If you’re overdue a haircut or have noticed your ends looking a little lacklustre, chances are your strands have split ends.
They are a common occurrence thanks to number of cause, but can be easily prevented with just a few simple steps.
We spoke to celebrity hair stylist and RAW salon owner, Anthony Nader to find out exactly what split ends are, how to prevent them and the best products to use.
Understand the causes of split ends
“Split ends occur due to damage and weakening of the hair shaft basically” Anthony explains. This can occur from heat styling, chemical treatments and physical damage like “frequent brushing, combing, and handling of hair can cause wear and tear, especially if done aggressively or with poor-quality tools”.
Look for boar bristle brushes which will glide through the hair easily to detangle, minimise breakage and prevent split ends!
Shop our favourites:
Lady Jayne Pad Brush 100% Boar Bristle, $20.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Mermade Hair Maxi Round Brush, $29 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Oscar Orsen Small Pad Brush, $14.99 at Woolworths
Choose bond building formulas
“Preventing split ends involves adopting good hair care practices and protecting your hair from damage” explains Anthony. Regular trims, gentle handling and limiting heat styling are the most effective ways of keeping split ends at bay.
But with the helping hand of a few key products, you can strengthen strands at home.
“I recommend bond building products designed to keep your hair strong and healthy” says Anthony. Bonding repairing shampoos and conditioners will help to strengthen strands and protect them from future damage.
Shop our favourites:
Bumble and bumble Bond-Building Repair Conditioner, $63 at Mecca
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Shampoo, $15.99 at Chemist Warehouse
NAK Hair Hydrate Shampoo, $35.99 at Price Attack
Tip: Head into Price Attack now for their 3 for 2 sale on your fave haircare brands! Get in quick, the sale ends 18th August.*
Try at-home treatments
In between your salon visits, take the time to nourish hair yourself using nourishing leave in masks and serums. “Make your investment right from the start and get your hair full of the nutrients it’s craving, not only for the cooler months, but for preventing split ends” says Anthony.
“A leave-in masque is a great addition to your hair care routine to reduce split ends and lock in [moisture]. Use a serum and style as usual for a healthy shine.”
“Sukin’s luxe masque is powered by the bond build active formula which seals split ends up to 60% in just one use” says Anthony.
Shop our favourites:
Sukin Intensive Repair Masque, $20 Woolworths
Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue, $48 at Sephora
People Hair Mask, $16 at Coles
Conceal split ends with your hairstyle
If your split ends are looking a little visible, fear not because you can carefully conceal them with a certain hairstyle! Below Anthony shares his “top go-to’s for keeping your mane looking and feeling like a million bucks”
1. Loose Waves – Create loose waves using a curling wand with a heat protectant. This style can make hair look voluminous and hides damage well.
2. Sleek Ponytail – A sleek, low ponytail can look chic and polished while keeping your hair protected from the elements.
3. Messy Bun – A messy bun is an easy and stylish option that hides damaged ends and protects your hair.
4. Braids – Braids are versatile and protect your hair from tangling and breakage. You can try a side braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid.
