How to prevent and get rid of split ends

Exposure to extreme heat, severe weather conditions and chemicals in hair care products can increase your chances of developing split ends and having unhealthy hair.

Hair strands can continue to grow for two to six years - collecting damage and weakening along the way. It’s important to maintain a good hair care routine, even if your scalp isn’t causing you any issues.  

The breakdown of the hair cuticle is an obvious sign of hair damage. With split ends and a frizzy or dull appearance, it’s easy to recognize that your hair could do with some extra care. But what causes hair damage? 

Dyson scientists have tested thousands of straight, wavy, curly and coily hair strands so that our engineers can narrow down the top five culprits. 

Towel drying and brushing from the root can overstretch your hair strand’s natural elastin. A harsh brushing technique can also hurt the shiny outer layer of your hair, making it feel rough and look dull.³

While spending time in the sunshine can be something we look forward to, overexposure can damage your hair.⁴ 

Bright sunlight and UV rays can erode the vibrancy of your hair color by destroying its natural melanin pigments and even damaging the keratin in your hair. It can cause damage to the cuticle, making hair feel brittle and potentially resulting in further damage that can lead to split ends. 

As well as spending some time in the sun, swimming in a chlorinated pool or taking a dip in the sea can also cause hair damage.⁵ 

Chlorine and chemicals used to treat water cause frizz by damaging your hair’s silky outer layer. Sea water can also leave your hair coated in salt, increasing the friction from the sodium in the water. 

Try using a hair sunscreen formula to prevent damage against UV rays and wash your hair after swimming to reduce deterioration and maintain healthy hair.  

When the cortex of the hair is severely damaged and the hair strand becomes brittle, cracks can start to form. If the strand is curved or impact-loading actions are placed on it, this can also cause damage. 

With continued harsh brushing, these cracks can propagate down the length of the hair strand until it finally splits.³ 

Hair professionals recommend that split ends should be cut off regularly.  

As well as frequent haircuts, introducing a good quality hair care routine with conditioner and gentle mask treatments will help to nourish your hair. 

By reducing exposure to extreme heat, you’ll also prevent further damage, leaving hair feeling and looking healthier.¹ 

To learn more about Dyson’s hair care technology and bring engineering and science to life, visit the Dyson Demo Store Beauty Lab. 

Our professional stylists can share our latest inventions, teach you new hair styling techniques and answer any questions. After all, the best way to understand our technology is to experience it.