Prevent, And Remove Split Ends

Tired of split ends? Seeking how to fix split ends or how to get rid of split ends? If yes, then we are here with the solution. Trust me, all most every woman faces the issue of split ends, and it is a recurring issue. If you believe that chopping off your hair is the only way and the best split ends treatment, then you’re mistaken. Here are the best natural ways to prevent and repair split ends to keep your hair healthy, luscious, and long.

What Are Split Ends?

A split end is the splitting of the hair shaft at the tip of your hair. It is also known as trichoptilosis or “arrangement of feathers in definite areas.” This is because when split ends are not taken care of, the hair strands start to break at different points, making your hair look like a feather.

Why do we get split ends? Find out the leading causes below.

Note: African people are more prone to split ends due to the texture of their natural hair (1).

Why Do You Get Split Ends?

Split ends are a sign that your hair is damaged. Years of improper hair care, harsh chemical treatments, and improper way of brushing lead to split ends (2).

They can also occur if you are malnourished and are not getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals from food or supplements (3). As a result, the natural oils produced by the hair follicles are unable to travel down the length of the hair, making it look dry and frizzy.

What adds to the damage is not taking care of your hair externally by using natural conditioners. But don’t worry, you’ve still got time to repair your hair. Here are 25 ways to get rid of split ends.

25 Ways To Repair And Prevent Split Ends

1. Argan Oil

Argan oil, also known as liquid gold, is extracted from the Argan kernels. It reverses hair damage and helps prevent split ends (2). The vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids present in argan oil make it an excellent rehydrating agent.

You Will Need

1-2 drops of argan oil

What You Have To Do

1. Shampoo your hair and towel dry it.
2. While your hair is still damp, apply one to two drops of argan oil from the mid-shaft of your hair till the end.
3. Leave it on to dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply argan oil every time you shampoo. You can also use it between your shampoo days if you use too many styling products or tools.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a brilliant moisturizer and a natural healer. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that enable it to penetrate your hair easily. It moisturizes and nourishes your hair and is great for preventing and repairing split ends (4).

You Will Need

2-4 teaspoons coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Take some coconut oil in your palm and apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips. Make sure you apply enough oil to the tips.
2. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it on overnight.
3. In the morning, shampoo your hair to get rid of the excess oil.
4. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once in every 2-3 days.

3. Coconut Milk

This is a natural home remedy that will give you the feel of a hair spa done in a posh salon. Coconut milk is loaded with vitamin E that prevents the recurrence of split ends, reduces frizz, and rehydrates your hair. The medium-chain fatty acids help condition and smoothen the rough edges of your hair. The vitamins C and B and the minerals calcium, iron, and magnesium stimulate hair growth.

You Will Need

2-4 teaspoons coconut milk

What You Have To Do

1. Take coconut milk in your palm and apply it to your hair from the roots to the ends.
2. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Keep it on for 1-2 hours.
3. Rinse your hair using a herbal shampoo.
4. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every 2-3 days.

Tip: Coconut milk is available in supermarkets, and you can store it in the refrigerator. Since it solidifies at cold temperatures, keep it at room temperature for a while for ease of application.

4. Fish Oil

Many studies have shown that fish oil reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth (5), (6), (7). Another study showed that fish oil could reduce split ends (4). The same study suggested that fish oil worked best when paired with olive oil and egg.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of fish oil
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• A whole egg

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the olive oil and fish oil.
2. Add in the whole egg and beat until it becomes smooth.
3. Apply the paste to your hair thoroughly.
4. Massage it on the scalp.
5. Leave it for an hour.
6. Wash your hair and air dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every two weeks.

5. Castor Oil

Castor oil has a low molecular weight and can penetrate the hair shaft. It repairs and rehydrates the hair, reduces itchy scalp, promotes hair growth, and treats split ends (8).

You Will Need

• 2-4 teaspoons castor oil
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Dilute two to four teaspoons of castor oil with two teaspoons of coconut oil.
2. Take a teaspoon of the mixture in your palm. Rub your palms together and then apply it to your hair, starting from the roots till the ends.
3. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap.
4. Leave it on for 1-2 hours.
5. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo.
6. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a week.

6. Almond Oil

Almond oil can help moisturize and condition your hair and make it smoother (8). This, in turn, can help treat split ends.

You Will Need

4-6 teaspoons almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Heat the almond oil in a bowl.
2. Take a teaspoon of the warm oil in your palm and apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips. Massage your scalp in a circular motion.
3. Clip up your hair. Cover it with a shower cap, and keep it on for 1-2 hours or overnight.
4. Use a herbal shampoo to rinse your hair.
5. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

7. Honey Hair Mask

Honey helps to retain and regulate moisture in the hair. The honey mask helps prevent split ends by strengthening the hair follicles and providing hydration and nutrition to the hair (9), (10).

You Will Need

• 2-4 teaspoons organic honey
• 1 teaspoon coconut milk
• 3 teaspoons milk

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair from the roots to the ends. Avoid the roots if you have an oily scalp.
3. Clip up your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and keep it on for 1-2 hours.
4. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo.
5. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a week.

8. Papaya Hair Mask

This is a natural remedy that provides deep nourishment to your hair (11). Papaya, almond oil, and yogurt help prevent dry and itchy scalp, promote hair growth, and improve hair health, thereby reducing the risk of split ends (8).

You Will Need

• ½ cup mashed ripe papaya
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the papaya to a pulp.
2. Mix the papaya pulp, yogurt, and almond oil in a bowl.
3. Apply the papaya blend to your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Clip up your hair. Cover it with a shower cap and keep it on for an hour.
5. Shampoo your hair and towel dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

9. Banana Hair Mask

When it comes to treating damaged hair, this mask works well. Banana is an excellent natural conditioner (12). It helps improve the hair’s elasticity, thereby preventing breakage. This mask is rich in oils, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help soften the hair.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk

What You Have To Do

1. Mash one ripe banana in a bowl.
2. Add two tablespoons of coconut milk to this and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips. Avoid the roots if your scalp is oily.
4. Clip up your hair, cover it with a shower cap and keep it on for 1-2 hours.
5. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo and towel dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

10. Egg Hair Mask

This hair mask not only helps repair split ends but also imparts shine to the hair. Eggs are rich in protein (13). The egg mask provides nutrition and nourishment to the damaged hair, thereby repairing the split ends.

You Will Need

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon organic honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the egg white, coconut oil, and organic honey in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair from the roots to the ends.
3. Clip up your hair. Cover it with a shower cap and keep it on for an hour.
4. Rinse your hair and towel dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

11. Mayonnaise Hair Mask

Did you think mayonnaise can just make wraps and sandwiches better? Turns out, it can make your hair better too (8)! It is made of eggs and oil, both of which help hydrate the hair. This mask helps repair the split ends, promotes hair growth, and prevents dryness and damage.

You Will Need

• 2-3 teaspoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two to three teaspoons mayonnaise, and one teaspoon of aloe vera gel in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips.
3. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Keep it on for an hour.
4. Shampoo your hair and towel dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

12. Avocado Hair Mask

Avocados are rich in vitamin E, minerals, and other phytonutrients that help retain moisture in the hair and prevent further hair damage (14). These nutrients help nourish your hair and scalp and promote healthy hair growth (15).

You Will Need

• ½ avocado
• 3 teaspoons almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mash half an avocado in a bowl.
2. Add the almond oil and whip until it becomes smooth and light.
3. Apply the mask to your hair from the roots to the ends.
4. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it on for an hour.
5. Shampoo your hair with a herbal shampoo.
6. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

13. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, a natural emollient that can strengthen and moisturize hair (16). This can help reduce split ends.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons fenugreek powder
• 2 tablespoons curd

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two tablespoons of curd and two teaspoons of fenugreek seed powder in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips.
3. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap.
4. Keep it on for half an hour.
5. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo and lukewarm water.
6. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

14. Onion Juice

hough chopping onions can make you cry, applying onion juice can prevent your hair from crying out for help. Onion juice provides nourishment to your hair follicles and promotes hair growth (17).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons onion juice
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix onion juice, coconut oil, and almond oil in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair. Avoid applying it to your scalp.
3. Clip up your hair. Cover it with a shower cap and keep it on for an hour.
4. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo.
5. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

15. Lemon Water

Lemon water is an excellent cleanser and a natural conditioner. It helps prevent the breakage of hair strands.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 L water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two teaspoons of lemon juice with a liter of water.
2. After shampooing your hair, give it a final rinse with lemon water.
3. Dab your hair with a dry towel to soak the water. Do not rub the towel vigorously.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this whenever you wash your hair.

16. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel contains nutrients that help improve hair health, add volume to the hair, and protect it from sun or heat damage (8).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

What You Have To Do

1. Mix aloe vera gel with lime juice in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair from the roots to the hair tips.
3. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap.
4. Leave it on for an hour.
5. Shampoo and towel dry your hair.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

17. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can help reduce itchiness, scaliness, and greasiness in the scalp (18). This, in turn, can help reduce split ends.

You Will Need

• 4 drops of tea tree oil
• 4 drops of almond oil
• 4 drops of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair.
3. Clip up your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and keep it on for 1-2 hours.
4. Shampoo and towel dry your hair.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

18. Curd

Curd mask provides moisture to the hair and prevents breakage of the hair strands (8).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons curd
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon organic honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix four tablespoons of curd, a teaspoon of olive oil, and a teaspoon of organic honey in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair.
3. Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Keep it on for an hour.
4. Rinse your hair with a herbal shampoo and towel dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

19. Rose Water

Rose water is a mild astringent (19). It can help reduce oiliness and dandruff, which can enhance hair health and reduce split ends.

You Will Need

• 4 teaspoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 8 teaspoons water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix rose water, lime juice, honey, and water in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair.
3. Clip up your hair. Cover it with a shower cap and keep it on for an hour.
4. Shampoo your hair and towel dry it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

20. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar smoothes the cuticles of the hair, thereby preventing hair strand breakage and damage (8).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 500 mL water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and five hundred mL of water in a bowl.
2. After shampooing your hair, wash it with the diluted apple cider vinegar.
3. Towel dry your hair.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

21. Folic Acid And Biotin

These supplements help strengthen the follicles and cuticles of the hair and prevent hair damage and hair loss (3).

You Will Need

Folic acid and biotin supplements

What You Have To Do

1. Talk to your doctor before taking folic acid and biotin supplements for split ends.
2. Take only the recommended dosage for best results.

How Often You Should Do This

As directed by your doctor.

22. Beer

Beer contains sugar and protein that help strengthen the hair and prevent split ends.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons beer
• 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix four tablespoons of beer and a teaspoon of honey in a bowl.
2. Massage this mixture into your scalp and the hair tips.
3. Clip up your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with a herbal shampoo.
5. Towel dry your hair. Do not use a hairdryer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

23. Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is another natural remedy for split ends. It is a great source of healthy fats that moisturize the hair and prevent split ends (19).

You Will Need

2-4 teaspoons walnut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Microwave two to four teaspoons of walnut oil for 10 seconds.
2. Massage your scalp and the hair tips with the warm oil.
3. Clip up your hair and leave it on overnight.
4. Shampoo your hair and towel dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every 2-3 days.

24. Cutting And Trimming

Yes, you want to grow your hair, but if you have too many split ends, it is better to get your hair trimmed – just a little. Getting your hair trimmed will prevent it from looking dry and frizzy and also prevent further damage.

What You Have To Do

1. Take a professional’s help to get your hair trimmed.
2. The hairstylist can see how many split ends you have and will remove the damaged hair.
3. Get your hair trimmed at least once a month.

Be patient. Your hair will grow back. Dry and unhealthy hair doesn’t look good no matter how many hair products you use. Start taking care of your hair by oiling and applying hair masks regularly.

25. Candle Cutting

Candle cutting is a new technique that originated in Brazil. It is essentially used to remove split ends. You can keep the length of the hair long and get rid of the split ends as well.

What You Have To Do

1. Get an appointment with a professional.
2. Sections of your hair will be twisted, and the damaged hair sticking out will be burned with the help of candle flame.

Caution: This should always be done by a professional who is an expert in candle cutting. Remember, it is not a DIY hack. Do NOT try this at home.

These are the 25 ways you can get rid of, prevent, and avoid getting split ends. But how do you know that you have split ends?

How To Detect Split Ends

1. Part your hair in the middle and section it.
2. Hold one section in between your middle and index fingers.
3. Take a look at the ends of your hair.

You will know that you have split ends if you see any of the following.

What Are The Different Types Of Split Ends And What Do They Mean?

1. Basic Split – The typical Y-shaped split end. Your hair needs more nourishment and can be treated.
2. Mini Split – A smaller Y-shaped split that signals the beginning of a split end. Nourish your hair with the hair masks listed above before it’s too late.
3. Fork In The Road – A three-way split end. This shows your hair is damaged and needs immediate attention.
4. The Tree Split – Many split ends in one single strand of hair. Your hair is damaged, and you need to get a trim.
5. The Candle – The end of your hair has lost its cuticles and looks thinner than the upper part. You need to get a trim or candle cut.
6. The Knot – This is a common problem and can lead to hair breakage and hair fall. You should get rid of it by getting a trim.

Now that you know if you have split ends, it’s time to use any of the above methods to prevent and avoid them. Here are a few quick tips to take care of split ends.

Tips For Hair Care

1. Use good quality hair brushes and combs.
2. Make sure you only use hair products of a reputed brand.
3. The products should be gentle on your hair.
4. Try to alternate between home remedies and commercially available products.
5. Salon treatments may be a bit expensive but are good nonetheless. Go for deep conditioning and regular hair spa treatments.
6. If you want to snip off the ends at home, make sure you use the right hair scissors or hair shears. Using regular paper scissors can cause further damage by causing split ends.
7. Use as few chemicals as possible.
8. Always use protective products, like leave-in conditioners, hair serums, and heat protecting serums. This will ensure your hair gets as less damage as possible.
9. Always rinse your hair before swimming and take a quick shower after. This will help you avoid chlorine build-up in the hair and prevent split ends.
10. Comb gently. Avoid brushing your hair when it is damp.
11. Keep your hair tied as much as possible. Open hair is more prone to damage.

Split ends are annoying and can ruin your look. Take care of them before it’s too late. Try these easy methods and get results in a few weeks. You can also try these home remedies for hair breakage. In case you don’t see any improvement in your condition, consult a doctor who will diagnose the underlying cause and treat it.The following two tabs change content below.