Split Ends or Breakage?

At one point or another, hair is susceptible to breakage or split ends. Knowing the difference helps in knowing how to treat it. How can you tell the difference between split ends and breakage? We try to explain in this post.

Split ends

This occurs when the ends of the hair becomes dry, brittle and worn out. They may appear very thin, fragile and frayed. Split ends usually occur primarily from lack of moisture and hair care techniques such as blow-drying, curling or straightening hair or applying too much heat to the hair. In some circumstances, split ends may be caused by harsh weather conditions or harsh products. 

Split ends are indicative of damaged hair. The best thing to do in this case is to cut it off. Whilst this may sound extreme, it's the best thing you can do for your hair at this point. However, to reduce its occurrence in the future, there are a few things you would need to do;

Tips to prevent split ends

• Be gentle when washing your hair
• Detangle properly and gently. Don't tug or pull on hair
• Always moisturize your hair
• Reduce the use of heat on hair
• Avoid the over-manipulation of your hair
• Deep condition your hair regularly
• Use a silk bonnet when sleeping
• Include hot oil treatment in your hair regimen

Breakage

Whilst split ends usually occur at the ends of the hair, breakage occurs from the roots to the ends. Dry and brittle hair usually breaks. This is why moisturizing natural hair is important. You can use the Aloe Vera Hair Mist or Anti Itch Hair and Scalp Spray to moisturize. 

If you're wondering what causes breakage, here goes

• Poor diet
• Not moisturizing hair
• Not treating hair
• Always in braids, cornrows or wig caps 
• Prolonged split ends
• Hormonal changes
• Excessive heat styling
• Stress
• Over-manipulation of hair
• Genetic factors

Unlike split ends, when you experience breakage there are ways of curtailing it without necessarily cutting off your hair. They include;

• Treating hair eg. protein treatment once every 6 weeks and deep conditioning once every 2 weeks
• Moisturizing hair frequently
• Using products targeted at repairing hair eg. Hair Repair Therapy Set from Eya Naturals
• Eating right
• Using a satin pillowcase or hair bonnet
• Drinking a lot of water
• Easing on the protective styles
• Reducing or avoiding heat styling altogether

These tips notwithstanding, there might be the need to cut off hair if it is badly damaged. 

Bad hair practices are usually the cause of both split ends and breakage. Incorporating good hair practices into your hair regimen will save you a lot of headache. For further hair consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Eya Naturals on +233 204 600 464 or +233 59 237 7008 @eyanaturals on Facebook and Instagram.