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Having split ends ruin your perfect hairdo is undoubtedly one of the worst things that can happen to your otherwise perfect day. This can often lead you to find creative solutions to get rid of your split end problem.
You may have found yourself in the web of weird tricks such as using a lighter to burn off the split ends or applying messy mixes such as a banana and honey paste to your hair. Whatever method you choose, you can agree that split ends are the worst and getting rid of them isn’t easy.
But did you know there are different types of split ends depending on how many times your hair tips split? It can be 2, 3, 4, or more!
Using simple math, you can figure out that the more the hair splits, the worse the condition is. Examine this hair issue in detail and learn how to stop it from getting worse by reading on.
Types of Split Ends and Which One Is the Worst
While you may know split ends as fraying of the hair caused by the splitting of the hair ends, what may be new to you is that split ends can be of many types. (1)(2)
Here is an overview of them all:
- Baby split: You can define a baby split as one that has just started to grow and is not as big as a fully formed split end yet.
- Basic split: This is the most commonly seen split end type where the hair tip simply divides into two.
- Candle split: This occurs when the hair strand tends to get thinner toward the end and eventually becomes very prone to breakage.
- Y-shaped/triangle split: This type of split end leads to the formation of the letter Y (triangular) as the hair splits gradually into three segments.
- Feather split: The hair strand can also look like a feather if the hair tips split into very small but large numbers of segments. This is one of the worst kinds of split ends.
- Tree split: This can be regarded as the worst of the worst as it is a more severe type where the split further is divided into multiple branches, looking like a tree.
- Knotted split: In curly or textured hair (such as African descent hair), split ends can end up forming a knot, which causes hair breakage when the hair is brushed. (1)
It is pretty obvious that no split end is good. Split ends are bad for hair health and make the hair susceptible to breakage. They not only look bad but are very hard to prevent and treat.
The higher the number of splits, experts say, the worse the split ends. Thus, feather and tree split ends are the worst possible split end types as they include multiple segments of hair arising from the main strand.
At the same time, knotted split ends in curly hair can be pretty bad too as they cause hair breakage upon brushing and are hard to prevent.
The good news is that there are some ways to fix these split ends.
How to Fix Different Kinds of Split Ends?
Here are some solutions to the split end problems that have been discussed.
Baby split ends
Experts have shared that baby or very small split ends represent the beginning of the split end problem. In this stage, you can very easily prevent the split ends from getting any worse.
All you have to do is make sure your hair is well hydrated and moisturized. To do so, simply use protein-containing conditioners that have the ability to prevent split ends from forming. (3)
Basic split ends
If your hair tips are splitting into two, then you have basic split ends. This type of split ends is not the worst but can be upsetting for anyone.
To deal with basic split ends, oil your hair regularly and massage it with mineral oil. Research also suggests that Brazilian nut oil is good for controlling split end formation. (4)
Candle split ends
There is no specific solution for candle split ends. This type of split ends indicates that the hair is not at its healthiest and has started to thin.
Experts suggest that you improve your hair health by eating a well-balanced diet and following good hair care practices such as oiling your hair, deep conditioning, scalp cleansing, and staying away from heat tools. (3)(4)
Y-shaped/triangle split ends
Triangle split ends are quite common in today’s world. They include branching of hair ends into three segments that look like the letter Y.
They are not as frizzy as tree split ends or feather split ends and can be looked after by using conditioners or deep-conditioning treatments. (3)
Some experts also advise that you trim your hair regularly to prevent and treat existing split ends.
Knotted split ends
People with textured or curly hair often experience knots that may be due to split ends. Everything that has been discussed till now from conditioning and oiling to trimming can be helpful for managing knotted split ends.
At the same time, since they are more commonly seen in African-descent hair, researchers also advise avoiding tight hairstyles that may pull back the hair a lot. (1)(3)
Severe split ends such as feather and tree split ends
If you think you have very frizzy hair due to severe split ends such as feather and tree split ends, then you may need a professional hair spa.
Book an appointment with a professional stylist who will deal with the split ends by hair spa or other professional treatments and also give you a new hairstyle after.
Dos and Don’ts of Split End Management
It is true that you cannot simply treat or get rid of split ends, but you can do your best to manage and stop them from getting worse. Follow these dos and don’ts of split end management:
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Trim your hair regularly | Don't use a lot of heat on your hair |
| Use a wide-tooth comb | Don't aggressively towel-dry your hair |
| Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner | Don't chemically treat your hair |
| Apply hair masks | Don't tug at your hair |
| Protect your hair from sun | Don't use harsh products |
| Use a heat protectant before styling | Don't brush wet hair with a fine-tooth comb |
| Use minimal heat for styling | Don't tie hair up with elastic bands |
| Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated | Don't skip regular trims |
| Use silk pillowcases | Don't twist or wring your hair when wet |
| Gently pat your hair dry with a cotton cloth | Don't wear tight hairstyles |
Most-Asked Questions
What are fairy knots?
They are tiny knots formed at the hair ends due to friction.
What is a complete split end?
A complete split end occurs when a hair strand divides into two fully distinct parts.
Can heat styling cause splits?
Yes, excessive heat weakens hair, leading to splits.
Can mechanical damage cause split ends?
Yes, brushing aggressively or using tight hair accessories can cause split ends.
What’s the effect of the season on split ends?
Dry and windy conditions can worsen split ends.
Can chemical treatments cause splits?
Yes, treatments such as coloring can weaken the hair structure, which can make the hair prone to split ends.
Final Word
Dealing with split ends can be a frustrating battle, often leading to desperate measures such as unconventional fixes and homemade remedies. While all split ends are detrimental to your hair health, understanding their various types reveals that some are more severe than others.
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