When growing your hair out, letting your stylist trim your hair is probably the last thing on your mind. Contrary to popular belief, trimming your hair is a necessity for a long and healthy-looking style. Split ends are the culprit behind frayed and stringy looking hair, and staying on top of your hair care routine can greatly enhance the look of a longer hairstyle. Keeping up with your hair appointments and getting regular trims will help you achieve that long, luscious hair you have been dreaming of.
What exactly are split ends?
Trichoptilosis, or more commonly known as “split ends”, is the condition of the hair shaft where it can become frayed or split. The fraying of the hair shaft is the product of overly dry or overly processed hair. While there is no reversal for split ends, there are hair products available that will reduce the look and further production of the frayed hair shaft. Trimming the frayed ends is the only way to eliminate the problem.
How to avoid split ends between trims
As you style your hair every day with a curling iron, straightening iron, hot curlers, ect., the heat from the tools dries out the hair shaft making your hair dry and brittle. Without the proper use of a heat protectant, the damage from the overuse of heat tools will quickly take a toll on the look and feel of your hair. The same applies to overly processed hair. Chemical hair services like hair color, perms, relaxers, ect., cause havoc to the hair shaft as well. When the hair shaft is chemically broken down during these processes, the chemicals cause the hair to become dry and brittle as well.
To avoid split ends, you can abstain from these processes completely. You can also cut down the number of times you do them. If changing your beauty routine is not an option, invest in proper hair care products. These products will protect and nourish your hair between salon visits. During salon visits, you can request a deep conditioning treatment. A conditioning treatment will add the lost moisture back into the hair shaft. The treatment will also replenish lost nourishment from over-processing products or procedures.
The importance of a trim
After each salon visit, many stylists will ask you to return in 6 weeks to manage your current style. If you are growing your hair out, it is especially important to return to your stylist to trim your hair. Doing this will allow you to grow long and healthy hair. If split ends are left alone, the damage to the hair shaft will only become worse. This damage causes breakage, which is what creates the frayed edge look of split ends. Receiving a trim every 6 weeks will eliminate this problem and allow your hair to grow better.
If you are nervous about receiving a trim, talk to your stylist about your concerns. Growing your hair out is a long process. However, if you trust the process and trust your stylist, your hair will thank you for it later.
