We all have them if we don’t get regular hair cuts. A misconception is that a “cut” entails taking inches off, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on for why split ends happen and what to do about it…

Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair cuticle wears away because of external stressors such as heat from irons and blow dryers and chemicals applied when highlighting or artificially coloring the hair. Once the internal structure of the hair is exposed, it becomes weakened, dehydrated and damaged, causing split ends. It only takes 4 to 8 weeks for this to start after your last haircut.

If the hair is not cut within that 8-week period, the picture you are looking at shows what happens at the bottom of each strand of hair. And if not attended to, will continue right up the hair strand until it begins to break off. That’s why many think their hair just doesn’t grow very fast. It’s growing and the ends are breaking, all at the same time.

A time line you can follow is this: 1) Fine Hair will split in 4-6 weeks after a cut. This is easily damaged hair that has virtually no body and lays close to the head, no matter how you style it. 2) Medium textured hair will split in 5-7 weeks. This is a stronger texture of hair that styles easily and has little to no static except in certain situations. 3) Coarse textured hair will split in 6-8 weeks. This is “run off a ducks back” hair. It is resistant to styling because of the very strong cuticle that protects the inside structure. Yet, the ends (the longer they are around) is susceptible to splitting. It’s just the nature of hair. One other thing you should consider is that hair is in its most fragile state when wet! Never brush wet hair with a boars bristle brush. If you must brush, use a Wet Brush made for this and brush with the direction of the hair. Never horizontal…

Have you ever seen someone with long hair but the ends look thin and straggly, and parts of the hair is broken off? When someone tells me they are “letting their hair grow out” and don’t want a cut, I always school them on the reasons hair needs attention even during the growing out cycle. I tell them that hair grows on average 1/2 inch per month, so if they come in at 7-8 weeks and I take 1/4 inch off, they are still gaining 3/4 of an inch. I can give them at least 5 inches of new growth in one year, of full healthy hair, without it looking like a rat chewed on it!

I’ll never compromise a time line and will always be respectful of my clients desires. I’m here to guide you as you transition from short to long hair. I will say that it is very important to use products made to suit your hair type and EVERYONE needs a condition. Some not only need a deep conditioner, but a leave-in spray as well, made for those with chemically compromised hair. Others, (those with fine hair), only need a light, almost liquid condition. A detangler. And that’s it.

Let’s keep it beautiful ladies!