Why Avoiding Trims Won't Fix Your Split Ends (And What Will)

The Trouble with Split Ends: Your Guide to Healthier Hair

Picture this: You've been growing your hair out for ages, taking care to use the right products and avoiding heat styling. But despite your best efforts, you start to notice more and more split ends cropping up. Sound familiar? We've all been there, love.

Let's transform your hair! Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels

In our 38 years of experience at Charlie's Hair & Beauty, we've seen firsthand how frustrating split ends can be. They make your hair look dry and damaged, and can even cause breakage that sets back your length goals. So what's a girl to do?

Understanding Split Ends

First off, let's chat about what causes split ends in the first place. Essentially, the ends of your hair are the oldest part, making them more prone to damage from everyday wear and tear. Some common culprits include:

• Harsh brushing or detangling, especially when hair is wet
• Heat styling with high temperatures
• Chemical treatments like bleach, perms, or relaxers
• Environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution
• Lack of regular trims to remove damaged ends

Over time, these factors can cause the protective cuticle layer to wear away, exposing the inner cortex of the hair shaft. This leads to fraying and splitting, kind of like an unraveled rope. And unfortunately, once a split end forms, it can't be repaired—only removed.

The Myth of Waiting It Out

The secret is in the technique. Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Now, you may have heard some folks say that you should hold off on trimming your split ends until your hair is healthier overall. The idea is that cutting damaged ends will just lead to more splits, so it's best to wait it out. But is there any truth to this advice?

In short: not really. While it's true that a healthy hair care routine is key to preventing split ends, leaving them untrimmed won't do you any favors. Here's why:

1. Split ends don't heal themselves. Once the hair shaft is compromised, no amount of deep conditioning or miracle serum can fuse it back together. The only solution is to snip off the damage.

2. Untrimmed splits can travel up the hair shaft. Ever notice how your split ends seem to get worse over time? That's because the damage doesn't just stay put. If left unchecked, a split can continue to unravel higher and higher up the strand, leading to more extensive breakage.

3. Holding off on trims can make your hair look thinner overall. When your ends are filled with splits, they tend to tangle more easily and break off into shorter pieces. This can leave your hair looking thin, stringy, and uneven.

So while regular trims may feel counterproductive when you're trying to gain length, they're actually an important part of maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. Aim to schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep those pesky splits at bay.

Our Advice for Dealing with Split Ends

Choose the right tools for your hair type. Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

At Charlie's, we're all about working with you to find solutions that suit your unique hair needs and goals. If you're struggling with split ends, here are a few tips we've found to be brilliant over the years:

1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your strands hydrated and supple. We love the Agadir Argan Oil Moisturising Shampoo for an extra dose of nourishment.

2. Apply a leave-in treatment or hair oil to your ends daily. This helps seal in moisture and prevent splits from worsening between trims. Try the Africa's Best Texture My Way Curl Keeper Hair Lotion for defined, frizz-free curls.

3. Be gentle when detangling, and always use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to minimise breakage. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid putting too much stress on the hair.

4. Embrace protective styles like braids, twists, and buns to keep your ends tucked away and shielded from damage. A dab of Blue Magic Indian Hemp Pomade can help smooth edges and add shine.

5. Get regular trims! We really can't emphasize this enough. Even a quick "dusting" of your ends can make a world of difference in the look and feel of your hair.

The Bottom queue

Your hair can look this gorgeous too! Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels

At the end of the day, split ends are a natural part of the hair growth process. But with a little know-how and TLC, you can keep them to a minimum and enjoy healthier, happier strands.

Remember, everyone's hair journey is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. If you're ever feeling lost or discouraged, pop by our Shepherd's Bush shop for a chat and personalised product recommendations. We're always here to help, no matter where you're in your hair care journey.

Until next time, happy styling!

Love,
Charlie, Elena, & Stephanie

There you have it! Come see us in store if you need any help finding the perfect products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products do I need for not cutting off split ends until hair is healthy to avoid more split ends - any truth to it??

At Charlie's Hair And Beauty, we recommend starting with the basics and building from there. Our staff can help you create a personalised routine.

How long before I see results?

Most customers notice improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Remember, healthy hair is a journey, not a destination!