what is a split end?

Greetings all,

I just found this nice conversational group, and as I detect a measurably high level of kindness and patience I will ask a stupid question that has been driving me bananas for embarassingly too long: what do I call the breaks in the ends (mostly) of my hairs that are not frizzy splits but more like cracks? And why do I always have them? If I snag one between my nails I can just snap 'em off.

I only blow my hair dry if it is truly cold out (that's from 15F on down), I do equal amounts of patient comb and brushing, I use whatever shampoo and conditioner is in the shower (we live in Nowhere Montana so I have to shop at Walmart), and generally I try rather strenuously to take good care of my hair.

My hair is thick and wavy with curl at the nape, length is a bit past my bra. I never really grow it longer cuz I am occasionally around chainsaws, random power equipment or PTOs and I can't control my hair too well if it gets longer. I can't even keep it out of my power windows if it gets longer!

So what do I have here? Maltreatment? Inevitable attrition? A preventable condition?

Please do not suggest phenomenally expensive boutique hair schmoo--it is not in the household budget this year (I bought a horse...after we got a free one from the game warden).

I am open to suggestions, cheapness notwithstanding.

Sally

Split ends can also be managed by dusting them out - by snipping the ends individually. What you're probably seeing are breakage spots, and those need to be snipped out too. Make sure that the scissors you use are sharp and only for your hair. A pair of mustache scissors works just fine. Try to snip as perpindicular to the strand as possible to prevent the end from splitting again, and trim about 1/4" above the split/breakage point.

As far as oils are concerned, any vegtable oil will work. Just remember a little goes a LONG LONG way. We're talking like droplets here.

I know nothing about water, sorry. And I have stopped using a brush - I think they are hard to clean and hard to use. I use a wide tooth comb for detangling and a finer comb for when I bun it or comb out the loose hairs before washing. After I threw out the brushes, I get much less breakage. However, I know most people will swear by their brushes. I think it´s much up to the hair quality and what styles you wear, and how you treat your hair generally. Maybe you could lay off the brush for a while and see if you get less breakage.

Nicole, you're hair is so beautiful and long.

It's so strange to me to hear about people with long hair using a comb. My hair is very fine, and when I try to comb it I can just hear it breaking. A comb doesn't give. A natural bristle brush is the only thing that doesn't totally kill my hair because it's soft enough to bend when it hits a tangle.

UP Lisa wrote: It's so strange to me to hear about people with long hair using a comb. My hair is very fine, and when I try to comb it I can just hear it breaking. A comb doesn't give. A natural bristle brush is the only thing that doesn't totally kill my hair because it's soft enough to bend when it hits a tangle.

Hi Lisa,

Actually, my hair is fine.... mmm... probably closer to medium fine. And I use only a comb. The key is to go through the hair gently, and slowly. Rushing and using force will definitely result in those dreaded snapping and popping sounds. For bad snarls that can't be combed out, I use my fingertips to work individual strands from the mat. I only (if ever) brush when the mane has been completely and thoroughly detangled with a comb.

Hey farahsatana...I live in Montana too! Yes, hard water can be a huge problem, just as Dave mentioned. I went from having soft water to having very hard water. I had to stop using products with 'cones in them all together. They caused a lot of dryness along with the hard water.

I also use a Madora wide tooth comb to detangle and then I will very gently brush the GM way. After that, I detangle using my fingers and then use the Madora comb to finish.

I have F, 2a, ii hair.