We all have them. 

We all hate them. 

We're talking about split ends! The ones whose names shall not be named.

But, did you know there are many types of split ends? Well, about sixteen of them. 

They all speak differently of the damage your hair has undergone. And they can all go away. With a hint of prevention and care. And some knowledge. 

We’ll bring the knowledge!

Table of Contents:

• What are split ends and how do they form?
• What kind of split ends do you have?
• What causes different types of split ends?
• The basic split end, or the traditional split end
• The mini, or baby split end
• The incomplete split
• The fork in the road split end, or the triple split end
• The tree split end
• The “double Y” split end
• The candle split end or the taper split end
• The long split end
• The deep split end
• The thickening of the hair due to split ends
• The offshoot split end
• The right angle split end
• The white spots split end
• The crinkle hair caused by split ends
• The feather split end
• The knot split end
• How to prevent split ends
• Don’t forget about trimming!
• How to get rid of split ends without cutting your hair
• How to prevent split ends naturally
• What’s the best shampoo for split ends?

What are split ends and how do they form?

The hair shaft has an outer layer called the cuticle. Healthy hair strands have flat cuticles. They retain their moisture and keep external damage away. 

They are shiny, they glide easily, and they are easy to maneuver. Split ends start with damage done to the cuticle. The shaft begins to split and fray. The texture feels ragged. Your locks begin to tangle more. Split ends appear. 

But how do they form? And why?

What kind of split ends do you have?

Are some hair types more prone to split ends? 

The answer is not simple. 

While some hair types are more prone to splitting (dry hair, colored hair, curly hair tend to need more moisture and nourishment), it’s also about TLC. 

There are so many stressors we subject our strands to:

 Excessive brushing

• Using the wrong hair-styling tools
• The weather
• Coloring
• Excessive washing and using harsh chemicals
• Blow drying
• Flat ironing
  
  
• Curling
• Forgetting about conditioning
• Not using deep treatments for nourishment

They can all lead to damage and split ends. Have you noticed your ends? How do they look? 

Use this guide to identify where you stand.

What causes different types of split ends?

What does your type of split ends mean?

Some are normal and they appear due to natural hair growth and environmental factors. Others can seriously harm your hair. 

Split ends are maps that show the damage you're subjecting your tresses through. 

Read all about them to know when you should worry and what solutions you have at hand. 

The basic split end, or the traditional split end

The basic split doesn’t indicate hair damage. They appear if your hair is dry or if there’s friction, or simply not enough hair care. 

This is the most common type, and it signals that your tresses need nourishment. 

Cortical cells are still held together at this point, but they are beginning to separate. Now it’s time to act and seal your split ends before they turn for the worse!

The mini, or baby split end

While it sounds cute, it is not. The mini is the early sign of your hair-splitting. While your locks are not beyond repair now, they are thirsty for healing. 

Do not neglect this sign, and make sure you splurge on conditioner and hair oils to rehydrate your tresses. 

The incomplete split

You can recognize the incomplete split when the outer cuticle shows signs of weakening in one spot but did not split yet.

The fork in the road split end, or the triple split end

The fork in the road split shows more damage to the hair fiber. Your tresses could benefit from some masks, treatments, and deep conditioning. 

It’s also important to chop off the damaged hair.

The tree split end

The tree split ends are recognizable by hair separating on one side more. When your hair splits into branches and the branches separate, you need a trim. 

From this point on, you need extra care and protection. And a haircut! 

The “double Y” split end

Notice your hair strand in between your fingers. 

Did the hair fiber split into two branches, and each brand has split again in two? You’re dealing with the “double Y.”

The candle split end or the taper split end

Every hair type can reach this point. The taper split end shows that the hair cuticle deteriorated. While there is no splitting, your locks are damaged and more vulnerable since your cuticle is peeling away. 

You can notice this type of splitting on hair with chemical damage.  

The long split end

Another type of split end waiting to happen: the long split end announces the hair shaft starting to separate in a specific spot. 

This type usually takes place when using hair accessories that make hair weaken in a specific spot. 

The deep split end

Deep split ends signal damaged hair. You need to pay attention. 

The deep split is when the strand has separated in two, or a Y shape, very high on the hair shaft. 

The thickening of the hair due to split ends

Your strands could be intact. But if your texture is changing, turning thicker, expect splitting and damage.

The offshoot split end

Chemical treatments and heat styling to the extremes can cause this type of split end. Your tresses have become thicker along the shaft and bonded together again.

The right angle split end

Your hair doesn’t have to separate from signaling it needs help. Bending at an angle shows you there are some problems. 

The white spots split end

When you notice visible white spots in your hair fiber, here and there, you’re dealing with damage caused by chemical burns. 

The crinkle hair caused by split ends

Severe heat styling, excessive coloring, mechanical stress such as stretching the hair to its breaking point, dryness, environmental pollutants, and lack of care can trigger crinkling of the hair shaft. 

It’s like your hair developed wrinkles. It’s always frizzy and exploded, and it feels rough and wiry.

The feather split end

Rough styling and chemical damage can cause your hair to split along one side of the shaft in multiple places. 

That is the feather split end. 

The knot split end

Are some hair types more prone to split ends and knots? Well, yes! 

Curly hair tends to be prone to forming knots. From this point forward, hair will break at the spot where the knot developed. 

How to prevent split ends

Regular, frequent trims every six weeks will prevent your tresses from getting split ends. Deep moisture and nourishment are also key when it comes to maintaining your hair healthily. 

Reducing the usage of heated tools and chemical substances are also vital if you want to keep your locks healthy and beautiful.

Don’t forget about trimming!

What is the best haircut to avoid split ends?

We found this question a lot in searches. 

While we’re all looking for miracle workers, regular trims and constant check-ups are your best solutions to get rid of split ends.

Hair dusting is yet another way to keep your length but get rid of split ends that can make your hair brittle. 

Hair dusting gets done at the salon, and it implies the chopping of tiny ends across the length of the hair shaft while keeping your length. 

How to get rid of split ends without cutting your hair

Reducing the frequency of habits that damage your hair is essential to keeping it healthy. 

Deep conditioning is also an effective split-end treatment, so make sure to revitalize your locks every once in a while. 

• Maintain the content of water in the hair shaft using hydrating hair masks. Masks containing moisturizing natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, aloe vera, are helping the cuticle remain flat and the follicles nourished. 

• Don’t forget about protein treatments to revitalize the keratin in the hair cuticle. Protein treatments deeply nourish the hair and help fill in the gaps in the cuticle. That reduces the odds of the shaft splitting.

How to prevent split ends naturally

Except for using the right tools to style and groom your hair, except for deep conditioning treatments and hair masks, except for hair regularly trimming, opting for a natural, delicate shampoo will help your mane.

What’s the best shampoo for split ends?

First of all, go for parabens and sulfate-free shampoos! 

Sulfates and parabens strip the hair of its natural moisture, eventually contributing to fray locks. Wow Coconut Milk Shampoos is the ultimate breakage remedy shampoo because it provides the extra moisture your hair needs. 

Before you leave, make sure to add this product to your haircare shopping list!

Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic is ideal to seal in your cuticles and protect your hair while you use your heat styling tools soon after reading this. 

At least stay protected and pulverize this spray before you start your routine. 

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. 

You’re welcome!