How to Prevent and Get Rid of Split Ends

Let's start with the honest truth, because most articles won't tell you: you cannot repair a split end. Once a hair has split, nothing glues it back together for good, and the only way to truly get rid of one is to trim it off. The real win, then, is prevention: stopping new splits forming, keeping the ones you have from travelling up the strand, and making your ends look smoother in the meantime. Here is exactly how to do all three.

Can you actually get rid of split ends?

Not by repairing them, no. A split end is the frayed, damaged tip of a hair where the protective outer layer has worn away, and no product can fuse it back together permanently. Some products can temporarily smooth and seal the ends so they look and feel better, but that only lasts until your next wash. Left alone, a split tends to travel further up the strand, which is why the only real way to remove one is to cut it off. So "getting rid of" split ends is really two jobs: trim the ones you have, and prevent the next ones.

How to get rid of the split ends you already have

• Book a regular trim. A small trim every 8 to 12 weeks removes existing splits before they travel and keeps your ends looking healthy. You do not need to lose length, just the damaged tips.

• Do not rely on "repair" products. Bond-builders and serums can strengthen and smooth, which helps prevent further damage, but be wary of anything promising to permanently mend a split. It cannot be done.

• Smooth them in the meantime. A little hair oil on the mid-lengths and ends makes existing splits far less noticeable and stops them catching and worsening. Our vegan, silicone-free hair oil is made for exactly this.

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How to prevent split ends

Prevention is where you actually win. Splits come from dryness, heat, friction and rough handling, so gentler habits make the biggest difference. For the full list of what causes them, see our guide to the 10 reasons you have split ends. Here is what to do:

• Give your hair a break from heat. Heat is one of the fastest routes to dry, splitting ends. Swap hot tools for heatless styling wherever you can. Our Flower Curl and Waver Bun give you curls and waves with no heat at all.

• Cut down on friction. Rubbing against a cotton pillowcase overnight frays your ends. Sleep on silk or satin, or wear a satin bonnet, and tuck your hair up. We recommend using the Waver Bun as an overnight hairstyle.

• Be gentle, especially when wet. Wet hair is fragile, so never drag a brush through it. Detangle from the ends upwards with a gentle brush, and avoid tight elastic ties that snag and snap. Always apply a bit of hair oil to damp hair as it makes detangling your hair much easier whilst reducing breakage. The Waver Bun replaces hair ties entirely, with no pulling or tangling.

• Moisturise and seal. A weekly mask and a little hair oil on your ends lock in moisture and keep the cuticle smooth, preventing knots and tangles which is exactly what prevents splitting.

• Do not over-wash or over-touch. Frequent hair washing strips protective oils, and constant touching dries and roughens the ends. If you are a hair-fiddler, our hands in hair syndrome guide will help. To skip unneccesary hair washing, we recommend to use the Waver Bun as it allows you to put your hair up neatly (looks like you're wearing a bun) and once removed you can enjoy heatless healthy waves.

• Protect from the weather. Sun, wind, cold and indoor heating all dry your hair, so use a hair oil through the seasons.

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A simple routine to keep splits away

• Wash one to two times a week, not daily.

• Oil your ends a few times a week. (we recommend our vegan, silicone free hair oil)

• Sleep on silk or satin, with your hair tucked up (we recommend the Waver Bun)

• Style heatless wherever you can. (see our patented Flower Curl)

• Brush gently, and never when soaking wet. (we recommend Tangle Teezer)

• Trim every 8 to 12 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Can split ends repair themselves? 

No. A split cannot heal or seal back together on its own, and left alone it usually travels further up the strand.

Do split end products actually work? 

They can temporarily smooth and disguise splits and help prevent new damage, but none permanently repair a split. The only true fix is a trim.

How often should I trim to get rid of split ends? 

Every 8 to 12 weeks suits most people. If your hair takes a lot of heat or colour, trim a little more often.

Does trimming split ends make your hair grow? 

Not directly, as growth happens at the scalp. But trimming stops splits travelling and snapping off, so your hair holds its length and looks healthier.

Can you prevent split ends completely? 

Not entirely, as everyday wear happens to everyone. But gentle habits, less heat and regular small trims keep them to a minimum.

You cannot undo a split end, but you can stop the next one and keep your ends looking healthy. Give your hair a break from heat with our Flower Curl and Waver Bun, seal your ends with our hair oil, and read the 10 reasons you have split ends to spot what is causing yours.