For example, if you’re having trouble getting your hair to lie flat and it’s humid out, you’re probably dealing with frizz. If your hair becomes easily tangled and looks dry at the ends, then you probably have split ends.
You may find that your hair never feels smooth, or that the top of your hair feels smooth, while the ends feel rough and dry.
If you notice a lot of split ends, reduce how often you style your hair with heat or chemicals. When you do use heat, make sure you apply a heat protectant beforehand. Additionally, condition your hair often and replace old or cheap brushes and combs. [3] X Expert Source Jenny TranProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 19 May 2020. You’ll still need to trim the split ends, but changing your hair care routine going forward could prevent split ends in the future.
This method for finding split ends doesn’t work if your hair is weighted or layered. If your hair is over 12 inches long, it may start to taper because of normal wear (not split ends).
It’s easy to remember that common split ends make little “Y” shapes at the tips of your hair strands. [5] X Research source
Triple/Multiple splits: these look like regular splits, but there could be three, four, or even five splits on the same end. Feather/Tree splits: these are split ends that appear all over a strand of hair, either all on one side or switching back and forth like tree branches. Double Y splits: this happens when a split forms into another split. Long or deep splits: if a regular split isn’t trimmed, but keeps growing, one end of the split just keeps on growing. Baby splits: this is the beginning of a new split which will develop into a larger split. Tapered splits: these are just regular strands of hair that get thinner and thinner towards the end of the hair. White spot splits: white spots develop on the hair when the strand repeatedly tapers in and out. Thickening splits: the split has formed but the ends haven’t separated yet. Offshoot splits: there is a white spot from where a thickening split formed, but didn’t actually split off. Incomplete split: the split formed, but then joined together at the end and continued growing.
For example, if you check 5 strands of hair under the magnifying glass and 4 of them are split, your hair is probably pretty damaged in general. But, if you don’t find any or only see one, your hair might be pretty healthy.
Consider how often your hair tangles. If it frequently tangles or needs to be brushed, your hair probably has split ends that are contributing to the knots. [8] X Research source
Even a simple hair routine like brushing your hair can damage hair if you brush your hair when it’s wet. Similarly, pulling on your hair too hard can also cause split ends.
Always use scissors to trim in a straight line. Never tear the hair using your fingertips.
For example, if you have curly hair, don’t use a flat-iron straightener every day. This can damage your hair over time and cause split ends. You can also add healthy fats (like avocado or olive oils) to your diet. These may improve your hair’s health and strengthen the strands.
