Split ends, medically known as "trichoptilosis" or "schizotrichia," are a condition where the hair fiber frays or splits, most commonly at the end of the hair strand, though sometimes higher up the strand as well
. They occur when the protective outer layer of the hair, called the cuticle, becomes damaged or worn away, exposing the inner cortex and causing the hair to split or break into two or more parts
. Split ends look like the tip of a hair strand splitting into a Y-shape or forked appearance, and can also show branching or tree-like splits. They make hair appear dry, frizzy, uneven, and dull because damaged cuticles do not reflect light well and cause tangling and breakage
. You might also notice roughness and thinner, translucent ends, sometimes with a small white dot where the hair has broken off completely
. They are caused by various factors, including:
- Mechanical damage from brushing, combing, or styling, especially when hair is dry
- Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons
- Chemical treatments such as bleaching and coloring
- Environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, pollution, and hard water
- General wear and tear over time, as the ends of hair are the oldest and most fragile parts
Split ends cannot be repaired or glued back together once they occur. The only effective way to remove them is by trimming the damaged ends
. Some treatments, like hair masks, can help moisturize and temporarily conceal split ends but do not fix them
. A newer trend called "candle cutting" involves burning off split ends, but it carries risks and should be done by professionals if at all
. Preventing split ends involves gentle hair care practices such as careful brushing from the ends upward, using heat protectants before styling, avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments, and keeping hair well-moisturized
. In summary, split ends are damaged, frayed ends of hair strands caused by physical, chemical, and environmental stress, leading to a split or forked appearance that requires trimming to remove
