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Split ends are a huge problem for many people around the world because they can ruin hairstyles and harm hair health.
However, when talking about split ends, most people associate them with women, but the truth is split ends are a common hair issue for both men and women.
Men are not seen talking about split ends as often as women, but that doesn’t mean that split ends don’t affect men.
Continue reading to look into the problem of split ends in men and to learn ways to prevent or treat it.
Can Men Also Get Split Ends?
Yes, men can get split ends too!
Split ends are scientifically known as trichoptilosis and are a pretty common hair issue that many people face. They are defined as loose hair frays or the splitting of hair along its length.
They occur due to the deterioration of the cuticle, which is the outermost protective coating of the strands.
Since cuticle damage can happen in both men and women, it is no surprise that men can also get split ends. (1)
Causes of Split Ends in Men
Some factors can make one prone to splitting of the hair in men.
1. Tightly pulled-back hair
Very often, men with long hair wear a bun or pulled-back ponytail, which causes traction on the hair and makes it susceptible to split ends. (2)
2. Chemical hair treatments
It is no secret that chemicals are bad for the hair! Chemical treatments cause the hair to suffer from oxidative damage, making it prone to split ends. (3)
Since men generally have shorter hair that easily grows back, they experiment a lot with their hair color and texture using chemical treatments.
3. Combing the hair improperly
Men usually are very hard on their hair. They always are in a rush when combing or brushing their hair. Although aggressive hair brushing may not seem too bad, it can actually contribute to split ends.
Also, men are hardly in the habit of making sure their hair is well nourished, which keeps their hair on the drier side, and brushing dry hair is a known cause of split ends too. (3)
4. Frequent heat styling
Nowadays, more and more men are heat styling their hair, such as straightening their strands or blow-drying their hair to get the perfect curls.
However, doing this every day or very frequently can contribute to split end development. (3)
5. Mechanical damage
Friction or mechanical hair damage due to the use of rough towels or headgear such as hats and helmets, which are a staple in every man’s cupboard, can cause hair breakage and split ends too.
Ways to Manage and Prevent Split Ends in Men
Split ends can be prevented or managed in several ways.
1. Try at-home remedies
A lot of remedies, often drawn from anecdotal evidence and positive user feedback, can be tried at home to keep split ends at bay. These include:
- Egg yolk mask: A weekly habit of using an egg yolk and olive oil mixture as a hair mask is advised for its hydrating power.
- Honey and yogurt paste: Applying a paste made from honey and yogurt for scalp treatment can furnish the hair with the necessary nourishment.
- Aloe vera: Applying aloe vera gel straight to your strands can help discourage further split ends.
2. Massage your hair with mineral oil or Brazilian nut oil
The nightly tradition of oiling the hair has often been supported by experts to prevent split end formation and now is also gaining scientific support.
Research has revealed that oil treatments can decrease the probability of split end development. Scientists highlight mineral oils or Brazilian nut oil as the best choices for this objective. (3)
3. Use electrolyte-containing hair lotions
Researchers have studied and developed specialized solutions and lotions that contain electrolyte complexes that have shown promise in dealing with split ends.
Applying these lotions to your hair before combing it can act as a treatment for split ends. (4)
4. Be gentle with your hair
It is important to treat your hair very gently. Never vigorously rub your hair with a towel or pull your hair while detangling it with a comb.
Also, the hair products you use should be mild and sulfate-free. (3)(4)
5. Use conditioning shampoos
Men fail to give proper thought to their hair products. They often just buy whatever catches their eye first. Most men wash their hair with soap or a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, all of which do not provide the hair with the nurturing it needs.
So, make sure you use a good conditioning shampoo to wash your hair to lower your chances of suffering from split ends. (5)
6. Regularly cleanse your hair
Men often skip hair washes. The truth is regularly washing your hair with a good shampoo is critical to guarantee a clean scalp.
The ideal frequency of hair washing is not fixed. You decide how many times to wash your hair based on your hair type.
The problematic part is that overdoing hair washing and shampooing can be bad too. So, try to maintain a good balance.
Tips to Prevent Split End Formation in Men
Prevention of split ends is fundamental to maintaining healthy and happy hair. Here are some tips to avoid split end formation in men:
- Do not heat style your hair daily.
- Use a hair conditioner.
- Be careful when you comb your hair.
- Use a heat protectant spray on your hair before heat styling.
- Trim your hair periodically.
- Use a wide-tooth comb.
- Use satin/silk bedding and pillowcases.
- Stay hydrated.
Most-Asked Questions
Can I fix hair that has already split?
Split ends cannot be undone and have to be trimmed off.
Can conditioner use prevent split ends?
Yes, using conditioners helps prevent split end formation.
Final Word
Split ends are a hair concern that does not choose genders and affect both men and women. Men may not talk about this issue as openly as women, but it’s important to acknowledge that split ends can be a common problem for them as well.
Gentle hair care practices, proper product selection, and regular trims can go a long way in keeping split ends at bay.
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