Why are hair strands more prone to damage than other parts? We explain the causes and how to care for your hair.
Dry ends, increased split ends, and difficulty styling – if your roots are healthy but your ends look damaged, it's related to the structure of your hair and the accumulation of daily damage. Damage to the ends of your hair isn't just a coincidence; there are reasons why it's likely to occur.
The ends of the hair are the oldest part of the hair.
Hair grows from the root. Therefore, the ends of the hair are the longest-growing parts.
While the hair at the roots is relatively new, the ends of the hair have been subjected to the following stresses for a long period of time:
Shampoo and friction
Heat from hair dryers and curling irons
Ultraviolet rays
Coloring and perms
Brushing
Friction from pillows and clothes
Hair has very little ability to repair itself, unlike skin. Once damaged, it doesn't naturally return to its original state, so the longer you wait, the more likely the damage is to remain at the ends of your hair.
When the cuticle peels off, the ends of the hair become weaker.
The surface of the hair is covered with scale-like cuticles . These cuticles protect the inside of the hair.
When this cuticle is peeled or damaged by friction or heat, moisture and protein from inside the hair can easily leak out. As a result, the ends of the hair will change in the following ways:
dry
The shine disappears
It becomes difficult to run your fingers through it.
Split ends and breakage increase
It will spread more easily
The ends of the hair, in particular, often already have damaged cuticles, making them susceptible to further damage from even slight irritation.
Everyday habits can damage the ends of your hair.
Damage to the ends of your hair isn't solely caused by salon treatments. Small daily habits also play a significant role.
Rub your wet hair vigorously.
When hair gets wet, the cuticles open up more easily, making it more vulnerable to friction. Rubbing your hair roughly with a towel can easily damage the surface of the ends.
The basic method for towel-drying is to wrap your hair in the towel and let it absorb the moisture.
Using a high-temperature iron every day
The heat from hair irons and curling irons is harsh on the hair, easily stripping it of moisture. The ends of the hair are especially prone to dryness, so prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause them to become stiff and prone to split ends.
If you use it, it's important to let it dry completely and finish the job quickly.
Brush your hair from the roots in one swift motion.
Forcing a comb through tangled hair from the roots puts excessive stress on the ends. To reduce damage, first untangle the ends, then the middle, and finally comb from the roots.
Hair care methods to prevent damage to the ends of your hair
It's difficult to completely eliminate damage to the ends of your hair, but you can slow down its progression.
The key is to reduce friction, heat, and dryness .
Lightly brush your hair before shampooing.
When washing, lather mainly on the scalp.
Apply the treatment from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
Do not rub with a towel; gently pat to remove moisture.
Use a leave-in treatment before blow-drying.
Don't over-dry the ends of your hair.
Don't turn the iron temperature up too high.
Cut off any areas with many split ends instead of trying to leave them.
While treatments won't completely restore damaged hair, they can help improve its texture and protect its surface. When you're concerned about damage to the ends of your hair, reviewing your daily hair care routine is the quickest way to improve it.
Early care is essential for damaged hair ends.
The ends of the hair are the most easily damaged because they are the oldest part of the hair and have been exposed to friction, heat, and UV rays for a long time. Furthermore, hair has difficulty repairing itself, so damage tends to accumulate easily.
The important thing is to gradually reduce the daily stress on your hair rather than panicking after it's damaged. Don't rub it with a towel, don't apply too much heat, and protect the ends of your hair. Just by continuing these basics, you can easily see a difference in how manageable and look your hair is.
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