Frizzy hair and split ends are two entirely different problems that both affect the cuticle of the hair shaft and have the same cause. Split ends and frizzy hair affect about 90% of women at least sometime in their lives. And women who have naturally curly hair suffer the most!
This is because at the base of the hair shaft is a oil gland that sends natural oils to condition the hair. Because it is harder for the oils to reach the ends of curly hair this hair type is often more coarse and dryer, suffering from split ends and frizzes than do people with straight hair.
Split ends and frizzy hair can be a big style spoiler. They are caused from a dehydrated cortex of the hair shaft (inner layer of the hair) which is precipitated by several different things such as:
- Abuse of heating appliances such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons
- Too many styling products
- Frequent perms, colors, bleaching, treatments
- Stress, illness and some medications
- Poor diet
- Brushing wet hair
- High humidity in the air
- Lack of moisture
- Towel rubbing your hair after shampoo
- Washing your hair too often
- Pulling hair back tightly
The most common cause of split ends and frizzy hair is a lack of moisture to the hair, cuticle and cortex. And the most important treatment is using appropriate hair care products to increase the amount of moisture your hair retains. A good shampoo will clean without drying.
If your hair is prone to being frizzy or split ends then you shouldn’t wash your hair every day. And after washing you should also use a cream conditioner that adds more moisture to the hair and is left in for several minutes to increase the amount of moisture the hair retains. Avoid oil based chemical conditioners because they can contribute to the frizz problem. After the conditioner try rinsing with cold water to seal the cuticle of the hair.
Look for a hair mask to apply once or twice a week for split ends and frizzy hair to nourish the hair. The hair mask should be moisturizing and nourishing that contains natural ingredients. You can also use some fruit found in the grocery store for natural conditioners such as bananas, mangoes, olive oil, avocados and mayonnaise.
Unfortunately the only cure for the split end portion of this problem is to take off the ends and start with clean, undamaged hair. Because the hair shaft isn’t living it cant regenerate or heal. Therefore the only way to get rid of the split ends is to cut them off. What you’ll lose in length you’ll gain in health and beautiful hair. Your hair will grow back and if you pay attention to good hair care the split ends wont return.
Limit the blow drying, flat irons or curling irons you use on your hair. Using heat treatment on your hair once or twice a week is the limit before you are causing damage to your hair and causing frizz. Chose an ionic hair dryer because it causes less damage.
Never brush your hair while its wet! This damages the hair, causes frizz and split ends. Those with curly hair will benefit from a pomade to tame the frizz. Apply only a small amount to wet hair and then allow it to dry before styling the hair. If you can let your hair air dry naturally its best for your hair.
When you are shopping for products for split ends and frizzy hair look for moisturizing agents, vitamin E, aloe vera, honey, olive oil or glycerin.
Finally when you are de-tangling your hair don’t use a brush but rather use your fingers or a wide toothed comb. And when you are styling your hair wait for the bathroom to dehumidify. The humidity from the shower will only make the hair frizzier.
